With training camp right around the corner, Lions fans are already debating one of the biggest questions heading into 2025: Who’s the most important player not named Jared Goff?
On a recent episode of the Gritiron Gang podcast, beat writers Nolan Bianchi and Richard Silva drafted their ultimate teams using the current Lions roster—with the understanding that Goff would be quarterback for both squads. And that made things interesting.
Silva used the first overall pick on defensive end Aidan Hutchinson, calling him the second-most important position player behind quarterback and noting the huge drop-off between Hutchinson and the rest of the Lions’ edge rushers. Bianchi countered with right tackle Penei Sewell at No. 2 overall, showing just how much value the Lions place on keeping Goff protected.
The draft went on to highlight just how stacked the Lions have become:
Amon-Ra St. Brown went third
Safety Brian Branch landed at No. 4
Kerby Joseph came in fifth
Jameson Williams rounded out the top six
Clearly, the defense is gaining ground in terms of star power and importance, with three defensive players going in the top five.
Other Lions headlines from the weekend:
Sheila Hamp’s fifth year as principal owner is coming up, and the Detroit Football Network looked back at how the franchise has evolved under her leadership.
Dan Campbell came in at No. 5 on Pro Football Sports Network’s head coach rankings.
SB Nation previewed Jameson Williams’ 2025 season outlook.
Lions Wire dove into the early training camp storylines to keep an eye on this summer.
This team’s loaded—and we haven’t even hit July.
Aidan Hutchinson or Penei Sewell? Lions Writers Pick Their Franchise Cornerstones
