By Blessing 
When Matt Patricia was at the helm of the Detroit Lions, the offense had its bright moments, but the defense became a glaring liability. Ironically, despite Patricia’s background as a defensive strategist, his tenure saw that side of the ball fall apart. When Brad Holmes stepped in as general manager, he inherited a defensive mess created by Patricia and former GM Bob Quinn. It was time to tear down and rebuild.
The early stages of this rebuild involved shedding ill-fitting players and reestablishing a new culture under head coach Dan Campbell and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn. The roster had to be stripped down, and Holmes faced the enormous task of replacing underperforming talent with players who could thrive in Detroit’s new system.
Defensive End
In 2020, the Lions leaned on Romeo Okwara, Trey Flowers, Everson Griffen, and Austin Bryant. The emphasis under Patricia was containment over aggression, which led to weak pass-rushing stats. Okwara stood out with double-digit sacks, but few others on the roster contributed significantly. Griffen was a midseason addition, and Flowers, despite his price tag, ended the season on injured reserve.
By 2021, there was hope as Romeo Okwara re-signed, but he tore his Achilles early in the season. Flowers remained ineffective and injured. Charles Harris emerged briefly with a standout year, but consistency escaped him. Young players like Bryant and Julian Okwara had chances but didn’t make the leap.
Fast forward to 2025, and the landscape is completely different. Aidan Hutchinson, despite recovering from a serious leg injury, is considered a game-changer. He’s paired with Marcus Davenport, who is essentially starting fresh after missing most of 2024. Josh Paschal provides depth, while Ahmed Hassanein and Al-Quadin Muhammad are fighting for their spots. It’s not perfect, but it’s a far cry from the bleak days of 2020.
Defensive Tackle
The 2020 interior defensive line featured John Penisini, Nick Williams, Danny Shelton, Da’Shawn Hand, and Kevin Strong. Despite their size, they were ineffective in stopping the run and offered little in terms of pass rush. Injuries further weakened the group.
In 2021, the Lions began turning the page. Michael Brockers was brought in, and rookies Alim McNeill and Levi Onwuzurike were drafted to revamp the front. While veterans like Williams still played, the writing was on the wall for the old guard.
Today in 2025, defensive tackle might be one of Detroit’s strongest units. McNeill is returning from an ACL injury, and the team has surrounded him with talent. DJ Reader adds experience, while rookies Tyleik Williams and Mekhi Wingo provide youth and upside. Onwuzurike has found his form, and Roy Lopez could surprise many. The depth and quality here mark a complete turnaround.
Linebacker
The Patricia era’s approach to linebackers emphasized bulk over speed, which backfired. In 2020, the group included Jamie Collins, Jahlani Tavai, Reggie Ragland, Christian Jones, and Jarrad Davis. They struggled in coverage and lacked mobility, often getting burned by quicker offensive players.
In 2021, the Lions revamped the room with faster, more versatile players. Alex Anzalone, Jalen Reeves-Maybin, Derrick Barnes, and Josh Woods came aboard. Collins remained briefly but was cut early in the season. Reeves-Maybin, once just a special teamer, took on a bigger role.
Now in 2025, the Lions have a reliable starting trio in Anzalone, Barnes, and Jack Campbell. Injuries derailed last season, but depth is stronger. Barnes excelled as a SAM linebacker before getting hurt, and Campbell emerged as a leader. Malcolm Rodriguez is sidelined to start the year, but Grant Stuard offers both coverage skills and special teams value.
Cornerback
Back in 2020, Detroit had Amani Oruwariye, Justin Coleman, Darryl Roberts, Jeff Okudah, and Desmond Trufant. There was hope, especially with Okudah as a high draft pick, but injuries and inconsistency plagued the group. Trufant barely played, and Coleman was overmatched.
By 2021, injuries again disrupted plans. Okudah was hurt in Week 1, and undrafted rookies A.J. Parker and Jerry Jacobs were thrown into action. Oruwariye managed six interceptions, but his overall play was spotty.
In 2025, the cornerback room looks completely transformed. D.J. Reed and Terrion Arnold are expected to form a formidable duo. Arnold showed resilience and improvement as a rookie, while Reed brings veteran reliability. Depth includes Amik Robertson and Ennis Rakestraw, both capable contributors. Khalil Dorsey shines as a gunner, and Avonte Maddox adds hybrid flexibility between safety and corner.
Safety
The 2020 safety group was shaky, featuring Duron Harmon, Tracy Walker, Jayron Kearse, and Will Harris. Harmon declined after a promising start, and Kearse was released before season’s end due to disciplinary issues. Walker and Harris rotated, unable to find rhythm.
In 2021, the Lions leaned on Harris and Walker again, with mixed results. Harris struggled and eventually moved to corner. Walker bounced back in a contract year, earning an extension. Dean Marlowe served capably in a backup role.
Today, Detroit boasts arguably the NFL’s best safety tandem in Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph. Branch offers versatility and physicality, while Joseph has become a true ballhawk. Dan Jackson, a rookie, will likely contribute more on special teams. Maddox may play in a hybrid role here as well, but depth remains thin behind the starters.
Special Teams
One of the few bright spots from the Patricia era was special teams. In 2020, Matt Prater was the kicker, Jack Fox handled punting, and Don Muhlbach was the long snapper. Prater had an off year but was still respected. Fox, meanwhile, broke out and earned second-team All-Pro honors.
By 2021, Prater was gone, and the Lions experimented with several kickers including Riley Patterson, Austin Seibert, and Ryan Santoso. Fox remained elite, and Scott Daly replaced the retiring Muhlbach.
In 2025, the unit is as strong as ever. Jake Bates has developed into one of the league’s premier kickers, showcasing both power and poise. Jack Fox continues to be a top-tier punter, and Hogan Hatten has filled the long snapper role impressively, even contributing in punt coverage.
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This complete roster overhaul wasn’t just a talent swap. It was a cultural reset. Holmes and Campbell didn’t just replace players; they redefined what it meant to play for the Detroit Lions. From defensive disaster to disciplined contenders, this rebuild is a testament to vision, patience, and relentless determination.