Pro Football Focus just dropped its 2025 NFL roster rankings, and the Detroit Lions landed in the No. 3 spot—trailing only the Eagles and Ravens. On paper, it’s a massive vote of confidence for a team that’s spent the last few years transforming into a legit Super Bowl contender. But with Frank Ragnow retiring, how much of that ranking still holds up?
PFF’s grades factored in the Lions’ offensive firepower, a rock-solid O-line, and offseason roster moves. Detroit’s offense led the league in scoring last year, averaging 32.5 points per game, and much of that explosive unit is still intact. Jared Goff has been dialed in, and Dan Campbell’s squad is deep at skill positions.
But Ragnow was the anchor of that offensive line. Over the last five seasons, he gave up just four sacks across more than 2,500 pass-blocking snaps. That’s elite production that can’t be easily replaced. The Lions might shuffle the line by moving veteran Graham Glasgow or turning to rookies like Tate Ratledge—who PFF already tabbed as a player to watch. Ratledge has the versatility and athleticism to potentially slide into the center role, and rookie Miles Frazier could now factor in at guard.
PFF also gave Detroit credit for its improving defense. Aidan Hutchinson, now fully recovered, was called the “X-factor” for this team. Before his injury last season, he led the league in sacks and was in the Defensive Player of the Year conversation. Add in Jack Campbell’s emergence, plus solid free-agent pickups like D.J. Reed and Roy Lopez, and it’s clear the Lions have built depth and leadership on the defensive side of the ball.
One concern PFF flagged: the loss of OC Ben Johnson. But with Dan Campbell still guiding the offense alongside new coordinator John Morton, the system shouldn’t change much. The coaching staff is tight-knit, with veterans and newcomers working together across positions. That collaborative vibe could be a bigger advantage than people realize.
Bottom line? PFF’s No. 3 ranking makes sense—if the Lions can plug the hole left by Ragnow and stay healthy. The talent’s there. The leadership’s there. Now it’s about execution.
PFF Ranks Lions Roster 3rd in NFL—But Is It Still Accurate After Ragnow’s Retirement?
