2025 Detroit Lions: 0-0 Rags retires before camp. (16 Viewers)

[BobbyLayne]

Distilling a 53-man Detroit Lions roster for the first quarter of the 21st century​

Allen Park — Believe it or not, we've experienced 25 seasons of Detroit Lions football since the turn of the century.

Admittedly, most of it hasn't been good. Anchored by one of the few winless seasons in NFL history in 2008, the team has won less than 40% of its games during that stretch, with only five postseason appearances.

The good news? Things have been trending up as of late. The team broke a three-decade skid without a division title, winning the NFC North the past two seasons. That earned the Lions their first home playoff game in Ford Field’s history and their first playoff victory since 1991. The team followed that up with a franchise-best 15-win campaign last season, although they couldn't replicate the previous year's postseason magic.

There's obviously plenty to reflect on at the quarter-century mark. However, we decided to put a different spin on the topic, producing a 53-man roster based on the performances of players who have worn the Honolulu blue since 2000.

Enjoy.

Quarterback (2)​

In: Matthew Stafford, Jared Goff

First man out: Jon Kitna

Thoughts: There’s no need to shoehorn Kitna, Daunte Culpepper or Joey Harrington onto this roster. Stafford and Goff are more than enough.

Between them, they hold almost every meaningful single-season and career passing record in franchise history. Stafford tops the list when it comes to the majority of the counting stats, buoyed by his 5,000-yard, 41-touchdown season in 2011, while Goff reset the bar for efficiency by completing 72.4% of his passes and posting a 111.8 passer rating in 2024.

Who would be the starter between the two? I’ll leave it for you to debate. Stafford had more arm talent and racked up the fourth-quarter comebacks. Goff, meanwhile, is more efficient and has been the more consistent winner, including division titles and postseason victories that eluded his predecessor.

Running back (4)​

Jahmyr Gibbs, David Montgomery, James Stewart, Theo Riddick

First man out: Kevin Jones

Thoughts: In just two seasons each, Gibbs and Montgomery’s spots are secure. They’re No. 1 and No. 2 in rushing touchdowns for the Lions over the past 25 years. Additionally, Gibbs has averaged 5.5 yards per carry and racked up nearly 3,200 yards from scrimmage. Montgomery’s 4.4 yards per carry and 2,248 yards from scrimmage are also beyond respectable, given the timeshare.

Stewart gets the nod after admirably stepping into the void created by Barry Sanders’ abrupt retirement ahead of the 1999 season. Stewart battled some injuries during the final three seasons of his career. Still, he produced a pair of 1,000-yard campaigns, chipped in 101 receptions and found the end zone 19 times for Detroit.

There were several contenders for the fourth spot. D’Andre Swift had the most talent, but durability limited his production. He peaked at 617 rushing yards and 1,069 yards from scrimmage.

Jones’ 761 rushing attempts remain the most for a Detroit running back since the turn of the century. Regardless, he didn’t come close to topping 1,000 yards after his rookie season.

Finally, Joique Bell’s rise to prominence as a Michigan native and former Wayne State standout was a wonderful story to cover. He spent parts of five seasons with the Lions, grinding out 2,235 yards and 22 touchdowns on the ground.

Nevertheless, we went with Riddick because of his expertise as a pass catcher, his effectiveness as a blocker, and his stellar contributions on special teams. Never particularly useful between the tackles, Riddick’s angle route was an unstoppable weapon for the Lions. His 80 catches in 2015 are the most in a season for a running back in franchise history, and his 285 receptions rank sixth among all Lions players since 2000.

Wide receiver (6)​

Calvin Johnson, Amon-Ra St. Brown, Golden Tate, Marvin Jones, Roy Williams, Kalif Raymond

First man out: Kenny Golladay

Thoughts: The first five names on this list are no-brainers.

Johnson is one of the greatest receivers ever to play the game. St. Brown is well on his way to setting the franchise record for receptions. And Tate, Jones and Williams are third, fourth and fifth in receptions over the past 25 years, with a sizeable lead over Nate Burleson, who is next on the list.

Burleson, the consummate locker room guy and future media star, had a decent case for the sixth spot. Mike Furrey had one great season, Golladay two, and if we check back in two years, Jameson Williams could be the easy answer. Yet we’re going with Raymond.

Raymond’s 147 receptions and seven touchdowns across four seasons aren’t particularly impressive relative to the other options. However, his contributions as a return man make him the right choice. He’s averaged better than 30 yards on kickoffs and 12.4 yards fielding punts during his time with the Lions, earning second-team All-Pro honors twice for those contributions.

Tight end (3)​

Sam LaPorta, T.J. Hockenson, Brandon Pettigrew

First man out: Eric Ebron

Thoughts: There shouldn’t be too much to debate here. LaPorta rewrote the franchise’s record books as a rookie, and he’s just getting started.

Meanwhile, Hockenson and Pettigrew did an admirable job living up to the lofty standards attached to being selected in the first round. Pettigrew’s 301 receptions rank behind only Johnson, St. Brown and Tate since 2000. And Hockenson’s career was off to a strong start, with 128 combined catches in his second and third seasons, before he was shipped to Minnesota at the trade deadline in the middle of his fourth year.

Hockenson edged out Ebron, another former top-10 pick. The two had nearly identical stat lines during their time with the Lions, but Ebron’s issues with drops were the difference.

We also considered highlighting David Sloan, a block-first tight end. The disqualifier was that his best seasons came before 2000, including a 1999 Pro Bowl selection.

Offensive line (10)​

Taylor Decker, Penei Sewell, Jeff Backus, Riley Reiff, Frank Ragnow, Dominic Raiola, Rob Sims, Larry Warford, Jonah Jackson, Graham Glasgow

First man out: Gosder Cherilus

Thoughts: Detroit has had some excellent offensive linemen over the years, even if some weren’t fully appreciated during their careers.

With multiple All-Pro selections apiece, Sewell and Ragnow were some of the easiest names to put on this roster. The rest of the group is set-it-and-forget-it starters.

Backus started 191 of 192 games during his 12-year career. Reiff took over the blindside duties after Backus’ retirement but also offered the flexibility to play on the right side, starting his career there and shifting back when the Lions drafted Decker in 2016. All three were durable and performed above average as pass protectors and run blockers.

On the inside, Sims stabilized the left guard spot for years after coming over in a trade from Seattle. Warford and Jackson, both third-round picks, were stellar in pass protection. Warford, who went on to earn three consecutive Pro Bowl selections for New Orleans, was also a damn fine run blocker.

Glasgow’s versatility has been so valuable during his two stints with the Lions. He’s had above-average stretches at three different spots in the lineup. And while he arguably makes a third center unnecessary, Raiola’s had an underrated 14-year career that included some of his best work in his later years.

 

[BobbyLayne]

Edge rushers (5)​

Aidan Hutchinson, Ezekiel Ansah, Robert Porcher, Cliff Avril, James Hall

First man out: Kyle Vanden Bosch

Thoughts: The Lions have had a few elite edge defenders over the past 25 years. We’ve obviously only seen the tip of the iceberg with Hutchinson. Throughout his three seasons, he’s shown steady improvement, racking up 28.5 sacks in 39 games.

Hutchinson has been the team’s best pass rusher since Ansah, the raw talent Detroit grabbed with the No. 5 pick of the 2013 draft. He dropped opposing passers behind the line 48 times in six seasons, including 14.5 in 2015, earning him second-team All-Pro honors.

Most of Porcher’s production came before 2000, but he still squeezed out a couple of solid years down the stretch, including a Pro Bowl season in 2001, when he recorded 11.0 sacks.

Avril, a third-round selection out of Purdue in 2008, started his career with a modest 10.5 sacks through two seasons before averaging nearly 10 over his final three years with the franchise.

There wasn’t a particularly strong case for a fifth. Still, we found room for Hall, an undrafted signing out of the University of Michigan who played seven seasons with the Lions. A rotational player early in his career, he ultimately started 67 games in Detroit, reaching his peak with an 11.5-sack season in 2004.

Defensive tackles (4)​

Ndamukong Suh, Alim McNeill, Shaun Rogers, Luther Elliss

First man out: Corey Redding

Thoughts: Suh is a Hall of Fame-caliber talent who proved worthy of being the No. 2 pick coming out of Nebraska. He earned All-Pro honors four times in five seasons and also netted the Defensive Rookie of the Year award in 2010. His 36.0 sacks in a Lions uniform trail only Ansah and Avril this century.

Rogers isn't far behind with 29.0 sacks, second among defensive tackles. The freakishly athletic nose tackle earned Pro Bowl honors twice in seven seasons with Detroit while racking up 65 tackles for a loss.

McNeill, who had his fourth season derailed by a torn ACL, has developed into a top-10 defensive tackle. Initially a nose to begin his career, he transformed his body, shedding 30 pounds as part of a transition to 3-technique. That's opened up pass-rush opportunities, resulting in 79 pressures and 8.5 sacks across the past two seasons. He's done that while maintaining his stellar reputation as a run-stopper.

Finally, Ellis, like Porcher, had his best years before 2000. Still, there's a Pro Bowl year and 43 starts this century for the man known for getting the home crowd loud in between snaps.

We did give strong consideration to Nick Fairley. The 30-game starter was supremely talented but battled weight and motivation issues that limited his production. Redding also deserves an honorable mention, with 77 starts, 43 TFLs and 16.0 sacks for the Lions.

Linebackers (6)​

Stephen Tulloch, D’Andre Levy, Alex Anzalone, Ernie Sims, Tahir Whitehead, Jalen Reeves-Maybin

First man out: Chris Claiborne

Thoughts: The Lions have had some excellent linebackers this century.

Tulloch and Levy played key roles in the team's first playoff appearance in over a decade, back in 2011. After joining the team as a free agent, Tulloch topped 100 tackles four times during a five-season stretch.

Levy arrived two years earlier via the draft. It took him a couple of seasons to find his groove before he developed into one of the premier coverage linebackers in the league. He recorded 12 interceptions during his career, including six in 2013. He also topped 100 tackles three times, leading the league with 117 solo stops in 2014.

Anzalone, like Tulloch, played a key role in a cultural turnaround. Oft-injured early in his career, Anzalone put most of those issues behind him in Detroit, delivering back-to-back career years in 2022 and 2023, with a combined 254 tackles (14 for a loss), 12 pass breakups and 4.5 sacks.

Sims was a bright spot during a dark era of Lions football. It was always going to be difficult to deliver value as a top-10 pick. Still, he started 50 consecutive games to open his career, topping 100 tackles each of his first three seasons before a regime change facilitated his exit.

Whitehead's inclusion might feel like an upset, but it shouldn't. He started his career as a strong special-teams performer who then transitioned smoothly into the starting lineup after replacing an injured Tulloch in the early stages of the 2014 season. Whitehead would have back-to-back 100-tackle seasons before departing in free agency.

The final spot goes to an All-Pro special teamer in Reeves-Maybin over Claiborne, another top-10 pick with three 100-tackle seasons. His inability to develop into a more effective playmaker led to the Lions allowing him to walk in free agency without much of a fight.

Cornerbacks (6)​

Darius Slay, Dre Bly, Chris Houston, Fernando Bryant, Rashean Mathis, Quandre Diggs

First man out: Jerry Jacobs

Thoughts: Slay would be the No. 1 corner on this roster. The former second-round pick shook off a rocky rookie season to deliver three straight Pro Bowl campaigns, including first-team All-Pro honors in 2017 when he led the league with eight interceptions.

Bly was also a top-tier playmaker after signing with the Lions as a free agent in 2003. In four seasons with the team, he never had fewer than three picks, racking up 19 across the span.

The Lions snagged Houston in a trade from Atlanta for a Day 3 draft pick. That proved to be a steal as he provided 10 interceptions and 45 pass defenses in 54 starts across four seasons before a toe injury prematurely ended his career.

The talent pool starts to thin out from there. Bryant was solid as Bly’s running mate, although injuries limited Bryant to 38 games in four seasons. He did manage to break up 29 passes during that stretch.

Another bargain-bin find, the Lions scooped Mathis off the street during training camp in 2013. It proved fortuitous as he simultaneously replaced the struggling Slay in the starting lineup while mentoring the rookie. Even though Mathis was at the end of his solid career, he still mustered 28 PBUs in 38 games across three seasons.

Diggs is a hybrid defender, having effectively played both nickel and safety during his time with Detroit. Unfortunately, the Lions missed out on his best seasons after the Diet Patriots regime traded him away due to a personality clash.

Safeties (4)​

Kerby Joseph, Brian Branch, Glover Quin, Louis Delmas

First man out: Tracy Walker

Thoughts: Like the running backs, Detroit’s current tandem makes the cut.

Joseph is an easy case with 16 interceptions and first-team All-Pro recognition through his first three seasons. Branch, on the other hand, is extremely versatile and productive, recording 109 tackles (eight for a loss) and four interceptions in his second season.

Quin was a second-team All-Pro in 2014 when he paced the NFL with seven interceptions. One of the most cerebral defenders in Lions history, he picked off 19 passes across six seasons. He also didn’t miss a start during that stretch.

The fourth spot is debatable. Walker and Kennoy Kennedy have strong cases. In and out of the starting lineup during his six seasons with the Lions, Walker’s 398 tackles rank second among Lions safeties in the past 25 years. As for Kennedy, he racked up 253 tackles, 13 pass defenses and four forced fumbles in three seasons after coming over as a free agent from Denver. He’s certainly on the all-name team.

We have Delmas barely edging those two. A second-round pick out of Western Michigan, Delmas ranks third in tackles and second in PBUs among Lions safeties this century. A big hitter who admittedly had some missed tackle issues, he was more impactful than the others against the run, leading his position with 20 tackles for loss.

Specialists (3)​

Matt Prater, Jack Fox, Don Muhlbach

First man out: Jason Hanson

Thoughts: There's not much that can be said against the inclusion of Muhlbach and Fox. Muhlbach held the long-snapping role for much of the quarter-century, appearing in 260 games across 16 seasons.

And Fox is a record-breaking punter who just established the best single-season net average in NFL history.

Kicker is more interesting. Hanson is an undisputed franchise legend who made 83.6% of his field goals from 2000 to his retirement after the 2012 season. However, in seven years with the Lions, Prater was a bit more accurate, hitting 84.4% of his kicks. He also had a stronger leg, making a pair from 59 yards, which exceeded Hanson's career-long by 3 yards.

In terms of kicks from 50 yards and beyond, Hanson made 37 in his final 13 seasons. Prater converted 38 from that distance in a little more than half the games. He also developed a stronger reputation for clutch kicks during his time with the Lions.

 

[BobbyLayne]

2025 Detroit Lions training camp schedule dates, times announced​

The Detroit Lions have announced the 2025 training camp dates open to fans

The Detroit Lions have announced the dates for their 2025 training camp, which are open to the public. This year, the Lions are opening a total of 10 practices to fans, with six of those practices open up to all fans, three exclusive to season ticket holders, and one being an “Invitation Only Lions Community day.”

Most notably, the Lions will also hold three joint practices open to fans: a pair of bouts with the Miami Dolphins and a single session against the Houston Texans.

Here’s a look at the entire training camp schedule that will be open for fans to attend:

Note: In all instances below, gates to practice open one hour before the listed time.

• Saturday, July 26 (season ticket holders only) — 8:30 a.m. ET
• Monday, July 28 — 8:30 a.m. ET
• Tuesday, July 29 — 8:30 a.m. ET
• Sunday, August 3 — 8:30 a.m. ET
• Monday, August 4 (season ticket holders only) — 6 pm. ET
• Wednesday, August 6 — 8:30 a.m. ET
• Monday, August 11 (invitation only) — 10:30 a.m. ET
• Wednesday, August 13 — Joint practice with Dolphins (season ticket holders only) — 10:30 a.m. ET
• Thursday, August 14 — Joint practice with Dolphins — 10:30 a.m. ET
• Thursday, August 21 — Joint practice with Texans — 10:30 a.m. ET

Attendance is free for fans, but a ticket is required to enter. Registration for tickets begins on Tuesday, July 15, at 10 a.m. ET over at the Lions’ official training camp website. Tickets tend to go fast, so be sure to set yourself a calendar reminder for July 15.

See y’all in Allen Park!

 

[BobbyLayne]

What Dominic Lovett's college tape reveals about what the Lions are getting in the rookie receiver​

Allen Park — The Detroit Lions didn’t have an immediate need for receiving depth ahead of the 2025 NFL draft. After re-signing veteran Tim Patrick in free agency, the team is set to bring back its top four options from the previous season, keeping quarterback Jared Goff’s arsenal intact.

Still, there was a lingering necessity to address the future. Denver letting Patrick go ahead of last season was a godsend for the Lions, who had struggled to find a big-bodied, X-type receiver to round out the corps during the offseason. Yet, on the cusp of his 32nd birthday, he remains a stopgap solution.

Additionally, versatile backup and return man Kalif Raymond is entering the final year of his contract and will turn 31 during training camp. Meanwhile, general manager Brad Holmes has hinted that the team might not be able to afford to retain budding star Jameson Williams when his contract expires after the 2026 season.

So, in hindsight, it wasn’t surprising the Lions showed some urgency to snag Isaac TeSlaa on the draft’s second day, moving up 32 spots to land the Michigan native with a rare combination of size (6-foot-4) and elite athleticism. He’s in need of some development, but can reasonably be penciled in to replace much of Patrick’s workload starting next season.

Regardless, the Lions weren’t done adding to the room. The day after selecting TeSlaa, the Lions used a seventh-round choice on Georgia’s Dominic Lovett. Obviously, there are far fewer expectations with picks at that stage in the draft. Still, Detroit has mined some key pieces on Day 3 during Holmes’ tenure, headlined by All-Pro receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown.

So what did the Lions see in Lovett? We reviewed the tape from several of his games last season to understand what the team is getting.

Games watched​

Every 2023 target and 2024 matchups at Kentucky, vs. Florida, at Texas, vs. Notre Dame (playoffs)

Bio​

Lovett split his time between two high schools, starting at Belleville West (Illinois) before transferring to East St. Louis. During his junior season — the COVID-19 pandemic wiped out his senior year — Lovett caught more than 70 balls as his team went undefeated and won the state’s 6A championship.

A four-star recruit, Lovett drew interest from a number of top programs. He initially committed to Arizona State before flipping to Missouri late in the process. He spent two years with the Tigers before transferring to Georgia.

Athletic profile​

Lovett is undersized, measuring 5-foot-10 and 185 pounds during the pre-draft process. His calling card is his straight-line speed. He ran a 4.4-second 40-yard dash, with equally impressive 10- and 20-yard splits.

Additionally, Lovett demonstrated average leaping ability and slightly above-average agility in the short shuttle. He did not participate in the bench press or the 3-cone drill.

Statistics​

2021 (Missouri): 13 games, 278 offensive snaps, 36 targets, 28 receptions, 177 yards, zero touchdowns, four carries, 40 yards, one touchdown

2022 (Missouri): 12 games, 400 offensive snaps, 76 targets, 56 receptions, 846 yards, three touchdowns, seven carries, 6 yards

2023 (Georgia): 14 games, 511 offensive snaps, 70 targets, 54 receptions, 613 yards, four touchdowns

2024 (Georgia): 14 games, 553 offensive snaps, 91 targets, 59 receptions, 607 yards, six touchdowns

Durability​

Despite his small frame, Lovett proved to be highly durable throughout his college career. In four seasons, he didn’t miss a game due to injury. The lone contest he sat out, the 2022 Gasparilla Bowl against Wake Forest, was due to his entry into the transfer portal.

Lovett was limited in a couple of games during that season by a sprained ankle he suffered against Georgia. He returned to finish that contest after suffering the injury.

Usage​

At Georgia, the vast majority of Lovett’s playing time came in the slot. During the 2024 season, he logged 461 snaps in the alignment, compared to just 79 out wide. The only season he played more wide than inside was his freshman year at Missouri.

In terms of special teams, Lovett was a gunner for Georgia’s dominant punt coverage group.

Skill assessment​

Route running: A significant portion of Lovett's production came on routes close to the line of scrimmage, with a variety of screen looks and passes to the flat out of motion.

He can run a full tree, but his consistency declines the further he gets from the line. On non-screens, he's at his best when finding open spaces against zone looks. When working against man coverage, his ability to create separation is inconsistent. He'll benefit from learning some nuances about how to better set up defenders at the top of the route with leverage. He does a good job of maintaining speed coming out of his breaks.

Lovett isn't much of a deep threat. One vertical route where he had decent success was a slot fade.

Releases: Similar to his route stems, Lovett struggles to create separation with his initial steps against press coverage. He's not particularly strong, so physical slot corners will give him issues, often eliminating him as an option early in the snap.

Ball skills: Lovett tracks the ball well at all depths and makes the proper adjustments to off-target throws to give himself a chance. On the slot fades, he demonstrates the ability to track the ball over his shoulder, and he shows good concentration in traffic and through contact on targets across the middle.

Hands: With his frame, Lovett has a below-average catch radius. He can struggle when balls are off his frame, particularly throws that are low or behind him.

The concentration drops that plagued him in 2023 didn't show up nearly as often last season. He's a hands catcher, extending away from his body to snatch the ball before quickly securing it from being poked away by a defender.

After the catch: Nearly 60% of Lovett's production came after the catch last season. He's a tackle avoider, not a tackler breaker. With his below-average play strength, he'll rarely escape the grasp of a defender.

Lovett will use a pursuer's momentum against them, using a jab step to make the first man miss. However, he's at his best when he takes a short throw and his blocking holds up. His first-step acceleration might be his best asset, enabling him to turn a well-executed screen pass into a 15-yard gain.

Blocking: Effort isn't an issue, but he's physically limited in his ability to effectively contribute in the ground game. He's most efficient when lining up tight to the formation and throwing a quick, hard shoulder into the defense end to slow their path to the perimeter.

In space, Lovett doesn't offer a lot. His blocks are easily avoided or quickly shed in situations where he manages to get his hands into the defender's chest.

Conclusion​

When the selection was made, it was easy to think of Lovett as a potential long-term replacement for Raymond. After reviewing the tape, the veteran has a more well-rounded skill set than the rookie demonstrated at Georgia.

Lovett will need to develop his releases and route running if he hopes to replicate Raymond's inside-out versatility. Additionally, Lovett will also need to continue adding strength to become a more serviceable blocker.

As it stands, Lovett is a slot-first backup with the potential to have an impact on shorter throws and screens, as he did for the Bulldogs. He also proved he can serve as eye candy in a variety of offensive looks, causing defensive hesitation with jet motions through the backfield or an immediate QB pump fake looking his way in the flat, potentially opening up a deeper route for a teammate. Georgia used him as a decoy multiple times per game.

Lovett's speed can be a valuable asset as a gunner on punt coverage. He didn't return kicks at Georgia or Missouri. Still, his ball tracking and impressive acceleration make him worthy of a look on punts as a backup to Raymond.

 

[BobbyLayne]

The Detroit Lions believe in Marcus Davenport more than you​

Allen Park — Arguably more than Aidan Hutchinson's recovery from last year's broken leg, there has been greater offseason interest in the Detroit Lions' plans opposite the Pro Bowler.

Each time general manager Brad Holmes has met with the media since the end of last season, he has faced similar questions about the topic, whether he's being asked if the team has enough pass rush or if he feels the team is one piece away from getting over the Super Bowl hump.

In reality, every team has holes somewhere on the roster. No one has Pro Bowl-caliber talent at every spot. Holmes has been quick to point out that the Lions are fortunate to have one of the league's elite edge defenders in Hutchinson. And while Holmes would love a second stud to pair with his young star, logistically, it's nearly impossible because you typically need either a top-10 draft pick or an extra $30-35 million in cap space to land that piece.

Some understandably yearned for the Lions to trade for Myles Garrett or Maxx Crosby. Instead, both received extensions from their current clubs. Crosby's deal averages just north of $35 million, while Garrett's four added years will cost the Browns $40 million per season, coincidentally setting a new bar for Hutchinson's impending extension.

The lingering edge-rushing dream for fans, Trey Hendrickson, remains disgruntled with his contract in Cincinnati. He's looking for something in that Crosby stratosphere after leading the league in sacks last season. And he has requested a trade as the Bengals have dragged their feet in meeting his demands, although there were reports that talks were resuming last weekend.

To be clear, in that scenario, an acquiring team would be paying twice, needing to give up premium draft assets to acquire Hendrickson, along with a huge contract to satisfy what's driving him out of Cincinnati in the first place. It's also worth noting that an extension wouldn't take effect until he's 31 years old.

Instead of engaging in those cap gymnastics and abandoning the roster-building strategy that helped the Lions become legitimate championship contenders, Holmes invested the team's offseason resources elsewhere. Detroit re-signed linebacker Derrick Barnes and defensive tackle Levi Onwuzurike. They made a splash on the open market for one of the best man-cover cornerbacks in the league, D.J. Reed. And instead of reaching for a second-tier edge rusher in the first round of the draft, they stuck to their board, selecting Ohio State defensive tackle Tyleik Williams. That addition filled another short- and long-term roster need.

Meanwhile, at edge rusher, they're set to roll the dice. Not on Hutchinson's recovery from last year's broken leg. That's a relatively safe bet. The bigger gamble — one that will be under a microscope and dissected weekly on local talk radio and social media — was the decision to bring back Marcus Davenport.

At least Holmes got a discount on a discount, getting the oft-injured former first-round pick back in the fold for under $3 million.

Lions fans barely got to know Davenport during his first season with the franchise. He was impressive in a season-opening win over the Rams, tallying six QB pressures and chipping in on a sack. He missed the next game with a groin strain, and his season ended the following week when he suffered a torn triceps while battling with Arizona Cardinals offensive tackle Paris Johnson Jr.

The injury was the latest in a growing list of ailments that have derailed a once-promising career. Still, it's understandable why the Lions are running it back. Obviously, the price was right, but Davenport is, stylistically, a perfect fit opposite Hutchinson.

Davenport crushes the pocket with what teammate Taylor Decker calls one of the best bull rushes he's seen. The force at which the defender collides with an offensive lineman sounds audibly different.

"If it goes the way we think it's going to go, Davenport is going to be a hell of a player," Lions coach Dan Campbell said.

The Lions briefly saw the vision come to fruition against the Rams. Now, as Holmes put it at the league meetings back in April, the team is hoping for a reversal of Davenport's injury luck, which has seemingly abandoned him since he racked up 9.0 sacks for the Saints in 2021.

So far this offseason, there have been few opportunities to evaluate the defensive linemen. Things won't matter until the pads come on during training camp. Still, if you're looking for optimism with Davenport, coordinator Kelvin Sheppard is eager to provide it.

"We all know the only obstacle for Davenport is the health and availability," Sheppard said. "It's never had anything to do with his play. I'm talking about since he hit the scene as a first-round pick for the Saints. It's never been his play. It's always been the availability piece, like it is for every player.

"He's had some setbacks in his career, but I watched that player take no days off this offseason," Sheppard continued. "He's been here just as long as the coaches have, and putting in the work, and his body looks different right now. I firmly believe in speaking with him, his mindset is different right now."

 

[BobbyLayne]

NFL announced the TC reporting dates for all 32 teams today. As expected, the Chargers & Lions will have a 3-day jump on the other 30 teams to prepare for the HoF game.

For Detroit, rookies report July 16 and veterans July 19. Because the league year started a week later, and knowing the team would have a 4th preseason game, Coach Campbell shortened OTAs from 3 weeks to 2, and cancelled minicamp.

 

[Ilov80s]

I am glad the Lions believe in Davenport but there is a lot of evidence to say they shouldn't. The older he gets, the tought it is to believe in his health.

 

[BobbyLayne]

Upcoming summer stories between now and TC:

June 20 - Sheppard/Choice

June 22 - TBA retrospective feature

June 24 - Film review/scouting report - Miles Frazier
June 25 - Story on facility upgrades

June 27 - Ranking NFC North position-by-position

June 30 - Lower-level assistant feature - Dre Thompson
July 1 - Position preview, Quarterback
July 2 - Position preview, Linebackers
July 3 - Position preview, Wide receivers
July 4 - Position preview, Cornerbacks

July 6 - Position preview, Offensive tackles
July 7 - Position preview, Defensive tackles

July 9 - Where can each starter grow (offense)
July 10 - Where can each starter grow (defense)
July 11 - Position preview, Tight ends

July 13 - Position preview, Safeties
July 14 - Position preview, Running backs

July 16 - Position preview, Edge rushers
July 17 - Position preview, Interior o-line

July 19 - A dozen players with something to prove this camp

 

[nysfl2]

I am glad the Lions believe in Davenport but there is a lot of evidence to say they shouldn't. The older he gets, the tought it is to believe in his health.

There’s lots of reasons to worry about his health, but he’s only 28

 

[BobbyLayne]

Lions' Tashard Choice on working with best friend Kelvin Sheppard: 'I may fight him'​

Allen Park — Even during some of the Detroit Lions’ early offseason practices, the energy is elevated, the sideline noisier. But it’s not the players who are the driving force behind the ramped-up intensity. No, it’s Detroit’s revamped coaching staff.

At its heart is a newcomer to the staff and two coaches in new roles. Without question, receivers coach Scottie Montgomery's voice is more recognizable this offseason than it has been the past two years, when he helmed the running back room. Maybe it’s a reflection of the personalities he’s now leading, but Montgomery’s increased chirping is unmistakable.

Then there’s Tashard Choice, the team’s first-year running backs coach, who you could hear over everyone at the first practice open to the media this offseason repeatedly barking, “Barbeque chicken! Barbeque chicken!"

The taunt originated with NBA Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal, who used the phrase to encapsulate his physical dominance. On a podcast, O’Neal explained how he’d use the delicious summertime dish to describe when he was being defended by someone who couldn’t check him, so he’d devour them like barbeque chicken.

In those moments, Choice is amping his guys up, but he’s also needling Kelvin Sheppard, Detroit’s recently promoted defensive coordinator. The longtime friends are reveling in the opportunity to work together and compete against one another, just as they used to on the practice fields in Buffalo and Indianapolis more than a decade ago.

“That's my buddy,” Choice said. “It is funny, man. I tell y’all this, man, y’all don't understand how close we really are. And it is so cool because I talk to Shep every day — even when I was at Texas, at Georgia Tech — I talked to him every single day.”

As players, Choice arrived and finished his NFL career before Sheppard. Choice entered the league as a fourth-round draft pick for Dallas in 2008 and was done by 2014, having played for four teams in six seasons. Sheppard, who was drafted by the Bills in 2011, played for six teams in eight seasons, logging his last snaps with the Lions in 2018.

While Sheppard was still lacing them up, Choice had already transitioned to coaching. He originally tried his hand at media broadcasting before former Lions quarterback Jon Kitna reached out to see if Choice had an interest in helping out with the high school team Kitna was coaching.

At the first practice, Choice shared a strategy with the kids that he utilized as a professional — picking one thing to focus on during each practice. When he returned to help out again a week later, one of the kids sought him out to share how the advice resonated. Several years later, that player, Jalen Reagor, would be selected in the first round of the NFL draft by the Philadelphia Eagles.

Choice was hooked. He interned with the Cowboys in 2016, then transitioned to the college ranks, where he had stops at North Texas, Georgia Tech, and Texas before the Lions came calling. At his previous stops, he worked directly with two of the best running backs college football has produced in the past five years, Bijan Robinson and Jahmyr Gibbs. Choice will have the opportunity to work with the latter again in Detroit, and he's looking forward to pushing the young superstar to an even higher level.

“Having an opportunity to get around him now, coaching, I'm going to be harder on him even more,” Choice said.

Texas was a good gig, but when Detroit checked in this offseason, it was an easy call to take. Choice had watched how Dan Campbell had hand-selected Sheppard for an opportunity four years earlier, invested in his development and promoted him twice, most recently to defensive coordinator.

“From afar, you love to see that,” Choice said. “That's one of the things that drew me in here because I saw one of my closest friends go from ground zero to see where he's at right now. It's the coolest thing alive, man. I'm excited for him because I know how he's built, and I know what he wants to prove for himself. You know what I mean? I know how good he relates to the players and the coaches. Everybody loves Shep Dog.”

Now, instead of supporting each other from a distance, Sheppard and Choice can work side by side in pursuit of a shared goal. And they’ll eagerly push each other to achieve it.

“I may fight him,” Choice said when asked what the dynamics might look like during training camp. “It's funny. When you're in them lines, I hate him as a player on the team, but I love him at the same time. You know what I mean?

“You'll see, that's how we are,” Choice said. “That's the pushing part. Because we know when they're going against him, they're going to need that. My players are going to want to feed off of me. I'm going to feed off of them, and he's the same way.”

Sheppard will be ready and waiting for Choice to bring it.

“Oh, it's gonna be great,” Sheppard said. “Not only with him, Scottie, the whole gang. I know they’re gonna be waiting on me. I’m gonna be waiting on them. But that's what drives this place, is that right there. And that's why he has fit in so well. It's like he's been here all along,

“…Scottie told me the other day, ‘This dude is out of his mind,’” Sheppard said. “I'm telling you, I don't think he's ever had a bad day. And if he has, he's never let that show when he walks into a building or when he walks into a locker room. He's always going to be the energetic guy, the motivating guy. But I tell everybody, he's a better human being than he is a football player or a coach, and that's why the players gravitate to him. That's why the teammates gravitate to him.”

 

[Ilov80s]

I am glad the Lions believe in Davenport but there is a lot of evidence to say they shouldn't. The older he gets, the tought it is to believe in his health.

There’s lots of reasons to worry about his health, but he’s only 28

You are right he will be 29 this year which is a little younger than I thought but his injury history is quite lengthy for his age: lisfranc, multiple shoulder injuries, 5 surgeries in the 2022 off season, tightrope ankle surgery ending 2023, an arm injury ending his 2024 season.

Hes had 4 sacks in the last 3 seasons.

 

[BobbyLayne]

5 years ago, an unexpected change in ownership altered course of long-lousy Lions​

Allen Park — Five years ago Monday, with the COVID-19 pandemic creating unprecedented uncertainty heading into the 2020 NFL season, the Detroit Lions accelerated the franchise’s succession plan, with Martha Firestone Ford stepping down as the principal owner and handing off the reins to daughter Sheila Hamp.

Hamp, who had worked by her mother’s side following the 2014 passing of patriarch, William Clay Ford, vowed to emulate many of Firestone Ford’s best leadership traits while aiming to learn more about all facets of the organization in an effort to put her own stamp on the franchise.

The switch was met with predictable skepticism. Fans had long viewed the Ford family as the common thread in decades of on-field failure. They had no reason to believe this change would alter those fortunes.

Admittedly, the transformation wasn’t abrupt. A wrecking ball was required. However, after weathering a rocky start to her tenure, Hamp has been at the heart of two improbable turnarounds: Building a legitimate Super Bowl contender and quieting the narrative that her family was incapable of doing it.

The early stages of Hamp's reign were marked by two low points: One where she was partially culpable and another where she was the target of accumulated frustrations that had been building long before her time in charge.

Prior to taking control, Hamp had a hand in retaining coach Matt Patricia and general manager Bob Quinn for the 2020 season. During a mid-December meeting with a select group of reporters at the team's practice facility, Hamp sat alongside her mother and team president Rod Wood, explaining that decision.

"(Firing them) would have been the popular choice, the popular decision, and we knew that," Hamp said. "But, as I say, we're doing what is right for the organization."

Financially, it was the right decision, but the Lions predictably were unable to transform a roster that went 3-12-1 the previous season into a playoff contender overnight. Things bottomed out on Thanksgiving. The Houston Texans came to town and pummelled the Lions, 41-25. It was the team’s fourth loss in five games, dropping them to 4-7 on the season.

Worse yet, Hamp was captured by former MLive photographer Mike Mulholland during the game with her hands covering her face, a poignant moment that symbolized a city’s frustration with the product.

Two days later, Hamp finally took the necessary action, firing Patricia and Quinn.

Because of the pandemic, the Lions didn’t have fans at Ford Field that season. It wasn’t until next year that they’d have a chance to voice their displeasure.

With the team hosting the Baltimore Ravens in Week 3, Hamp was relentlessly booed during a halftime ceremony celebrating Calvin Johnson’s selection to the Hall of Fame. It was jarring, and even though she powered through her comments, she looked shell-shocked.

What those fans couldn’t have realized is Hamp had planted the seeds that would deliver unprecedented success during the Super Bowl era, including two division titles, two playoff victories and a team-best 15-win season.

If the first domino was firing Quinn and Patricia, the next was luring franchise legend Chris Spielman out of the broadcast booth to serve as a special advisor in the search for new football leadership.

Hamp, Wood, and Spielman, alongside Chief Operating Officer Mike Disner, ran an in-house operation to find those leaders. They were hired independently, with a Hamp-led focus on collaboration.

The previous regime, borrowing heavily from its professional upbringing working in New England, had operated with intense secrecy, building up figurative walls throughout the organization. Hamp, and Spielman as her proxy, aimed to take a sledgehammer to those barriers, bringing the entirety of the operation closer together.

"The whole idea that football is secret and we're not going to tell anybody what we're doing, it was like, 'What?'" Hamp told me in an exclusive interview for the Detroit News ahead of the 2021 season. "Obviously, you don't want to tell your opponents what your game plan is, but you want the fans to know what you're doing. I felt like with this organization, I want everyone to feel like they're a part of it, that their piece is important, because it is. We can't do this alone. You can't."

The panel of four ultimately landed on a fresh-faced option for general manager, hiring Los Angeles Rams college scouting director Brad Holmes. And for the coach, the choice was a hard-nosed yet gregarious former Lions tight end, Dan Campbell, who had an unremarkable stint as an interim head coach in Miami six years earlier.

Much like Hamp’s promotion, both hires were met with doubt. Holmes wasn’t only new to the role, he was a relative unknown. He wasn’t even initially on the Lions’ radar until Disner stumbled upon and was impressed by a mock interview the league performs with potential candidates.

Campbell, meanwhile, was not among the fan favorites for the opening. And while some loved the passion of his kneecap-biting introductory press conference, it was the subject of more ridicule than praise, particularly nationally.

Further eroding faith that the outside-the-box hires could work was longtime franchise quarterback, Matthew Stafford, requesting a trade.

In hindsight, trading Stafford paved the way for Holmes to tear the roster down to its studs. Of course, that meant briefly bottoming out, with the team threatening to go winless in 2021 before a final-play victory in Week 13 led to a 3-3 finish.

Expectations were higher in Year 2, but the Lions stumbled to a 1-6 start, prompting Hamp to offer a public vote of confidence for her coach and general manager.

“I think we really are making progress. We’ve seen it. It’s just this was a huge teardown and then turnaround. We’re only one-third of the way through the season, we’ve got 11 more games to go, so I just don’t want everyone to push the panic button and give up the ship because I think we’ve got the right people in place to pull this off, and I truly believe that, and I wouldn’t say that if I didn’t believe it.”

The timing of the statement couldn’t have been much better. The Lions lost their next game, blowing a second-half lead against the Dolphins, before getting red hot. They’d win six of their next seven and had a chance to make the playoffs entering Week 17. They ended up being eliminated before kicking off against the Packers. Still, they won the game at Lambeau, ensuring the division foe also missed the postseason.

The momentum hasn’t slowed since the second half of the 2022 campaign. The Lions won their first division title in 30 years the following season, culminating with two playoff wins before falling just shy of the franchise’s first Super Bowl berth. Then, last year, the team went 15-2 before an inordinate number of injuries to the defense finally caught up with them in the postseason.

“I always wanted to prove her right,” Campbell said ahead of the NFC Championship game in 2024. “That’s not an easy thing to do, to take a chance on somebody that nobody knows about or thinks deserves a shot or whatever it is. And so, to trust your instincts and trust people around you and to pull the trigger, it means a lot. It sure does.

"…She’s one of one,” Campbell said. “She’s unique, and I’ll say this, everything that we kind of are and what we’re about has started with her. It’s really her; it’s her vision. I’m fortunate she allows me to be myself. I don’t feel like I have to be somebody I’m not, and you can’t always do that. You can’t — and so with that, I can coach. I can do what I need to do, and I appreciate that.”

Hamp has uniquely positioned herself as a hands-on owner who doesn’t meddle. One of her early moves as owner was a physical one, relocating her office from the far corner of the practice facility to a central location closer to Holmes and Campbell.

Hamp has also spent time with every department in the organization, on both the football and business side of things. Those meetings, along with detailed annual player surveys, have guided her reinvestments into the product. The Lions have aggressively spent on upgrading their home stadium and practice facility to ensure they are the most conducive environments to maximize players’ happiness and productivity.

“I think everything we do starts with, how does this help the players?” Wood told me earlier this month. “How does this make the players better and help us win more football games?”

At training camp, Hamp warmly hosts guests and ushers players over as if she's introducing a close friend to a family member. She knows the names of every player on the 90-man offseason roster, evident by her checking in and joking with undrafted rookie long snapper Hogan Hatten as he left the field after a camp practice last year.

 

[BobbyLayne]

At her introduction as owner, Hamp was asked if she had a message for fans.

“I’m going to do everything in my power to create a winning organization, especially on the field,” Hamp said. “The fans deserve it, the city deserves it and I am a very competitive person. I grew up playing competitive tennis and it’s and individual sport and it’s me out there by myself and, boy, I hated to lose. I still hate to lose. I guess that’s my message to the fans. I’ll hate to lose as much as they do, and I’ll try not to.”

Losing was unavoidable at the start, and yeah, she shared some of the blame. Regardless, since she voiced support for Campbell and Holmes in 2022, the team has posted a 35-10 record.

Remember those hostile boos Hamp endured during that halftime ceremony in 2021? They’re a distant memory. Fans now chant her name at training camp, games, and when she made opening comments at the team’s uniform unveiling last offseason.

Hamp will never take the credit. She has declined multiple interview requests over the past couple of years to follow up on our 2021 conversation and discuss the turnaround. But make no mistake about it, she’s at the heart of this golden era of Lions football. Without her vision and its implementation, it’s unlikely any of this could have happened.

"Hopefully sooner than later, but if it takes a couple years, that's what it takes," Hamp said when I asked her about her timetable for a turnaround in 2021. "My goal for the football team and the whole organization, I want this to be an organization people really want to work for, to feel good and excited. And I want our football team to be one of the best. I feel like we have a path and hopefully we'll get there.”

 

[BobbyLayne]

How ready is Lions rookie Miles Frazier to compete for starting job? Here's what a study of his college tape revealed​

It was understood going into the 2025 NFL Draft that the Detroit Lions needed to come away with interior offensive line depth. Landing at least one option with early-career starting potential would have been particularly beneficial, following the departure of Kevin Zeitler in free agency and veteran Graham Glasgow coming off one of his worst seasons as he inches toward the end of his career.

It wouldn’t be for another couple of months before we realized how much greater the urgency to address that roster area would become. All-Pro center Frank Ragnow’s abrupt retirement this summer at 29 years old only emphasized the need for an influx of blocking talent.

Lions general manager Brad Holmes, who stated in January that he wanted to keep the entire garden watered when discussing investing in the line, got off to a strong start with the selection of Georgia’s Tate Ratledge in the second round. Again, we didn’t know it at the time, but the Lions potentially found Ragnow’s replacement with that pick.

After the Ratledge addition, Holmes kept the hose running into the draft’s third day, snagging LSU guard Miles Frazier, a versatile lineman who primarily played guard for the Tigers but has some offensive tackle on his resume from earlier in his college career. He also served as LSU’s backup at those spots, including a spot start at right tackle for his final game at the school.

Unlike Ratledge, Frazier isn’t expected to immediately be in the mix for a starting job with the Lions. However, last year’s sixth-round pick, Christian Mahogany, proved it’s possible to carve out a path to an opportunity quickly. Presumably, the three youngsters — Mahogany, Ratledge and Frazier — could be Detroit’s projected starting interior a year from now.

Before that potential future arrives, we’ve already taken a deeper look at what Ratledge brings to the table via a study of his University of Georgia tape. Now it’s time to do the same with Frazier, to understand his strengths and weaknesses and how he could fit into the team’s future plans up front.

Games watched​

Vs. Ole Miss, @Texas A&M, vs. Alabama, vs. Baylor (bowl game)

Bio​

Born and raised in New Jersey, Frazier split his high school playing days between Cherry Hill West, Woodrow Wilson (Camden) and Milford Academy (New York).

A two-star recruit, he received interest from a variety of lower-level programs, including some MAC schools, before opting to go to Florida International, which was led by former NFL head coach Butch Davis.

After two seasons, including one as the team’s starting left tackle, Frazier entered the transfer portal and generated significantly more interest for his services, ultimately selecting LSU over several top programs, including Ohio State, Penn State, Florida State, Auburn and Miami.

Frazier’s older brother, MJ, also played college football. He was a defensive lineman and tight end, logging time with multiple schools, including Albany, North Carolina A&T and LSU.

Statistics​

2020 (Florida International): Three games, one start, 126 offensive snaps, three QB pressures allowed

2021 (Florida International): 12 games, 11 starts, 648 offensive snaps, 15 QB pressures and four sacks allowed

2022 (LSU): 14 games, 13 starts, 822 offensive snaps, 13 QB pressures and three sacks allowed

2023 (LSU): 13 starts, 785 offensive snaps, six QB pressures and one sack allowed

2024 (LSU): 13 starts, 902 offensive snaps, 13 QB pressures and zero sacks allowed

Durability​

Frazier didn’t miss a game with an injury during his time at LSU. He briefly exited the team’s 2024 matchup against Florida with an ankle issue but quickly returned to action.

Athletic profile​

Frazier is an excellent overall athlete with an NFL-ready frame. He measured 6-foot-6, 317 pounds during the pre-draft process. He tested above average to well above average in every drill, including demonstrating elite explosion in the vertical and broad jumps.

Frazier also put up 27 reps on the bench, ran a 5.24-second 40-yard dash with an impressive 1.79-second 10-yard split, and completed the 3-cone drill in 7.76 seconds.

Frazier has adequate length to play on the inside, but small hands for the offensive line position.

RAS 9.33

Usage​

Frazier started as the blindside tackle for Florida International but was moved inside by LSU. He flipped between left and right guard during his first year with the program before settling into the right guard spot the past two seasons.

Frazier also served as the backup offensive tackle during his time at LSU and started the team’s bowl game against Wisconsin at right tackle to cap his college career.

Skill assessment​

Pass protection: This is, far and away, the strength of Frazier’s game. He has a wide frame and is quick out of his stance, allowing him to dictate the defender’s path in close quarters.

Frazier’s awareness stands out above his other traits. His head is often on a swivel, processing how the defense’s rush plan develops after the snap. He’s adept at adjusting to twists and stunts, smoothly transitioning between assignments to address the imminent threat to his quarterback.

Frazier doesn’t have many issues with speed or power. He has an adequate anchor to stymie most bull rushes and enough short-area burst, paired with his snap timing, to prevent quicker interior defenders from getting an edge to penetrate the pocket.

Run blocking: Frazier’s ceiling as a pro will hinge on his ability to develop more consistency in the ground game.

On the plus side, he has adequate power to drive a defender out of a gap, particularly on angle and down blocks. In these scenarios, he'll continue to churn his legs to generate movement until the whistle. His ability to burst out of his stance at the snap also makes him useful when running outside and stretch zone concepts, particularly when it comes to impeding the pursuit of a backside linebacker.

Frazier otherwise struggles to be effective in the second level. He has the necessary athleticism to quickly climb to an assignment, either directly or coming off a combination block at the line. Still, he regularly flounders when he arrives at his landmark in space to impede the defender. Those struggles to execute also extend to the screen game.

Closer to the line of scrimmage, Frazier often gets caught leaning and lunging. Defenders will take advantage of these balance issues, and he will panic, getting grabby in those moments.

Frazier also labors to consistently maintain a latch inside a defender’s shoulder pads, potentially because his hand size limits his grip strength. This can result in the defender crossing his face to fill a run lane late.

Conclusion​

Watching Frazier’s tape, there were some undeniable similarities to former Lions guard Jonah Jackson. However, coming into the league, Frazier’s pass protection appears to be more refined, while his run blocking is lagging behind the franchise’s longtime starter at left guard.

You could plug Frazier in as a rookie and reasonably believe quarterback Jared Goff wouldn’t notice the integrity of his pockets diminish or less time to throw on the majority of snaps.

On the other hand, the run and screen games would likely suffer, or, at the very least, the playbook would need to be narrowed to hide some of Frazier’s current inconsistencies. The team’s heavy reliance on zone run schemes wouldn’t be negatively affected, plus he’s reasonably effective as a puller, but asking him to neutralize second-level defenders in space would result in a healthy percentage of those plays being disrupted by his responsibility.

A year under the tutelage of offensive line coach Hank Fraley should serve Frazier well, particularly with ironing out some of the issues of playing over his toes in the run game that result in the young lineman ending up on the ground.

With modest improvements as a run blocker, Frazier should be able to compete for a starting job in 2026.