The Detroit Lions wrapped up OTAs last week, giving us our first glimpse of the 2025 squad before training camp kicks off in July. While it’s tough to evaluate linemen in no-pad practices, these five players made serious noise during the open sessions:
1. Jameson Williams – WR
“Jamo’s Primed for a Monster Year”
After his first 1,000-yard season in 2024, Williams has been the standout of OTAs. He’s making tough catches, dominating deep routes, and—most importantly—building chemistry with Jared Goff. Coaches and teammates are raving about his growth, both on the field and in the film room. If he stays healthy, 1,300+ yards and double-digit TDs aren’t out of the question.
2. Aidan Hutchinson – EDGE
“Hutch Is Back—And Moving Like He Never Left”
Last year’s broken leg? Ancient history. Hutchinson’s explosiveness looks fully restored, and he’s already been wrecking offensive backfields in team drills. No pads means no real pass-rush evaluation, but his movement is elite—bad news for opposing tackles.
3. Jahmyr Gibbs – RB
“Gibbs Is About to Eat in the Passing Game”
With David Montgomery sidelined, Gibbs has been the featured weapon in OTAs—especially as a receiver. New OC John Morton is scheming him into mismatches, and after a 52-catch, 517-yard season in 2024, Gibbs could push for 70+ receptions this year.
4. Ennis Rakestraw Jr. – CB
“The Underrated Corner Seizing His Moment”
With Terrion Arnold sitting out, Rakestraw has been balling with the first-team defense. Dan Campbell already shouted him out, and if he stays healthy (after an injury-plagued rookie year), he could force his way into major snaps.
5. Sam LaPorta – TE
“The Record-Breaker Is Back”
After a slight dip in production last year (blame Detroit’s embarrassment of offensive riches), LaPorta has been unstoppable in OTAs. Amon-Ra St. Brown called him the spring’s biggest standout—and with red-zone dominance on display, a 1,000-yard TE season is in play.
Bottom Line:
The Lions’ offense looks scarier than ever, Hutch is back to terrorize QBs, and Rakestraw might be the defense’s sneaky breakout star. Training camp can’t come soon enough.
BREAKING: The Lions offense might be even scarier in 2025.
Here’s why these 5 players are dominating OTAs
