By Sunday 
No Slowdown in Sight for Detroit’s Defense
The Detroit Lions may have a new face calling the shots on defense, but expectations remain sky-high in Motown. After a solid showing last season — despite a string of painful injuries — the Lions’ defense is holding strong in the rankings. In fact, following the 2025 NFL Draft, Bleacher Report has Detroit sitting at No. 6 among all NFL defenses.
Not bad for a unit that’s gone through a bit of a shakeup.
A Healthy Hutch and a Stacked Line
Much of the Lions’ defensive hope rides on getting key players back on the field. Aidan Hutchinson’s return to full health is at the center of that. Pair him with interior beasts like Alim McNeil, DJ Reader, and rookie Tyleik Williams, and Detroit’s defensive line has the kind of depth that offensive coordinators lose sleep over.
Edge-rusher Josh Paschal adds even more punch to a line that’s built to dominate the trenches. As Gary Davenport of Bleacher Report puts it, “With a healthy Hutchinson back in the fold… [the Lions] should be a problem for opponents.”
Steady Linebackers, Secondary on the Rise
Sure, Jack Campbell and Alex Anzalone might not be household names — yet — but their consistency at linebacker gives the defense balance. Where things really start to heat up is in the backfield.
Brian Branch is already gaining recognition as one of the NFL’s top young safeties, and Kerby Joseph is coming off a league-leading nine-interception campaign. Free-agent pickup D.J. Reed brings added experience, and if Terrion Arnold and Amik Robertson step up, Detroit’s secondary could be downright dangerous.
Davenport notes, “It’s the back of the defense that will determine Detroit’s status in 2025.”
Injuries Tested Them — Depth Will Define Them
Last season was a war of attrition. Over a dozen defenders ended up on injured reserve, a brutal stretch that would’ve derailed most teams. But Detroit held the line — and now, with depth, health, and confidence back on their side, they’re gunning for more than just top-ten recognition.
Teams like the Ravens, Texans, Bills, Eagles, and Broncos may have edged them out in the rankings — but if Sheppard and his crew can bring it all together, don’t be surprised if the Lions claw their way even higher.
Eyes on the North
With a balanced roster, renewed defensive strength, and some serious grit, the Lions are once again a real threat in the NFC North — and maybe beyond. Because while the faces may change, the mission in Detroit remains the same: relentless football with teeth.