By Moses Joshua 
Jameson Williams and Ennis Rakestraw Jr. have the talent—and opportunity—to turn heads and elevate Detroit’s Super Bowl hopes.
A Franchise on the Cusp
The Detroit Lions are no longer the NFL’s lovable losers. After back-to-back playoff appearances and a near Super Bowl berth in 2023, Dan Campbell’s team has become one of the league’s most consistent contenders. But to truly reach the summit in 2025, the Lions will need more than just elite play from Aidan Hutchinson or Amon-Ra St. Brown—they’ll need their hidden gems to shine. Two names with breakout potential this season: wide receiver Jameson Williams and cornerback Ennis Rakestraw Jr.
Jameson Williams: From Speed Threat to Game-Changer
Yes, Williams topped 1,000 yards last season. But even that stat doesn’t fully capture his upside. After a rocky start to his NFL career—including injuries and a suspension—he stayed healthy in 2024 and finally delivered on the promise that made him a first-round pick. He became Detroit’s clear No. 2 option behind St. Brown and led the team in yards per catch and missed tackles forced.
Still, what sets Williams apart isn’t just numbers—it’s how he produces. His 4.3 speed makes him a nightmare in space, and Detroit plans to expand his role under new offensive coordinator John Morton. Expect more designed touches, motion plays, and screens to exploit mismatches.
With defenses locked in on St. Brown in the slot, Williams will have chances to beat corners deep and work against soft coverage on the perimeter. If he polishes his route tree and continues building trust with Jared Goff, a 1,300-yard, 10-touchdown season isn’t out of reach. In a league obsessed with explosiveness, Williams could be the difference-maker that pushes Detroit over the edge.
Ennis Rakestraw Jr.: Detroit’s Future CB1?
On the defensive side, Ennis Rakestraw Jr. might be Detroit’s most intriguing X-factor. The 2024 second-round pick didn’t get much attention last season due to injury, but those close to the team say he’s healthy—and buzzing—at OTAs.
Veteran DJ Reed has already praised Rakestraw’s mindset and attention to detail. And with former DC Aaron Glenn now gone, a fresh perspective on defense may allow Rakestraw to carve out a starting role outside. The Lions added Avonte Maddox to help at nickel, but the outside corner job opposite Reed is still very much up for grabs.
Rakestraw’s game is built for Campbell’s defense—tough, smart, and technically sound. He excels in man coverage, rarely falls for fakes, and brings the kind of edge Detroit fans have been craving at the cornerback position. If he stays healthy, Rakestraw could emerge not just as a starter—but as the long-term CB1 this franchise has lacked since Darius Slay’s exit.
Final Word: The Path to Greatness Lies Within
Detroit has stars. But championships are won with depth—and breakout seasons from the unexpected. Jameson Williams and Ennis Rakestraw Jr. may not be household names across the league yet, but they’re poised to change that in 2025.
If they elevate their play, the Lions won’t just return to the playoffs—they could be headed to their first-ever Super Bowl. And when that happens, don’t say they came out of nowhere.