The Detroit Lions have high hopes for 2025 after last season’s thrilling but ultimately heartbreaking playoff run. With some smart moves in the draft, Detroit reloaded with another group of rookies who fit the culture Dan Campbell and Brad Holmes are building—and a few of them could shake up the depth chart sooner than later.
Here are three veterans who might feel the heat from some of these up-and-coming rookies:
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1. Tim Patrick vs. Isaac TeSlaa
Tim Patrick quietly became a solid contributor last season, stepping up as the Lions’ WR3 with nearly 400 receiving yards and 3 touchdowns. Detroit brought him back for another year, but his role might be in jeopardy thanks to third-round pick Isaac TeSlaa.
The rookie wideout has a similar frame to Patrick and plays with a physical edge that the Lions love. Brad Holmes even called him his favorite WR in the draft, which says a lot. TeSlaa is raw but loaded with potential—and if he shows flashes during camp, Patrick could be looking at reduced snaps from Week 1.
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2. Marcus Davenport vs. Ahmed Hassanein
Davenport is penciled in to start opposite Aidan Hutchinson, but his injury history makes him a question mark. Enter Ahmed Hassanein—the sixth-round pick who made history as the first Egyptian player ever drafted into the NFL.
Hassanein’s still learning the game, but his high motor and athleticism already have coaches excited. He could carve out a pass-rushing role early on, and if he starts producing in limited reps, veterans like Davenport and Josh Paschal may need to fight to keep their spots.
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3. D.J. Reader vs. Tyleik Williams
The Lions surprised everyone when they took Ohio State DT Tyleik Williams in Round 1—but the pick made sense. Alim McNeill is recovering from a late-season ACL tear, so Williams will likely step in early.
D.J. Reader will start alongside him, but once McNeill is back, Reader’s role could shift. He’s in the final year of his deal, and the Lions might prefer to roll with the younger, more explosive tandem of McNeill and Williams as they prep for the future.
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Bottom line? The Lions are building for the long haul—but these rookies may not wait long to make their mark. Training camp battles are going to be fierce, and some familiar faces might find themselves rotating more than starting by midseason.
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