By Blessing 
2025 Detroit Lions 53-Man Roster Projection: Pre-Camp Edition
As the Detroit Lions prepare to kick off 2025 training camp this Sunday, Erik Schlitt and Jeremy Reisman have teamed up once again for their yearly pre-camp 53-man roster forecast.
Their collaborative effort is now a staple for fans looking to get a level-headed, informed view of where the team stands post-summer break. They debate, advocate for their favorites, and make compromises where needed. This version is their first joint prediction, with more updates expected throughout camp. When final cutdowns arrive, each will release their own solo projection.
Let’s dive into the picks.
Quarterbacks (2)
- Jared Goff
- Hendon Hooker
- Kyle Allen
Erik explains the stance: “Hooker was the Lions’ QB2 all of last regular season, while Allen was the Steelers’ QB3.” Though Allen will get a chance to push Hooker for the backup role, the duo is sticking with Hooker—for now.
Running Backs (4)
- Jahmyr Gibbs
- David Montgomery
- Craig Reynolds
- Sione Vaki
- Kye Robichaux*
- Jabari Small
Jeremy sees little suspense here. “The Lions’ top-four running backs are pretty well established from last year,” and typically, the team carries just four into the season.
Wide Receivers (6)
- Amon-Ra St. Brown
- Jameson Williams
- Tim Patrick
- Kalif Raymond
- Isaac TeSlaa*
- Dominic Lovett*
- (Also competing: Tom Kennedy, Ronnie Bell, Malik Taylor, and more)
The top four WRs return from last year, and third-round rookie Isaac TeSlaa is practically guaranteed a spot. That leaves one likely vacancy. Erik and Jeremy went with Dominic Lovett: “He has a chance to find the field on offense and special teams, most notably as a gunner,” Erik notes.
Tight Ends (3)
- Sam LaPorta
- Brock Wright
- Shane Zylstra
- (Competition: Kenny Yeboah, Zach Horton*, Luke Deal*)
“We went with the chalk answer here,” Jeremy says of Zylstra. He’s entering year four with the team and has added fullback duties to his résumé. Still, he’ll face competition in camp, especially from veteran Yeboah and a couple of intriguing rookies.
Offensive Tackles (4)
- Penei Sewell
- Taylor Decker (Active/PUP)
- Dan Skipper
- Giovanni Manu
- (Others: Colby Sorsdal, Jamarco Jones)
Sewell and Decker are roster locks, and rookie Manu seems safe too. Whether the team carries a fifth tackle will depend heavily on Manu’s development. “If he can jump Jones and Sorsdal… the Lions may be willing to stay at four,” Erik explains, opening more room for interior line depth.
Interior Offensive Line (5)
- Graham Glasgow
- Christian Mahogany
- Tate Ratledge*
- Miles Frazier* (Active/PUP)
- Kayode Awosika
- (On the bubble: Michael Niese, Netane Muti, others)
One of only a few disagreements between Erik and Jeremy came here—Awosika vs. Niese for the final OL spot. “We ultimately opted to keep Awosika because he brings a little more experience to a very, very young room,” says Jeremy.
Defensive Ends (5)
- Aidan Hutchinson
- Marcus Davenport
- Josh Paschal (Active/NFI)
- Al-Quadin Muhammad
- Ahmad Hassanein*
- (Competition: Agude, Ukwu, Lynn, Cooper*)
Levi Onwuzurike starting on the PUP list hurts depth flexibility, especially since he shifts between inside and edge. “This puts significantly more pressure on Paschal to perform… and increases the importance of Muhammad,” says Erik. Hassanein could be forced into early action.
Defensive Tackles (5)
- DJ Reader
- Tyleik Williams*
- Roy Lopez
- Mekhi Wingo (Active/PUP)
- Pat O’Connor
- (On the fringe: Brodric Martin, Chris Smith, Myles Adams)
Jeremy notes that Onwuzurike’s injury “opened up a spot for someone we originally had on the bubble.” O’Connor was their pick, thanks to his praised versatility. But Jeremy warns: “Don’t sleep on Chris Smith,” who had solid reps late last season.
Linebackers (6)
- Alex Anzalone
- Jack Campbell
- Derrick Barnes
- Grant Stuard
- Trevor Nowaske
- Ezekiel Turner
- (Others: Pittman, Cunningham, Gilbert)
The Lions keep their starting trio intact and add depth with Stuard and Nowaske. Erik points out Turner made the final cut “because… he outlasted several other bigger-named linebackers with his special teams skills.”
Cornerbacks (6)
- Terrion Arnold
- D.J. Reed
- Amik Robertson
- Ennis Rakestraw Jr.
- Khalil Dorsey (Active/PUP)
- Rock Ya-Sin
- (Other considerations: Bootle, Russell, Oliver*)
This was one of the final roster dilemmas. Jeremy explains, “The versatility of players like Avonte Maddox and Amik Robertson made the math a little fuzzy.” Ultimately, they leaned on experience and chose Rock Ya-Sin as a veteran backup outside corner.
Safeties (4)
- Brian Branch
- Kerby Joseph
- Avonte Maddox
- Dan Jackson*
- (Also in mix: Norris, Hallett, Kennelly*)
Though some younger talent like Morice Norris caught their eye, there simply wasn’t room for a fifth safety. “Norris brings the ability to play all three safety positions… but he looks like he is stuck behind Maddox,” Erik notes. Still, Norris could emerge with a strong camp.
Final Thoughts
While Erik and Jeremy both admit this is just an early version, their joint projection offers a grounded, thoughtful look at the Lions’ 53-man possibilities. Expect movement in the weeks ahead as camp unfolds, players impress, and injuries inevitably shift the picture.
Stay tuned for their next update—because if Lions history tells us anything, surprises are just around the corner.