By Mmesoma 
As the Detroit Lions prepare to open camp on July 26, 2025, questions swirl around key position battles, roster depth, and recovery from offseason moves.
1. Who’s Anchoring the Interior Offensive Line?
Following the retirement of All‑Pro center Frank Ragnow and the departure of guard Kevin Zeitler, there’s room for uncertainty up front. Graham Glasgow shifts to center, while rookie Tate Ratledge—a second‑round pick—steps into the guard competition alongside Christian Mahogany . Can these new combinations click immediately?
2. Can Aidan Hutchinson Bounce Back Fully?
Hutchinson led the team in sacks despite playing only five games last season due to a fractured tibia and fibula. Now cleared in June, questions remain about his durability, explosiveness, and ability to regain dominance in a deep defensive front .
3. How Will the Interior D‑Line Share the Load?
Without Alim McNeill early on (recovering from torn ACL), the Lions are scrambling to fill the void. Veterans like Levi Onwuzurike, Roy Lopez, Mekhi Wingo, DJ Reader—and rookie Tyleik Williams—are battling it out, possibly in a committee rotation . Who’ll emerge as the primary anchor?
4. Who Claims the Depth Roles in Linebacker and QB?
With starters set, the real battles lie under the surface:
Linebackers: Malcolm Rodriguez’s status and readiness of backups could shape rotational strategies .
Quarterback: Hendon Hooker is in a tight fight for the QB2 spot behind Jared Goff—camp reps will matter here .
5. Will the Offense Maintain Its Momentum Without Ben Johnson?
ESPN ranked the Lions’ skill positions second in the NFL, but with OC Ben Johnson departing and veteran play-callers shifting roles, continuity under new OC John Morton is untested . Same talent, different playbook—can they keep rolling?
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🔍 Other Intriguing Subplots
Wide receiver room: With St. Brown, LaPorta, and Williams secure, can a sixth receiver emerge?
Giovanni Manu’s development: The 2024 fourth‑round tackle pick is eyeing the OT3 role—his progression could be a sleeper storyline .
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The Bottom Line
Training camp is set to begin July 26 at Allen Park, offering the clearest answers yet to these lingering questions . Watch for early reps to indicate who’s stepping up — especially in the trenches and under center.