As we continue our countdown of the Detroit Lions’ 2025 roster rankings, we’re entering elite territory: the top 10. But instead of rushing through, we’ve split this tier into two parts—today we’re focusing on players ranked 10 through 6.
Yes, part of this is to stretch out the suspense. But really, these five names deserve their moment in the spotlight. They’re not just important pieces—they’re foundational. Several could easily have made the top five in other years, and the fact that they didn’t this time says more about how deep and talented this roster has become than anything else.
Let’s take a look at the stars who just missed cracking the top five.
10. Jameson Williams
It’s been a rollercoaster for Williams since being drafted in the first round. Back in 2022, he landed at No. 6 on our rankings—largely due to a combination of his sky-high potential and the lack of talent on that year’s team. After a slow and uncertain start to his career, he’s finally catching up to the hype.
Since the midpoint of the 2023 season, Williams has looked like a different player. He topped 1,000 receiving yards in 2024, making highlight-reel plays and becoming a legitimate offensive weapon. What’s more exciting is that coaches and teammates believe he hasn’t even peaked yet. If 2025 is the year he takes another leap, a massive extension could be on the horizon.
9. Alim McNeill
McNeill has been on a steady climb since being drafted in the third round of the 2021 NFL Draft. He’s not flashy, but over the past couple of seasons, he’s earned respect as one of the NFL’s better defensive tackles.
Pro Football Focus gave him grades of 86.8 in 2023 and 79.6 in 2024—top-tier marks that helped him land a four-year, $97 million contract last season. Unfortunately, McNeill tore his ACL in December, and he’s expected to miss a good chunk of the 2025 season. Still, even sidelined, his impact is undeniable. When healthy, he’s one of the most valuable players on the team.
8. Sam LaPorta
Here’s one that might raise some eyebrows. LaPorta had a phenomenal rookie year, setting records and immediately becoming one of Jared Goff’s favorite targets. So why isn’t he in the top five now—especially with Frank Ragnow no longer in that tier?
Truth is, some other players simply had explosive 2024 seasons and edged him out. No one on staff ranked LaPorta higher than seventh. That doesn’t mean he regressed. He finished sixth among tight ends in receiving yards (726), tied for fourth in touchdowns (seven), and continued to grow as a blocker. The Lions just got that good.
7. Jared Goff
Goff stays firmly planted in the top 10, which in itself is impressive given how stacked this roster has become. He may not have cracked the top five, but don’t mistake that for a lack of impact. His 2024 campaign was arguably the best of his career.
He ranked second in the NFL in passing yards (4,629), completion percentage (72.4%), yards per attempt (8.6), passer rating (111.8), and fourth-quarter comebacks (four). He’s gained recognition across the league and was even voted one of the top-10 quarterbacks by coaches and execs.
Yet, despite all of that, Goff still has doubters. With offensive coordinator Ben Johnson gone, the pressure is on for him to maintain—or even exceed—last year’s performance. But as always, expect new criticisms to pop up the moment he proves them wrong.
6. Kerby Joseph
Joseph makes his highest appearance yet in our rankings—and deservedly so. In 2024, he led the entire league in interceptions and earned a first-team All-Pro nod. That breakout year earned him a well-deserved four-year, $85 million extension.
Since entering the league in 2022, Joseph has recorded 17 interceptions—more than any other defender in that span. For context, the next closest are Jessie Bates and DaRon Bland, each with 14. Only 11 players even reached double digits during that stretch.
You could make the argument that even No. 6 feels a little low for Joseph. But that’s just a testament to how exceptional the top five players on this roster are. Joseph has become one of the most feared ballhawks in football and a central piece of Detroit’s long-term plans.
These five players may have just missed the top five, but each one of them plays a massive role in Detroit’s rise. If this is the “second-tier” talent, imagine what’s still to come.
Stay tuned—the top five is next, and it only gets more exciting from here.