The 2025 NFL Draft is officially behind us, and while the Lions added some interesting pieces, a few major questions still loom as we head into offseason workouts.
1. What’s the Plan at Edge Rusher?
Let’s get the obvious out of the way: Aidan Hutchinson can’t do it all. He led the team in sacks and pressures last season — despite missing most of the year. That says a lot more about the lack of help than his dominance. The Lions let Za’Darius Smith go, re-signed Marcus Davenport (who’s barely played in two years), and drafted developmental project Ahmed Hassanein in Round 6. That’s not exactly solving the problem.
Brad Holmes is betting big on Hutch’s return and Davenport bouncing back, but that edge room still looks thin and risky. Even Josh Paschal, who could help, is being pushed more toward interior duties. Depth and proven production are still concerns here.
2. Who Starts at Guard?
With Kevin Zeitler gone, the Lions reshaped their interior line by drafting two guards: second-rounder Tate Ratledge and fifth-rounder Miles Frazier. Combine that with 2023 rookie Christian Mahogany, and things are crowded. Glasgow is still in the mix as a reliable veteran, but the early buzz suggests Ratledge and Mahogany could win those starting jobs.
Both are physical, nasty linemen who fit what Dan Campbell wants in the trenches. Ratledge, in particular, looks like a Day 1 starter.
3. What’s the D-Line Rotation Without McNeill?
Alim McNeill and Mekhi Wingo are expected to miss the start of the season, which means DJ Reader, Levi Onwuzurike, Roy Lopez, and first-rounder Tyleik Williams will be holding it down early. Reader and Williams could form a punishing combo inside once McNeill returns. Until then, there’s going to be a heavy rotation — and a big opportunity for Williams to prove why he was a first-round pick.
Holmes raved about his athleticism and versatility, comparing him to McNeill as someone who looks like a nose tackle but moves like a three-tech.
4. What Camp Battles Should We Watch?
The guard spot is the headline fight — and rightly so. But don’t sleep on the battle inside the D-line either. Brodric Martin is fighting to keep a roster spot with all the new competition. At wide receiver, Isaac TeSlaa will try to climb the depth chart behind Tim Patrick and Kalif Raymond. And don’t forget the slot corner competition: Amik Robertson, Brian Branch, and Ennis Rakestraw Jr. could all be in play depending on how things shake out.
5. Which Rookie Will Start First?
All signs point to Tate Ratledge. While Williams will get reps, the D-line rotation buys him time. Ratledge, on the other hand, was a high pick and fills a clear need. He’s physical, smart, and battle-tested — exactly what you want in a Day 1 starter. If anyone’s taking the field early, it’s him.
Lions’ Top 5 Questions After the 2025 NFL Draft: Trenches, Depth, and Rookie Battles
