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2025 Detroit Lions: 5-2 Hutch gets contract extension. (37 Viewers)

Leroy Hoard said:
I'm wondering when player contracts got so damn complicated. I'm going to guess about the same time the NFL started hiring lawyers as commissioners.
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I noticed draft day trades have gotten a lot more complicated. Used to be pretty straight forward, you want a a high 1st, send us your 1st and 2 more day 2 picks. You want to move up, swap picks this round and give us a 4th. That sort of thing....3 for 1, 2 for 1....now when they want to swap picks it's multiple slots on both sides, picks two years out and you walk away with everyone having the same number of picks they started with but just different slots in the draft (or future years.)

That's a good thing, though, I think studies have shown those multiple picks for a high pick tend to be one sided. It's often a detriment to move up, but the way they balance trades out now you're getting the same number of swings but just drop down the order.
 
Report from Pro Football Rumors that former Jets GM Joe Douglas was dead set on drafting Gibbs with the 15 pick in the 2023 draft.
Jets expected Gibbs to be drafted in the 20s range and fully planned on Gibbs being available to them at pick 15.
This would confirm what Holmes expressed after taking heat for the pick. That other teams were interested in Gibbs and that they needed to use the 12th pick to secure him.
Holmes’ competence was demonstrated by making the right pick at the right time.
 
Moonlight said:
Report from Pro Football Rumors that former Jets GM Joe Douglas was dead set on drafting Gibbs with the 15 pick in the 2023 draft.
Jets expected Gibbs to be drafted in the 20s range and fully planned on Gibbs being available to them at pick 15.
This would confirm what Holmes expressed after taking heat for the pick. That other teams were interested in Gibbs and that they needed to use the 12th pick to secure him.
Holmes’ competence was demonstrated by making the right pick at the right time.
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There were also reports that another team was planning on drafting Gibbs before the Lions pick at 18.
 
Moonlight said:
Report from Pro Football Rumors that former Jets GM Joe Douglas was dead set on drafting Gibbs with the 15 pick in the 2023 draft.
Jets expected Gibbs to be drafted in the 20s range and fully planned on Gibbs being available to them at pick 15.
This would confirm what Holmes expressed after taking heat for the pick. That other teams were interested in Gibbs and that they needed to use the 12th pick to secure him.
Holmes’ competence was demonstrated by making the right pick at the right time.
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That would have been crazy after taking Breece in 2022.
 
Zeppelin said:
Moonlight said:
Report from Pro Football Rumors that former Jets GM Joe Douglas was dead set on drafting Gibbs with the 15 pick in the 2023 draft.
Jets expected Gibbs to be drafted in the 20s range and fully planned on Gibbs being available to them at pick 15.
This would confirm what Holmes expressed after taking heat for the pick. That other teams were interested in Gibbs and that they needed to use the 12th pick to secure him.
Holmes’ competence was demonstrated by making the right pick at the right time.
Click to expand...
There were also reports that another team was planning on drafting Gibbs before the Lions pick at 18.
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Believe that was the Patriots
 
Lions had an offer to trade down from 28 but didn't want to miss out. Came out in his introductory press conference the Bills expressed interest in Tyleik Williams at 30.

Tate Ratledge is going to be Wongar's new BFF

The Jags had an two offers pick 70.

from The Athletic

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — At 9:43 p.m. Friday, in the middle of a tense and eventful night in the draft room, James Gladstone had a lot to process. The recently hired, 34-year-old general manager of the Jacksonville Jaguars had already experienced the full brunt of his new role in fast-and-furious fashion, with a seismic trade up, a strategic trade down and the disappointment of two players he coveted getting snatched off the board to foil his plans among the happenings. With the team’s two third-round picks approaching, there were more decisions to ponder.

If Thursday night was Gladstone’s chance to make a splash, Friday was his first venture into the deep end. He was about to be confronted with a flurry of activity that even experienced general managers would have found challenging.

Shortly after the third round began, another potential option surfaced: The Detroit Lions called, floating a possible trade that would send their third-round pick (No. 102) and a pair of 2026 third-rounders to the Jags for the 70th selection, a fifth-round pick and a 2026 sixth-rounder. The Lions still weren’t sure they wanted to do the deal, but they were laying groundwork. Gladstone, as he did frequently throughout the three days, consulted via speakerphone with one of his most trusted lieutenants, senior vice president of football analytics Jake Temme. Hired away from the Rams after Gladstone got the job, Temme was back in Southern California, where his wife had just given birth to the couple’s first child.


“Two extra threes are pretty tempting,” Temme said.

A few seconds later, Gladstone got an offer from the Rams: their second-round pick next year for the 70th selection.

Now there were three scenarios: Try to close the trade with the Lions; accept the trade with the Rams; or stand pat and take the player they wanted. Before the discussion could begin in earnest, a collective groan filled the room: The Kansas City Chiefs, with a pick acquired from the Titans in last year’s trade for cornerback L’Jarius Snead, snagged Gillotte with the second pick of the round. With the Jags’ selection just four picks away, quick decisions had to be made.

“Well, now the (Detroit) trade sounds good,” Tony Khan said.

Added Temme: “I’d agree to that trade right now.”

“I love it,” Gladstone said. Then, gesturing to director of player finance Trip MacCracken, who was communicating with Mike Disner, the Lions’ chief operating officer, the GM exclaimed, “Let it rip, baby!”

Yet Detroit wasn’t ready to make the deal. The suspicion in the Jags’ draft room was that the Lions had been targeting Gillotte. Also, minutes earlier, Gladstone had instructed MacCracken to ask for a sweetener: Instead of including their fifth-round selection in 2025, the Jags proposed trading their sixth-round pick.

A few minutes later, MacCracken called back for a status check. “They’re considering it,” MacCracken told Gladstone.

The Patriots took Washington State receiver Kyle Williams with the 69th pick, putting the Jags on the clock. Gladstone brought up the Rams’ trade proposal: “That future second will likely be late, but a second is still a second.”

Finally, MacCracken got clarity from Disner: The trade terms were a go. “Detroit’s in if you want it,” he announced. Seconds later, Gladstone fielded a phone call and grimaced. “The Rams are out,” he said. “Guess who they wanted? Gillotte.”

Lions general manager Brad Holmes, who’d worked with Gladstone in the Rams’ front office, also had reason to be stressed. Whichever GM ended up picking still had to call the prospect in question — a common practice to ensure, as a failsafe, that no late-breaking events had negatively impacted the player’s status. With 90 seconds on the clock, Holmes called Gladstone.

“Hey,” Holmes asked, “are we gonna be able to make this deal, or what?”

Responded Gladstone, “Well, I’m looking at Trip, and he has a phone on each side of his head — so I would like to think this is getting done.”

A few seconds later, MacCracken put down one of the phones and gave Gladstone a thumbs-up.

“All right, we’re good!” Gladstone told Holmes, echoing the news Holmes had simultaneously received in the Lions’ draft room. “Enjoy life.”

“I appreciate the love,” said Holmes, who quickly hung up to call Arkansas wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa, selecting him with seconds to spare.
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If the Detroit deal didn't gtt done, it's possible TeSlaa would have gone to the Broncos at 74. They met with him before the draft, and they very clearly were in the market for a big-bodied receiver. They met with five receivers for top-30 picks ahead of the draft, and they didn't walk out with any of them. When TeSlaa came off the board, they went with a guy they didn't have a reported meeting with in Illinois' Pat Bryant four picks later.

Mile High Report cited him as a WR they were interested in, as did the Denver Post:

Isaac TeSlaa, WR, Arkansas
Keep an eye here. TeSlaa earned the highest “Athleticism Score” at the combine of any receiver. He’s 6-foot-4 with a 39.5-inch vertical jump and has the potential to be a massive red-zone threat in the NFL. He had just 28 catches last year at Arkansas, but turned them into 532 yards. He’s raw, but could be a mid-round steal. The Broncos have had multiple conversations, via phone call or Zoom, with TeSlaa, according to a source.
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edit typo
 
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What are the Detroit Lions getting in Isaac TeSlaa? We roll the tape on team's third-round pick​


Justin Rogers | Detroit Football Network

In an interview with 97.1-FM earlier this week, Detroit Lions general manager Brad Holmes called third-round pick Isaac TeSlaa his favorite wide receiver in the draft class.

The love of the prospect was already apparent through what the team gave up to acquire him, sending a trio of third-rounders to Jacksonville — this year's No. 102 and two more in 2026 — for a 32-spot climb up the board to snag the toolsy receiver.

To be clear, Holmes was quick to clarify that favorite didn't mean best. Clearly some of the others in the class, including the No. 2 overall pick, Travis Hunter, are more polished products ready to contribute immediately. Regardless, TeSlaa has the intangibles Holmes covets when constructing the roster.

If you depend on media mocks to establish your draft opinions, you might believe the Lions reached for TeSlaa. A handful viewed him as a Day 2 pick, but most projected him to come off the board in the early stages of the draft's third day.

Before driving up to the team's practice facility to work the second night of the draft, I created a rough list of prospects who could be fits for the franchise between Rounds 4-7. Amusingly, TeSlaa was the first name on that list.

He checked many obvious boxes, from culture fit to potential special teams contributions to pure upside. With my investment in draft prep limited to players projected as top-100 picks prior to the combine, I admit leaning into national analysis to populate that list as the finish line neared.

It's not genuine to suggest my opinion would mirror the Lions’ had I watched TeSlaa's film before the draft. All I can do is watch it with fresh eyes, through the added lens of knowing this was Holmes' favorite receiver in the draft.

Below is a comprehensive scouting report for TeSlaa, including the games I watched, an explanation of his athletic profile, an injury history, a detailed breakdown of his skillset relative to the receiver position, capped with some concluding thoughts about how the total package will fit in Detroit.

Quick bio​

TeSlaa grew up on the west side of the state, attending Unity Christian in Hudsonville. As a Wing-T quarterback, he led the school to its first state championship in 2018. A multi-sport athlete, he played for Unity Christian's championship-winning basketball team. He also broke the school record in the long jump.

A zero-star recruit with one (non-scholarship) D-I offer, TeSlaa opted to follow in his father's footsteps, attending Hillsdale College. After a quiet freshman season, he recorded 45 receptions as a sophomore before earning the conference's Offensive Player of the Year honors in 2022 with 1,325 receiving yards and 13 touchdowns.

Entering the transfer portal, he was ranked a three-star prospect. He picked Arkansas after visiting a handful of major programs that were interested, including Iowa and Penn State.

Games watched​

2024: Texas A&M (Sept. 27), LSU (Oct. 19), Missouri (Nov. 30), Texas Tech (Dec. 27), plus parts of Arkansas-Pine Bluff (Aug. 29) and Oklahoma State (Sept. 7)

Statistics​

2020 (Hillsdale College): Three games, five receptions, 93 yards

2021 (Hillsdale College): 12 games, 45 receptions, 698 yards, seven touchdowns

2022 (Hillsdale College): 11 games, 68 receptions, 1,325 yards, 13 touchdowns

2023: 12 games, 34 receptions, 351 yards, two touchdowns

2024: 13 games, 28 receptions, 546 yards, three touchdowns

Athletic profile​

Lions Hall of Famer Calvin Johnson remains the gold standard for athleticism for a wide receiver. Still, TeSlaa's overall profile is impressive even when stacked against the legend.

Measuring 6-foot-4 and 214 pounds, TeSlaa's 4.43-second 40-yard dash, 39.5-inch vertical, 10-foot-9 broad jump and 4.05 short shuttle indicate elite speed, leaping, and change-of-direction ability for his position.

There isn't a glaring weakness in the Arkansas prospect's athletic makeup. He did show build-up speed as opposed to top-end initial burst via his 10 and 20-yard splits. That's not surprising, given his size, and both of those splits were still well above average.

Isaac TeSlaa is a WR prospect in the 2025 draft class. He scored an unofficial 9.97 #RAS out of a possible 10.00. This ranked 11 out of 3441 WR from 1987 to 2025.

Durability​

TeSlaa had no major injury issues during his two seasons at Arkansas. He played through a broken hand during his final season at Hillsdale, wearing larger gloves to hide the injury from opponents.

Usage​

During his final season at Arkansas, TeSlaa averaged a little more than 30 offensive snaps per game, with more than 70% coming in slot alignments. He had two late-season contests, against Missouri and Louisiana Tech, where he saw expanded playing time and more extensive work on the outside, logging 78 snaps between those two games, compared to 37 in his remaining 11 appearances.

On special teams, he worked on kickoff and punt coverage for the Razorbacks, as well as punt return.

Skill assessment​

Release: Primarily operating with free releases from those slot alignments, TeSlaa comes out low with long strides and easy acceleration. As noted by Holmes after selecting TeSlaa, the receiver has to learn how to handle press coverage better. When crowded at the line of scrimmage, he can get upright, giving up his chest to the defender, which slows him through the early stages of his routes.

Route running: This is the biggest area of potential growth for TeSlaa. He has quick feet, and his pre-draft measurables showed excellent change-of-direction quickness, particularly for his size. Regardless, it's inconsistent in application. While TeSlaa has moments where he snaps and accelerates into in-breaking routes, he too often decelerates or rounds at the top of his patterns.

On routes coming back toward the line of scrimmage, he telegraphs his intentions by tapping the brakes instead of slamming on them to more abruptly halt his momentum. He could also be more aggressive in attacking the ball rather than expecting to box out the defender with his frame.

Against zone coverage, there's a good foundation for feeling space, with room for development in maximizing those windows by being more aware of the positioning of the defenders.

In terms of the routes TeSlaa ran for Arkansas, there was a healthy use of in-breaking patterns, both shallow crosses and digs between 10-12 yards deep. He also ran a significant number of vertical patterns, but more to create space than to serve as a read in the progression. Based on limited looks, he has untapped potential running posts and corners.

Separation: As noted, when pressed, TeSlaa can struggle to generate space between himself and the defender. Yet when unencumbered at the line, his speed can be problematic, whether he's running horizontal or vertical patterns.

Ball skills: There weren't a lot of instances of contested catches on his 2024 tape, but Teslaa made the most of those opportunities, demonstrating the ability to high-point the ball and hold on through contact. He has a large catch radius and impressive body control, making him capable of bailing out his quarterback by adjusting to off-target throws.

Hands: A strength in his profile, TeSlaa wasn't charged with a single drop during his senior season. He has large hands and catches the ball away from his body. Even in snowy conditions against Missouri, he managed to bring down every throw his way, including a full-extension grab while moving full speed near the sideline.

In the season opener against Arkansas Pine Bluff, he impressively stabbed a post pattern out of the air with one hand.

After the catch: TeSlaa isn't particularly elusive in a phone booth, but he can run away from the defense if fed a throw in stride and space. And despite not doing it with regularity, you can see his physicality and desire to run through tackles and drag defenders for extra yardage.

IQ: As soon as he has a step in man coverage, TeSlaa looks back for the ball. Arkansas had obvious issues protecting its quarterback last season. Still, the team's starter possessed a dual-threat skill set that allowed him to break the pocket and extend plays.

In those situations, TeSlaa showed a strong awareness working the scramble drill, routinely adjusting his routes to make himself available to the QB.

Blocking: Holmes noted that the first time he got eyes on TeSlaa was at the Senior Bowl, where the wide receiver's relentless blocking was irritating the receivers at the event. TeSlaa also spoke of his love for this part of the game during his media session at the scouting combine.

The film rubber-stamps his passion.

TeSlaa demonstrates the ability to execute a number of different types of blocks in the run game, including crack tosses and inserts from backfield motion. He was also regularly used as a perimeter blocker on quick tosses to the team's other outside receivers.

He successfully executes his blocking assignments at a high rate, and there are a number of instances where TeSlaa will stay on top of a defensive back 15-20 yards down the field.
 

Conclusion​

OK, Holmes’ opinions of TeSlaa make more sense with the added context.

Let's start with the blocking because that's the first thing that grabbed the GM's attention. I understand it's not a skill that fans get excited about with receivers. However, it's a critical component to maximizing Detroit's offensive scheme.

We've heard Jameson Williams repeat the coaching point, "No block, no rock," and new receivers coach Scottie Montgomery told me at the combine that hitting safeties is one of his non-negotiables. Strong blocking on the perimeter expands the versatility and effectiveness of Detroit's ground game and can enhance the big-play potential of the roster's playmakers, including Williams.

As a pass catcher, TeSlaa has some out-of-the-box strengths, headlined by his hands, catch radius, ball tracking, and straight-line speed. Does he require some development to round out his profile? Absolutely. If he's going to play more on the outside, he has to improve his releases against press coverage and tighten up his route running.

That said, he should have two full offseasons to refine those traits before he's asked to play a significant offensive role. Tim Patrick capably filled the X receiver position in 2024 and was re-signed this offseason, negating the need to push TeSlaa into an oversized role as a rookie.

With premium size, immense physical gifts, and the intangibles identified by Detroit's scouting staff during the pre-draft process, TeSlaa has a lofty ceiling. It wouldn't be surprising to see him eventually produce at a level similar to or better than Patrick in his prime. He averaged 52 catches, 738 yards and six touchdowns during his two best seasons in Denver.
 
BobbyLayne said:
he should have two full offseasons to refine those traits before he's asked to play a significant offensive role. Tim Patrick capably filled the X receiver position in 2024 and was re-signed this offseason, negating the need to push TeSlaa into an oversized role as a rookie.
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Yes definitely a 2026 pick, unlike the first two picks who can hopefully contribute more this year.
If this guy is who the Lions think he is, he could do well being in a skill group that should include St. Brown, LaPorta, Jamo, and Gibbs getting most of the attention.
 
Nothing screams "win now" like this.

Detroit Lions WR Isaac TeSlaa, who the team drafted in the third round, is a 'potential sleeper' and 'budding freak athlete,' in the opinion of The Detroit Free Press' Carlos Monarrez, but is also someone that could 'need time to develop.' TeSlaa is capable of lining up in the slot or out wide.
 
Payne said:
Nothing screams "win now" like this.

Detroit Lions WR Isaac TeSlaa, who the team drafted in the third round, is a 'potential sleeper' and 'budding freak athlete,' in the opinion of The Detroit Free Press' Carlos Monarrez, but is also someone that could 'need time to develop.' TeSlaa is capable of lining up in the slot or out wide.
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The nice thing is that they do not need him to be a top 3 target right now. Line him up for some splash plays against weaker coverage and allow him to use his speed and athleticism. They would have not sought him out if they did not feel like he the baseline skills to develop and improve imo. This pick had me scratching my head a little, but Brad has earned my trust so I will give him the benefit of the doubt to at least see how it pans out.
 

DFN Lions Mailbag: Rookie contributions, lineup and schedule predictions, plus more​


Justin Rogers

Welcome to an offseason, post-draft edition of the mailbag.

As usual, you folks stuffed the inbox with an overwhelming number of quality questions, so I’m going to file this in two parts. Check back for the second wave on Tuesday morning.

Enjoy.

Q: Is the Isaac TeSlaa pick by Brad Holmes closer to his Kerby Joseph and Amon-Ra St. Brown picks or Brodric Martin and Giovanni Manu? — Brandon L. Thornton

Justin: It’s difficult to predict the future, but that challenge is significantly steeper before I see a player share the field with their new teammates for a handful of practices.

In terms of using college experience as a tool for that projection, it’s closer to the All-Pros. Like Joseph and St. Brown, TeSlaa is coming on board from a major conference program with extensive film against high-caliber opponents.

St. Brown was the most polished prospect coming into the league from that list. Still, TeSlaa has the best overall athleticism relative to his position compared to the other four.

Q: Does Ahmed Hassanein realistically have a chance to contribute this year besides special teams? — Jon Annett

Justin: Of course. Presently, he'll enter the offseason program as the fifth defensive end on the depth chart, behind some guys with notable durability issues.

In the unlikely event that everyone stays healthy, it will muddy Hassanein's path to significant defensive snaps, which is hardly a negative. Also, that would have been the case with almost any edge rusher the Lions selected in this draft, including the group that came off the board between the team's first and second-round selections: JT Tuimoloau, Donovan Ezeiruaku, Nic Scourton and Oluwafemi Oladejo.

Given Hassanein's background, it will be better to have a season to develop behind the scenes, with controlled tastes of playing time instead of a forced reliance.

Q: Does playing in the Hall of Fame game mean we will see some of the starters playing? — Cindy Norlin-Thompson

Q: To piggyback on this, can you talk about how the game impacts our preseason schedule? — Dave C

Q: I think having the Hall of Fame game will especially benefit our young offensive linemen. Will the extra game be of benefit to any other position groups? — Scott Flegel

Justin: A lot of your questions were built around Detroit being selected as one of the two participants in the league’s preseason opener. I decided it would be best to lump them together.

First, the biggest impacts of being involved in the game are that training camp will start a few days earlier, and the Lions and Chargers will play an extra preseason game. That offers a slightly expanded window to evaluate the roster. Combined with the team intending to conduct two sets of joint practices, Holmes will have a lot of data to make the best decisions.

Does that mean starters will see more playing time in the preseason? No, I don’t anticipate that. Coach Dan Campbell has been consistent about keeping that group in bubble wrap for those games. If there’s a shift in philosophy, I don’t think it can be attributed to taking part in the Hall of Fame game.

As for which position groups might benefit, I look at the extra game as being valuable to any young, inexperienced player on the roster. Those are extra reps for TeSlaa and Hassanein, who aren’t likely to see them early in the regular season. That also extends to backup quarterback Hendon Hooker, who develops with every snap he takes.

Q: The Kerby Joseph extension was structured in a similar way to how the Eagles structure their contracts, with lots of annual option bonuses. The 49ers just did this with the Kittle extension, as well. Do you favor the Lions using this same approach to make sure they can re-sign all six of Hutch, Jamo, Gibbs, Branch, LaPorta and Campbell? — Brian

Justin: Those three teams are all battling the same issue, trying to keep together as much of a talented core as possible. At some point, you have to borrow from the future to maintain the present.

The 49ers benefited from having a low-cost QB the past few years. However, we’re now seeing them having to recalibrate their cap situation with the bill on Brock Purdy coming due. They traded Deebo Samuel and Jordan Mason, released several veterans, and were unable to re-sign several key contributors from recent seasons.

Philadelphia has also had to weather some departures this offseason, including two key pieces of a defensive line that fueled the team’s Super Bowl win, Milton Williams and Josh Sweat. Even with their use of option bonuses, they haven’t been able to retain everyone.

The Lions almost certainly won’t be able to retain all six of those players you listed, even if they keep kicking the can down the road with some of these contracts.

I’m in favor of a level of fiscal responsibility that doesn’t put you in cap hell three, four, or five years down the road. Otherwise, you become the Saints, running on the hamster wheel of mediocrity seemingly without an off-ramp.

Q: What do free agency and the draft tell you about the likely tendencies of the new coordinators? — Brian B

Justin: At his season-ending press conference in January, I asked Holmes how much the still-to-be-named coordinators would influence the roster-building strategy. The GM explained that it would have almost no impact, and he drafts talent and culture fit more than scheme-specific players.

It makes more sense when you consider how frequently coordinators and position coaches change.

Obviously, there are some qualities the Lions currently prefer, including big, physical edge defenders, athletically mobile offensive linemen, and cornerbacks comfortable playing press-man coverage. But those are holdover traits from last season.

The Lions intentionally hired coordinators who share the philosophical views of the men they replaced. Heck, new offensive coordinator John Morton was on staff and played a role in the construction of the team’s offensive scheme that has resulted in top-five finishes in scoring the past three seasons. Why rip that up and start new?

Q: What do you envision Tyleik Williams' role will be once Alim McNeill is back? Do they split snaps, or will he be on the field in lieu of Reader/Lopez in more obvious passing downs? — Justin Khami

Justin: This goes back to the earlier answer on TeSlaa. Without seeing a few practices, I'd be blindly projecting.

What we know is that Williams has the size of a nose tackle but possesses the athleticism of a penetrating 3-technique, which is the role McNeill plays in Detroit's scheme. It's also the role Williams filled for Ohio State.

My best guess, given the investment, is that the Lions cross-train Williams for both roles, setting it up for the best players to find ways to share the field when the time comes that everyone is healthy.

Q: What are you hearing about how Jameson Williams has developed this offseason, on and off the field? — Julian Swearengin

Justin: I include this question to provide a little insight into how I handle the offseason. When players take off after the season, my focus shifts to free agency and the draft. There’s so much work to do during that stretch that I lose touch with the current roster until they come back for OTAs in May, outside of little clips some might post on social media.

The next couple of months will be spent gathering information on what players have been doing during their time away from the building.

Q: Will Brodric Martin or Corby Sorsdal be on the roster by the start of the season? — Simon Platford

Justin: Who knows? They may not be rookies, but shouldn't we wait and see what kind of development both of those players have made since we last saw them?

With the roster additions this offseason, it sure feels like both have been pushed even further down the depth chart, but I haven't seen Sorsdal practice since last August. I'd rather make an assessment with my eyes vs. my feelings.

In my "admittedly too early" roster projection I posted last week, I had Sorsdal in and Martin out. Both are on the bubble entering the offseason program and wouldn't be surprised by any of the three outcomes: Both make it, one makes it, or both are cut.

Q: Now that we know who’s been drafted, along with (the reported) UDFAs, do you think there’s still a good chance that ZaDarius Smith will come back at the start of training camp or maybe a little after? —Brandon Kerr

Q: Not that any of us are expecting it, but if the Lions lost Hutchinson again due to a long-term injury, do they have enough pass rush to overcome it? — Mike A.

Justin: Good chance? No. A chance? Sure, anything is possible.

If the group remains healthy, there's really not a glaring need. Hutchinson, Davenport, Paschal and Muhammad are a capable collective at the top of the depth chart, supplemented by the developmental addition of Hassanein via the draft.

Why would you spend however many millions Smith might cost if there aren't significant snaps available? Now, if one of those four veterans suffers a substantial injury between now and camp, yeah, the Lions should pick up the phone.

Regarding the hypothetical of losing Hutchinson to injury again, it's like asking how well any NFL team is equipped to lose a superstar. There's going to be a drop-off, and there's no reasonable way to replace that kind of production. Even re-signing Smith would only backfill a fraction of Hutchinson's impact.
 
Q: What is your projection for who starts the season opener at LG and RG? Assuming good health, who starts at each position in the second half of the year? — Brent Nelson

Justin: Until I see Tate Ratledge and Miles Frazier on the field, I’m going to lean toward the incumbents, Graham Glasgow and Christian Mahogany, as your Week 1 starters. That said, I’m writing that prediction in pencil, and I’m not pressing hard on the paper, so it’s easier to erase.

Longer-term, I’d lean toward Ratledge taking over one of those jobs. As for Frazier, I’ll readily admit that the small sample size of Mahogany’s spot starts in 2024 is the foundation of my strong opinions regarding his starting potential. It’s entirely possible he’s not nearly as consistent on the practice field, opening the door for Frazier to push for a starting job this season or next.

Q: The NFL schedule is released on May 14. Call it: What are the SNF games? What last-week-of-the-season division matchup will they pick for the most drama? How will they creatively punish your sleep and travel schedule? —Cory Harris

Q: Do you believe the Lions will have any primetime home games? — Michael Moore

Justin: The road slate is definitely more compelling for primetime matchups, with showdowns against Washington, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Kansas City, Cincinnati and the Los Angeles Rams. Any of those games could get the bump. As for the home games, the best primetime candidates are Chicago, Green Bay and Pittsburgh, strictly because the Steelers are always a national draw.

I’m guessing the Lions get five primetime games on top of their annual Thanksgiving contest.

Here are some blind guesses.

Primetime: Washington (SNF), Philadelphia (SNF), Kansas City (SNF), Baltimore (TNF), Pittsburgh (MNF)

Thanksgiving: Chicago

End season: At Green Bay

I hope I’m wrong, and they’re all on Sunday at 1 p.m. outside of Thanksgiving.
 
Leroy Hoard said:
BobbyLayne said:
hope I’m wrong, and they’re all on Sunday at 1 p.m. outside of Thanksgiving.
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This is me. I don't need a national spotlight for validation that this is a good team. I want what's convenient for me.
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Same. 1 p.m. Sunday works best for me. When I was working, I'd miss 5 or 6 Baltimore games per year because I had to get up so early. I have a feeling that Goodell and the schedule-makers dismissed all of my phone calls asking them to correct it, though.
 
Uruk-Hai said:
Leroy Hoard said:
BobbyLayne said:
hope I’m wrong, and they’re all on Sunday at 1 p.m. outside of Thanksgiving.
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This is me. I don't need a national spotlight for validation that this is a good team. I want what's convenient for me.
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Same. 1 p.m. Sunday works best for me. When I was working, I'd miss 5 or 6 Baltimore games per year because I had to get up so early. I have a feeling that Goodell and the schedule-makers dismissed all of my phone calls asking them to correct it, though.
Click to expand...

If my treatment plan allows for it, plan to go to all three mid-Atlantic road games: M&T Bank + Lincoln + Northwest. I love visiting Baltimore and Philly, will make those weekend getaways. The in-laws in VA have a Commanders insider to get good seats for that one.
 
King of the Jungle said:
Payne said:
Nothing screams "win now" like this.

Detroit Lions WR Isaac TeSlaa, who the team drafted in the third round, is a 'potential sleeper' and 'budding freak athlete,' in the opinion of The Detroit Free Press' Carlos Monarrez, but is also someone that could 'need time to develop.' TeSlaa is capable of lining up in the slot or out wide.
Click to expand...
The nice thing is that they do not need him to be a top 3 target right now. Line him up for some splash plays against weaker coverage and allow him to use his speed and athleticism. They would have not sought him out if they did not feel like he the baseline skills to develop and improve imo. This pick had me scratching my head a little, but Brad has earned my trust so I will give him the benefit of the doubt to at least see how it pans out.
Click to expand...
All true. OR, maybe they could have use that 3rd rounder on an Edge who could start now. That was my point.
 
Payne said:
King of the Jungle said:
Payne said:
Nothing screams "win now" like this.

Detroit Lions WR Isaac TeSlaa, who the team drafted in the third round, is a 'potential sleeper' and 'budding freak athlete,' in the opinion of The Detroit Free Press' Carlos Monarrez, but is also someone that could 'need time to develop.' TeSlaa is capable of lining up in the slot or out wide.
Click to expand...
The nice thing is that they do not need him to be a top 3 target right now. Line him up for some splash plays against weaker coverage and allow him to use his speed and athleticism. They would have not sought him out if they did not feel like he the baseline skills to develop and improve imo. This pick had me scratching my head a little, but Brad has earned my trust so I will give him the benefit of the doubt to at least see how it pans out.
Click to expand...
All true. OR, maybe they could have use that 3rd rounder on an Edge who could start now. That was my point.
Click to expand...
I understand. I assume they did not have an edge rated that highly at that point.
Payne said:
King of the Jungle said:
Payne said:
Nothing screams "win now" like this.

Detroit Lions WR Isaac TeSlaa, who the team drafted in the third round, is a 'potential sleeper' and 'budding freak athlete,' in the opinion of The Detroit Free Press' Carlos Monarrez, but is also someone that could 'need time to develop.' TeSlaa is capable of lining up in the slot or out wide.
Click to expand...
The nice thing is that they do not need him to be a top 3 target right now. Line him up for some splash plays against weaker coverage and allow him to use his speed and athleticism. They would have not sought him out if they did not feel like he the baseline skills to develop and improve imo. This pick had me scratching my head a little, but Brad has earned my trust so I will give him the benefit of the doubt to at least see how it pans out.
Click to expand...
All true. OR, maybe they could have use that 3rd rounder on an Edge who could start now. That was my point.
Click to expand...
Who did you like at Edge in that spot that you believe could have contributed right away?
 
Payne said:
Nothing screams "win now" like this.

Detroit Lions WR Isaac TeSlaa, who the team drafted in the third round, is a 'potential sleeper' and 'budding freak athlete,' in the opinion of The Detroit Free Press' Carlos Monarrez, but is also someone that could 'need time to develop.' TeSlaa is capable of lining up in the slot or out wide.
Click to expand...
TeSlaa doesn’t look he’s ready to contribute outside of special teams. It’s rare to find someone who is fully behind this pick. Almost all criticism of the Lions draft is focused on TeSlaa and waiting till late to draft an edge.
As you point out TeSlaa is not a win now pick and will be a frustrating pick if injuries hit again this year.
Holmes is not afraid to go against the grain and go all out to get his guys. In politics they ask you to determine your vote by “whether you are better or worse than you were 4 years ago “. Well there is absolutely no question that the Lions are better off than they were 4 years ago.
So what I’m saying is that you take the good with the bad if the good far outweighs the bad. Regarding the bad Broderick Martin appears to be a failure, the jury is still out on Manu and TeSlaa we haven’t even seen at a rookie minicamp. If any of these three guys turns out to be an All Pro Holmes will come out a winner. We don’t know yet.
That said I didn’t like any of these three trade ups for project players but also I think it somewhat strange for me and others to be overly critical of people who produced a 15-2 record, two consecutive division titles, two consecutive playoff appearances, exciting football after 60 some years of terrible football and at best mediocrity. They definitely were a Super Bowl contender until the injuries.

So I think Holmes deserves to be given the benefit of the doubt until proven otherwise.
 

DFN Lions Mailbag, Part II: A LaPorta bounce back, defining success in '25, and non-obvious players meriting extensions​


And we’re back with another batch of mail.

Q: What was the 2025/26 ceiling and floor for NFC North teams heading into the draft and now coming out? — Ron Haskell

Q: Do you think there has been a shift by the other teams in the NFC North to adjust their rosters to match up better against the Lions' physical and aggressive play style? — Brian Bamberg

Justin: According to some quick research on over/under win totals before and after the draft, none of the projections for the NFC North teams changed. We know, based on what we've seen with the Lions, that rookies can have a significant impact, but it's not something you should anticipate.

For example, we don't know if Matthew Golden is going to immediately (or ever) emerge as a long-coveted No. 1 receiver for the Packers or if he'll blend in with their current stable of pass-catchers who would be better described as No. 2 options.

The Bears, meanwhile, continued building around last year's No. 1 pick, QB Caleb Williams. After bolstering his blocking in free agency, they gave him premium weapons with their selections of tight end Colston Loveland and wide receiver Luther Burden. Ben Johnson should be able to put together a much more potent scoring offense than last year's 28th-ranked unit.

In terms of the most-improved roster through the entirety of the offseason, on paper, it's Chicago.

Finally, in Minnesota, I appreciate the team's continued focus on their offensive line after a couple of key free-agent signings, drafting Ohio State guard Donovan Jackson in the first round. Like Chicago, that's as important a component as any when investing in a young QB.

Pending the pace of J.J. McCarthy’s development, I think any of these four teams could win the division at least once in the next two seasons. For now, Detroit remains the favorite in 2025.

And to answer the second question, all three opponents poured resources into their trenches, particularly in free agency, in an effort to keep pace in the physicality department.

Q: Do you expect Sam LaPorta to have a bounce-back Year 3? And in that same vein, will Colston Loveland approach Sam's rookie-year production with the Bears? — John Lawton

Justin: I don't really believe LaPorta had a down year, even if his production dipped. What we saw was a shift in the roster's overall dynamics, with Jared Goff attempting 11% fewer passes, plus the emergence of Jameson Williams as a key cog in the passing game. Seeking more targets for LaPorta equates to asking for fewer for Gibbs and Williams.

LaPorta caught a higher percentage of his targets in his second season and averaged significantly more yards per catch (17% increase). He also had a better target-to-touchdown ratio. That's despite battling a lower-body injury coming into the season that contributed to a slower-than-desired start.

Understand that over the final five games, LaPorta produced at a pace that would have resulted in nearly 100 catches and more than 1,100 yards across a full 17-game schedule.

As for Loveland, it’s speculative, but with good health, I could see the former Michigan standout quickly becoming Caleb Williams’ favorite target. Does that result in 900 yards and 10 touchdowns as a rookie? That’s a little bold for me to suggest, but we also shouldn’t be stunned if he comes close.

Q: Are there any positions where you're expecting a turnover in leadership? Has there been a Kalf Raymond to Amon-Ra St. Brown succession in recent years, or is it more collaborative? — Sam

Justin: With the way this roster is constructed, leadership isn't heavily concentrated within position groups. St. Brown, Raymond and Tim Patrick all bring standard-setting leadership traits in the receiving room. Even young players like Penei Sewell — a captain, by the way — and Jack Campbell are tone-setting leaders where there are established veteran voices at those positions.

In terms of leaders lost this offseason, Carlton Davis and Kevin Zeitler weren't the most vocal veterans, but they led by example. There's plenty to cover a departure in the o-line room, while DJ Reed can fill the void created by Davis' exit.

In 2026, if Alex Anzalone isn't re-signed, Campbell and Barnes are capable of replacing a lot of what would be lost. Meanwhile, Alim McNeill might need to find a bigger voice behind the scenes, with DJ Reader not likely to be re-signed.

Q: Since you've started covering the Detroit Lions, it's obvious this regime is the best during that time. When did you feel that they knew exactly what they were doing, and it would make writing your articles better in some respects and tougher in others, such as new expectations? — Kenneth Lane

Justin: It wasn't possible to get much of a read on anything in 2021 as the new leadership took a wrecking ball to what they inherited, both the personnel and the culture within the building.

I've generally subscribed to the idea that, outside of extreme situations, a rebuild merits three years before considering significant changes. So, I wasn't all that concerned when they started 1-6 the following season. However, it was during the turnaround down the stretch of that campaign that you easily recognized Dan Campbell's messaging and approach were sinking in, and this thing had a shot.

With Holmes, his evaluation skills revealed themselves rather early. Sewell was a no-brainer, but McNeill, St. Brown, Kerby Joseph and Malcolm Rodriguez were impressive hits in those first two drafts.

The free agency stuff was more of a mixed bag early. Still, halfway through Year 2, both Campbell and Holmes were building real equity in their abilities.

As for the job, it's not any different. It's the NFL, so there were always plenty of eyeballs on what I was writing. Fans just became more focused on the present results than what was coming in the future (hirings/firings, free agent signings and the draft).

Q: Injuries aside, and given our difficult road schedule this year, what would be a good record this coming season? — Jacob Schans

Justin: Vegas has set the over/under at 10.5. That means 11-12 wins would be a successful regular season. A third consecutive NFC North title would really help, as well. Regardless, we can all agree that the true barometer of success will be determined by the playoffs.

Missing the postseason? Failure.

One-and-done? Failure.

Divisional Round exit? It wouldn't be an outright failure, but it would be unquestionably disappointing.

NFC Championship appearance or better? Success with varying degrees.

Q: What was Mekhi Wingo's injury? What is his prognosis for return? — Tlc

Justin: It was a meniscus tear. I don't have enough details to provide you with the type of tear. He told me after the season that the timeframe for recovery was 5-6 months. The team could demonstrate some caution with his re-acclimation, but as long as there aren't any setbacks, I anticipate Wingo will be something close to full-go for training camp.

Q: How important do you think it is to have trick plays in our offense? Could we be as successful if Morton runs a more traditional offense? —Aaron Talley

Justin: I assume you’re talking about the extreme stuff that makes the end-of-season highlight reels and not low-level misdirection, such as play-action. In that case, they are minimally important.

It’s far superior to execute the foundational elements of your offensive scheme at a high rate of success than to have a double-reverse flea flicker thrown to an eligible offensive tackle in the second quarter of a Week 7 game against Jacksonville.

Having an arsenal of trick plays does add to the stress you put on a defense, both in preparation and on game day. And, realistically, they can be good for morale because they’re fun and give players an opportunity to contribute in unique ways.

Regardless, I don’t think trick plays are what made the Lions’ offense successful in recent years; it’s simply made the team more fun and entertaining to watch.

Q: If you could give a mid-season extension to players on the current roster other than Hutchinson, who would they be, and what would those extensions look like? — Minki

Justin: There aren't any pressing extension candidates, but I'd keep ongoing dialogues with Anzalone, Rodriguez, Amik Robertson and Levi Onwuzurike based on how the season develops.

Of that group, and based on the roster's current construction, I'd be most inclined to pay the linebackers. Even though Anzalone is closer to the end of his career, his value on and off the field is difficult to understate. If there was a way to keep him in Detroit on a two-year contract (add in void years if you must) for $8-10 million per, I wouldn't hesitate.

As for Rodriguez, he's offers stellar depth and steady special teams contributions. He might find a suitor willing to give him low-level starter money if he waits until free agency, but something like two years, $8 million would be worthwhile for the Lions to consider.

Q: What are the positions to have a surplus of NFL-caliber players likely to get traded for 2026 draft capital before cut downs at the end of training camp? — Rockne

Justin: It's probably overly optimistic to think opposing general managers will be offering up draft picks for Detroit's bubble players. Every so often, a team can parlay a good preseason performance into a conditional late-round draft pick, particularly when those teams are desperate to fill an injury void.

It's possible the Lions could pull one of those conditional picks for an offensive or defensive lineman or a linebacker if things fell just right. But I wouldn't count on that happening.
 
Q: The Lions’ current coaching staff is made up of several former players. Could you give us some names of players on the current roster who have the intelligence, leadership qualities, and work ethic to someday be a future coach in the NFL? — Ric Blackwell

Justin: Typically, the players who go into coaching aren’t the stars. One, because they made enough money that they don’t have to work the insanely long hours required to be even a low-level position coach, and two, it can be difficult to teach lesser talents how to maximize their gifts when you didn’t have that experience.

I have no doubt Anzalone could be a coach, but based on conversations with him, I don’t think he pursues that post-career path. Maybe at the high school level, especially if he can work with his son. The same could be said for DJ Reader.

A few players who could coach college or pros if they wanted to pursue that path: Kalif Raymond, Brock Wright, Grant Stuard and Craig Reynolds. That’s a group of players who have had to scrap to make it in this league, understand the value of finding any way they can to contribute, work diligently at the details of their craft, and have good chemistry with their teammates.

Q: Given the Lions’ current depth at safety, are there plans to sign a veteran free agent before training camp to bolster the position? — Ryan Sheedy

Justin: I think it’s too early to say they have plans to do so. If they wanted a veteran safety, there are plenty on the market, and they’d already be in the building.

I think there’s the potential to add one ahead of camp. However, the Lions are likely to assess how well their young players — Loren Strickland, Morice Norris and seventh-round pick Dan Jackson — are coming along through the early portions of the offseason program before making an unnecessary addition.
 
BobbyLayne said:
Why doesn’t Brad Holmes just draft another Hutchinson? Is he stupid?
Click to expand...
To be fair, in his interview after the draft he was asked about not drafting an edge.
His response was "we already have one". Are there rules that do not allow having more than one elite edge rusher?

That being said, sounds like Smith may come back. Hopefully he and Davenport can platoon and see a little less protection on their side thanks to Hutch coming back and can put up better numbers than he did last year.
 
Holmes said more than once that he tried to trade up in both the first and 2nd round, presumably for an edge. Stewart in the first seems like the most logical target but he went 17th overall.

I wish we had drafted an edge higher but Holmes will not reach for need and that part I am in 100% agreement.

I heard an audio piece from Todd McShay where he said the Lions reached for almost all of their players. Then he said who are you going to trust, me or Brad Holmes?

That's where I am right now.
 
Moonlight said:
TeSlaa doesn’t look he’s ready to contribute outside of special teams.
Click to expand...
I think TeSlaa will play some this year and likely get snaps in the red zone. He has great hands and if he gets his hands on the ball he's going to catch it. He has a huge catch radius. Obviously he is a bit raw and needs work in certain areas, namely beating press man coverage and improving his route running. But he is an elite athlete and there is a lot of upside. There were reports that Denver might take him at 74 but I still didn't care for the trade up. I can't argue with the talent though.
 
Zeppelin said:
Moonlight said:
TeSlaa doesn’t look he’s ready to contribute outside of special teams.
Click to expand...
I think TeSlaa will play some this year and likely get snaps in the red zone. He has great hands and if he gets his hands on the ball he's going to catch it. He has a huge catch radius. Obviously he is a bit raw and needs work in certain areas, namely beating press man coverage and improving his route running. But he is an elite athlete and there is a lot of upside. There weret reports that Denver might take him at 74 but I still didn't care for the trade up. I can't argue with the talent though.
Click to expand...
I can see that but I think that the Lions will move him to play predominantly outside. I don’t think he’s sudden enough to play consistently in the slot and St. Brown is already there.
To play outside he’s going to need more time and as you mentioned learn to beat press. He’s been described as a ferocious blocker and I can see him applying that mindset to beat press coverage.

Seemingly the Lions may look at him as being capable of replacing either Jamo or Patrick in the future. I think his skill set can lead him to being a Mike Evan’s type outside receiver if things go well.

I agree with your point that they will give him some play in end zone packages but I don’t know how successful he will be out of the gate.
 
Studying Ahmed Hassanein's Boise State tape to understand what Lions are getting in sixth-round edge rusher

Whether it was an expectation or merely a hope, Detroit Lions fans wanted to see their team come out of the 2025 NFL Draft with at least one edge rusher. However, the board fell in a way that the team didn't address the position until the sixth round, where they snagged Boise State's Ahmed Hassanein with pick No. 196.

The on-paper production unquestionably looks promising. In Hassanein's two seasons as a starter for the Broncos, he racked up 22.0 sacks, 33 tackles for loss, and 115 quarterback pressures.

Then we (virtually) met the player, and it became even easier to understand the fit. Hassanein's journey to the NFL is remarkable— from spending most of his life in Egypt to picking up the game of football six years ago — and his intensity oozes from his every pore.

Twice during that brief conference call, he expressed a willingness to die for this opportunity. Written out, it admittedly reads like hyperbole, but listening to him say it, it's difficult to dismiss the genuineness of his passion for giving everything he has for those who have invested belief in him.

The Lions are counting on that level of dedication to enable Hassanein to maximize his potential. But before he takes the practice field for the first time for the Lions, let's examine his Boise State tape to understand the lump of clay Detroit has added to its roster.

Quick bio​

Born in California, Hassanein spent most of his youth living with his family in Egypt. There, he participated in several sports, including becoming a top-ranked CrossFit competitor in his country and on the African continent.

At 16 years old, Hassanein moved back to the United States to live with his half-brother. Experiencing football for the first time, he first tried his hand at wide receiver and linebacker before finding a comfort level with the see-ball, get-ball responsibilities of a defensive lineman.

Inspired by watching Aaron Donald on TV, and refining his pass-rush techniques through YouTube videos and camps, Hassanein started drawing college offers, eventually committing to Boise State. His brother's former high school teammate, Spencer Danielson, was coaching the team's defensive line and has since been promoted to the school's head coach.

Games watched​

2024 season: at Oregon, vs. Oregon State, vs. Washington State, vs. Penn State (Playoffs)

Statistics​

2021: Nine games, 48 defensive snaps, five tackles

2022: 12 games, 299 defensive snaps, 13 tackles, 2.0 sacks, one forced fumble

2023: 14 starts, 750 defensive snaps, 53 tackles, 12.5 sacks, two forced fumbles

2024: 14 starts, 732 defensive snaps, 48 tackles, 9.5 sacks, one fumble recovery

Athletic profile​

A short, stocky edge defender, Hassanein measured 6-foot-2, 267 pounds ahead of the draft. A plus athlete, he posted above-average results in the vertical jump and 40-yard dash. His 10-yard split on the sprint was below average, and he opted against doing the agility drills, suggesting below-average initial burst. What stood out was his strength. He performed 27 reps on the bench press, which ranked in the top five for his position at this year's combine.

Durability​

Hassanein appeared in all 28 games for Boise State the past two seasons, logging nearly 1,500 snaps. Between his junior and senior seasons, he underwent shoulder surgery to repair a torn labrum.

Usage​

Primarily used on the edge, Hassanein split his playing time nearly evenly between the left and right sides of the Broncos' defensive formations. He was occasionally shifted inside or asked to play off the ball, but rarely more than a handful of times in a given game.

On special teams, he was limited to kick block and punt return during his four-year college career.

Skill assessment​

Get off/Explosiveness: Hassanein is inconsistent with firing from his stance. When he times things right, he comes out with good leverage and has an adequate initial stride to threaten the blocker quickly. Still, too often he’s a tick slow at the snap, putting him at an early disadvantage.

Bend: One of the most noticeable weaknesses on Hassanein’s tape is his lack of lower-body flexibility. That limits his ability to run the arc around the outside shoulder of an offensive tackle. If he can’t go through the blocker, he’s unlikely to affect the pocket.

Power: Hassanein has excellent play strength. He generates pop through his hands, which results in an initial knockback. He also possesses a strong anchor, which pairs well with his consistent leverage. The challenge of displacing him from a gap showed up multiple times when he didn’t concede an inch while taking on a pulling backside block.

Rush moves/hand usage: Hassanein’s move set is unrefined and lacks a go-to option. He showed an ability to use rip, swim, and club moves, but not with any proficiency. He often lacks a plan once his bull rush is stymied, frequently getting stuck on his block. There were multiple times when he tried to spin free from a stalemate, but those efforts were plodding and easily controlled by the linemen.

Closing speed: While the first step is average, Hassanein builds up speed quickly. The trait is best demonstrated when looping inside on stunts. When he finds a lane, he gets through the line and closes on the quarterback in a hurry. However, the defender’s top-end speed isn’t enough to threaten chasing down most running backs from the backside.

Motor: The effort will never be questioned. Hassanein was asked to play a heavy workload the past two seasons and didn't show fatigue late in games or quit in his pursuit from snap to whistle.

Run-stopping/tackling: Hassanein is capable of setting a firm edge, forcing runners to stick to inside lanes, although he will occasionally get caught cheating, conceding the corner for a back to bounce their carry around the corner.

Against outside zone looks, Hassanein regularly showed an ability to split blockers to get into the backfield and disrupt the play.

When he can square up, Hassanein wraps up and drives through the ball carrier. However, his length is an issue when his angle of attack is subpar, resulting in a number of broken arm tackles.

Conclusion​

We're not in the business of sugar-coating things. Hassanein looks every bit like a sixth-round pick, with physical limitations and much-needed development before he's ready to meaningfully contribute on defense.

The foundation is there for a solid run defender. He can set an edge, shed-and-stack blocks, and split defenders against zone blocking schemes.

The pass-rush is a long way off from being a factor. Even with his bull rush, he's unable to sustain his leg drive to condense the pocket. He could have an early impact running stunts, either as the setup man through his initial pop and ability to anchor his positioning, or looping through an inside lane.

Hassanein's current form — both frame and skill set — is reminiscent of Isaac Ukwu, an undrafted rookie from a year ago. With some development, the ceiling might be closer to Josh Paschal, the team's second-round pick in 2022. Similar to Hassanein, Paschal is a solid run defender with a limited pass-rush ceiling because of his limited burst, bend and length.

Despite not being asked to do it often, Hassanein does have some potential as a situational rusher on the inside because of his strength and leverage, especially with the maturation of his swim and rip moves.
 
BobbyLayne said:

Breaking down Lions’ uniquely-structured Kerby Joseph 4-year extension​


Breaking down all the details of the Detroit Lions’ 4-year extension for safety Kerby Joseph.
Jeremy Reisman - Pride of Detroit

Last month, we broke down the contracts for cornerback D.J. Reed and linebacker Derrick Barnes, pointing out a relatively new strategy the Detroit Lions are implementing: option bonuses.

In short, option bonuses are decisions that teams make by a certain date to keep the player on the team (exercise the option bonus) or cut the player before the option bonus kicks in. The benefit of an option bonus is two-fold. One, it is non-guaranteed money for the team before it is exercised (it becomes guaranteed when exercised). Two, once exercised, the option bonus is divided evenly over the rest of the contract (up to five years). For example, rather than giving a player a $15 million salary in Year 1 of a three-year deal, a team can use an option bonus of $15 million that will hit the cap at just $5 million each year. Essentially, it’s a way of kicking cap hit down the road.

With Kerby Joseph’s new four-year, $85 million contract extension, the Lions are using an option bonus for every single year of the extension. That way, it keeps the salary and cap hit numbers down each year, but it will result in a costly bill at the end of the contract.

Here are the details, as reported by OverTheCap:

Main points:

  • Signing bonus: $10,011,000 ($2.0022M cap hit per year)
  • 2026 option bonus: $9,625,000 ($1.925M cap hit per year)
  • 2027 option bonus: $16,580,000 ($3.316M cap hit per year)
  • 2028 option bonus: $19,035,000 ($3.807M cap hit per year)
  • 2029 option bonus: $23,905,000 ($4.781M cap hit per year)
  • Workout bonuses: $150,000 each year
  • Up to $510,000 game-day roster bonuses each year
  • 4 void years starting in 2030
The base salary amazingly stays under $2 million each year, but that’s because the Lions have basically replaced salaries with option bonuses. We often see teams restructure a contract by turning salary into a signing bonus that is spread over the length of the contract. The Lions have basically done that ahead of time.

All of the option bonuses + 1/5th of the signing bonus automatically hits the cap in 2030—as they are the remaining guarantees from each option bonus that is exercised. However, if the Lions opt to extend Kerby Joseph at any time before the contract voids in 2029, those cap hits can stay in the years that they’re currently listed under rather than all hitting the cap at once.

Let’s say the Lions decide to go in the other direction and cut Joseph before his massive 2029 option bonus. His cap hit in 2029 will actually go from $17,926,200 to over $31 million, but he’ll be completely off the books in 2030—whereas the current contract has the team on the books for that massive $39 million dead cap in that year.

Here’s what that year-by-year breakdown would look like:

In short, the Lions have managed to keep Joseph’s cap hit down incredibly low for the next four seasons. Here’s where Joseph ranks among other safeties in terms of cap hit each year.

  • 2025: $3.86M — 38th
  • 2026: $5.8M — 23rd
  • 2027: $9.16M — 11th
  • 2028: $13.0M — 3rd (only five players under contract in 2028)
  • 2029: $17.9M — 1st (only safety under contract in 2029)
The downside to structuring a deal like this is that, at some point, you’re going to have to pay a pretty massive dead cap hit. However, with so many Lions extensions on the horizon, the Lions are more than happy to kick that can down the road.
Click to expand...
That's really slick.

Benefit to this is they can also kinda pick the year, to some extent, when to cut him and eat the hit.

Don't want to do this with a lot of players. 4 void years, dang
 
massraider said:
BobbyLayne said:

Breaking down Lions’ uniquely-structured Kerby Joseph 4-year extension​


Breaking down all the details of the Detroit Lions’ 4-year extension for safety Kerby Joseph.
Jeremy Reisman - Pride of Detroit

Last month, we broke down the contracts for cornerback D.J. Reed and linebacker Derrick Barnes, pointing out a relatively new strategy the Detroit Lions are implementing: option bonuses.

In short, option bonuses are decisions that teams make by a certain date to keep the player on the team (exercise the option bonus) or cut the player before the option bonus kicks in. The benefit of an option bonus is two-fold. One, it is non-guaranteed money for the team before it is exercised (it becomes guaranteed when exercised). Two, once exercised, the option bonus is divided evenly over the rest of the contract (up to five years). For example, rather than giving a player a $15 million salary in Year 1 of a three-year deal, a team can use an option bonus of $15 million that will hit the cap at just $5 million each year. Essentially, it’s a way of kicking cap hit down the road.

With Kerby Joseph’s new four-year, $85 million contract extension, the Lions are using an option bonus for every single year of the extension. That way, it keeps the salary and cap hit numbers down each year, but it will result in a costly bill at the end of the contract.

Here are the details, as reported by OverTheCap:

Main points:

  • Signing bonus: $10,011,000 ($2.0022M cap hit per year)
  • 2026 option bonus: $9,625,000 ($1.925M cap hit per year)
  • 2027 option bonus: $16,580,000 ($3.316M cap hit per year)
  • 2028 option bonus: $19,035,000 ($3.807M cap hit per year)
  • 2029 option bonus: $23,905,000 ($4.781M cap hit per year)
  • Workout bonuses: $150,000 each year
  • Up to $510,000 game-day roster bonuses each year
  • 4 void years starting in 2030
The base salary amazingly stays under $2 million each year, but that’s because the Lions have basically replaced salaries with option bonuses. We often see teams restructure a contract by turning salary into a signing bonus that is spread over the length of the contract. The Lions have basically done that ahead of time.

All of the option bonuses + 1/5th of the signing bonus automatically hits the cap in 2030—as they are the remaining guarantees from each option bonus that is exercised. However, if the Lions opt to extend Kerby Joseph at any time before the contract voids in 2029, those cap hits can stay in the years that they’re currently listed under rather than all hitting the cap at once.

Let’s say the Lions decide to go in the other direction and cut Joseph before his massive 2029 option bonus. His cap hit in 2029 will actually go from $17,926,200 to over $31 million, but he’ll be completely off the books in 2030—whereas the current contract has the team on the books for that massive $39 million dead cap in that year.

Here’s what that year-by-year breakdown would look like:

In short, the Lions have managed to keep Joseph’s cap hit down incredibly low for the next four seasons. Here’s where Joseph ranks among other safeties in terms of cap hit each year.

  • 2025: $3.86M — 38th
  • 2026: $5.8M — 23rd
  • 2027: $9.16M — 11th
  • 2028: $13.0M — 3rd (only five players under contract in 2028)
  • 2029: $17.9M — 1st (only safety under contract in 2029)
The downside to structuring a deal like this is that, at some point, you’re going to have to pay a pretty massive dead cap hit. However, with so many Lions extensions on the horizon, the Lions are more than happy to kick that can down the road.
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That's really slick.

Benefit to this is they can also kinda pick the year, to some extent, when to cut him and eat the hit.

Don't want to do this with a lot of players. 4 void years, dang
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I think this is the first time seeing big option bonuses on an in-house extension. Kerby got less GTD upfront and total than the other LT resignings (Goff, Sewell, ARSB, McNeill.) Void years are just a tool, you can only kick the can down the road so much. Decker, Goff, Sewell, and McNeill have 1 void year, ARSB has 3 void years, DJ Reed (FA CB signing) and Joseph 4. Would be interesting to know what factors they consider when they put them in there, just not sure.

Cap space is in good shape rn ($42m under) but they're about to make Hutch the highest paid non-QB. Don't think anyone else will see an extension this year. Next year they are $35m over the cap but they have $104m available in simple restructure on 5 contracts so they definitely have designed their deals to give the club a lot of flexibility going forward. COO Mike Disner, who was on the search committee (along with Chris Spielman and owner Sheila Hamp) that found Holmes and hired Campbell, does a pretty good job making the numbers work. Here's been here 6 years and hopefully we don't lose him; he's been interviewed for a couple GM jobs but keeps coming back.
 
Rookie Minicamp this weekend. Scheduled OTAs are May 28-30 and June 3-5. As noted in the thread about a week ago, the mandatory June 10-12 Minicamp has been canceled. Campbell wanted the team to have more time off because adding the 5th preseason game (HOF v Chargers July 31) carries with it an earlier start date for Training Camp.

The NFL schedule comes out a week from today, and we'll get the dates for all 32 TC then.
 

Lions 2025 Rookie Minicamp Storylines​

What to watch for at Lions' 2025 rookie minicamp

The Detroit Lions will host their rookie minicamp this weekend, allowing coach Dan Campbell to get his first opportunity to work with the new group of young players. Both the team's draft picks and group of undrafted free agents will begin to learn the scheme for the first time with instruction from position coaches.

Additionally, the three-day event doubles as a job interview for tryout players brought in by the organization.

The Detroit Lions will host their rookie minicamp this weekend, allowing coach Dan Campbell to get his first opportunity to work with the new group of young players. Both the team's draft picks and group of undrafted free agents will begin to learn the scheme for the first time with instruction from position coaches.

Additionally, the three-day event doubles as a job interview for tryout players brought in by the organization.

Cross-training offensive linemen​

Holmes has voiced his desire for the team to cross-train both of the offensive linemen the team drafted, Tate Ratledge and Miles Frazier. This could come with some initial hiccups due to both spending prominent time at guard in college, though Frazier does have starting experience at both guard and tackle spots.

The Lions return for of their five starters, with the lone vacancy being at right guard. Ratledge played all but four snaps in his college career at right guard, making 36 starts in his final three years at Georgia. As a result, he could be an ideal fit to take over the position if he displays the capability.

However, Detroit also has second-year options Christian Mahogany and Giovanni Manu who will compete for reps. As a result, maximizing the versatility of these young linemen will be beneficial in order to give the Lions options with their depth.

It will also be interesting to see if the Lions deploy this cross-training approach to their undrafted free agents, including Mason Miller and Leif Fautanu. Miller was an FCS All-American at North Dakota State as a tackle, while Fautanu was a center at Arizona State.

Next training camp standout​

The Lions have a history of identifying strong undrafted free agents who fit their style and compete for spots on the roster. Detroit has kept at least one free agent from every class on the initial 53-man roster at the end of training camp.

Because of this, there will be plenty of attention on Detroit's crop of free agents this year. There are plenty of intriguing options in this year's group, including Miller, Syracuse wide receiver Jackson Meeks and Indiana TE/FB Zach Horton.

Detroit has also not hesitated to sign rookie minicamp tryout players who impress during their on-field drills. Last season, a pair of players stood out and earned training camp invitations. Both players, Kaden Davis and Parker Hesse, impressed in training camp with Hesse making the final roster.

With how much competition the Lions desire at each position, it wouldn't be surprising to see the team add another option from its pool of tryout players heading into training camp.
 
Looking forward to hearing how TeSlaa looks. I made it a point to draft him in my dynasty league.

May Holmes be right again and wave it in the faces of me and others who doubted the pick for one reason or another.
 
Lions immediately tested TeSlaa by having him face press coverage in 7 on 7s. He went against a back of the roster CB with 6 years of NFL experience. Definitely looks like they want to see if he can handle press and play outside.
 
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Moonlight said:
Lions immediately tested Texas by having him face press coverage in 7 on 7s. He went against a back of the roster CB with 6 years of NFL experience. Definitely looks like they want to see if he can handle press and play outside.
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Yeah he needs to work on both his release at the line and hitting his landmarks. Said in his media appearance he's been connecting with ARSB via text, met him in passing at the facility. I'm sure he'll be in California next month working with Goff and the other receivers (every June they have a 3 day private session in the LA area.) Said he hasn't met Jamo yet, but he's a big Lions fan so this is all a surreal dream rn. Local kid who said in h.s. he would play for the Detroit Lions (zero star recruit, but won a state championship at Ford Field as a Single Wing/no WRs quarterback.)

Biggest thing I noticed in watching his film is wasted footwork getting in and out of breaks. Chops his feet to slow down and rounds off on in breakers; he needs to plant and turn sharply, all of their offense depends on WRs being where they are supposed to be - he won't see targets until he gets that down cold. See Jamo Y1/Y2, was inconsistent hitting his landmarks.

Things to like: he's really good off schedule, working his way back to the QB when it breaks down, finding the open space in zones and settling down to give his thrower a big target. Which was basically every dropback at Arkansas, their OL was atrocious and the QB rarely had a chance to get through his progressions. But he has great hands (0 drops last two years), is a willing and effective blocker - I'm not talking crackbacks on DBs not looking his way, he showed he can engage and drive OLB - and he's clearly a highly intelligent kid. If he has the work ethic of Raymond and Saint he'll get on the right path. Gonna be a minute but man does he eat up grass in a hurry with those long strides. Also has LOTS of Special Teams experience on Punt Return and Coverage roles, I could see him being a meaningful 4-phase STer in 2025.
 

Rookie minicamp observations: Ratledge snapping, TeSlaa snagging, and a few tryout defenders flash​


Allen Park — For the first time since last season’s abrupt end, we got a chance to see some football being played at the Detroit Lions’ practice facility. On Friday, the team opened its three-day rookie minicamp.

Here are some observations from that padless practice. Remember, this is the first day on the job for most of the 40 individuals in uniform, so we're not going to get too carried away.

● Of the 40 players taking part in the minicamp, including 19 tryouts, only first-round draft pick Tyleik Williams didn’t participate. The defensive tackle was working off to the side with a trainer.

Williams downplayed the situation, although he recently shared a post on social media about continuing to work his way back from a hamstring injury he suffered during his pro day workout.

The Lions are typically cautious with these types of injuries, focused on not making a small issue worse. As long as Williams is able to get the mental reps and classroom work this weekend, there should be no concern.

● Second-round draft pick Tate Ratledge spent a considerable part of the day working at center. Often, these position shuffles are out of necessity — we’ve seen coaches stepping in to play QB at rookie minicamp in the past — but in this instance, the Lions had two experienced centers on the field in second-year man Kingsley Eguakun and undrafted rookie Leif Fautanu.

During a Zoom call on draft night, Ratledge shared that he had repped at center during Georgia’s fall practices. That added an intriguing layer of potential versatility to a prospect who had only played right guard in games during his college career.

There were a couple of bad snaps, but certainly didn’t come close to the degree of struggles we saw with the exchanges at last year’s rookie minicamp, where the ball repeatedly ended up on the ground.

If Ratledge ends up proving he’s capable in the role through this offseason, it could put more pressure on veteran Graham Glasgow to step up in his game in training camp. His versatility, particularly the ability to backup starting center Frank Ragnow, is one of the most valuable things he offers the Lions.

Ratledge did see some time at right guard, as well. The team’s other rookie lineman, fifth-round pick Miles Frazier, worked some at right guard and right tackle. Most of Eguakun’s snaps were at left guard.

● Rookie minicamp almost always sees a handful of NFL veterans getting tryouts. One of the more recognizable names in the mix for the Lions this weekend is defensive lineman Trevis Gipson, a former fifth-round pick for Chicago who turns 28 next month but has appeared in 53 games during his career.

Gipson had an inauspicious start to his day, getting tossed to the ground by 252-pound tight end Zach Horton, irking the veteran lineman who had some words for the rookie. The moment sparked a fire as Gipson found his way into the backfield multiple times after that snap.

● Two other tryout players, both rookies, who stood out were defensive lineman Keith Cooper Jr. and linebacker Corey Flagg Jr.

Cooper had previously been inaccurately reported as a UDFA signing for the Lions. The 6-foot-5, 280-pounder was a handful for Detroit’s blocking, getting penetration a handful of times, including back-to-back snaps.

As for Flagg, he’s a short but stout linebacker (5-foot-10, 231 pounds) who lined up on the edge in the Sam role and gave the offensive tackles problems with his burst, leverage and ability to bend the corner.

● Rookie receiver Isaac TeSlaa first caught my eye with a clean release and effortless sprint down the sideline, blowing past a cornerback who had been in press coverage.

At that point, the Lions were working on the installation of the play, and the ball wasn’t thrown. When the team progressed to seven-on-seven work, TeSlaa saw the first three targets of the segment. He made an impressive catch on a deep comeback route, where he showed a trait he repeatedly demonstrated on his college tape, looking back to the quarterback and adjusting his route.

TeSlaa demonstrated strong hands and came down with a couple of contested catches, but also had a couple of balls hit the ground where a defender was draped all over him. Maybe they were penalties, but he had the size advantage, and the ball placement from quarterback Cole Snyder was good enough that TeSlaa could have made both grabs.

In a move likely designed to accelerate TeSlaa’s development, he saw a lot of press coverage with veteran tryout corner Duke Shelley (53 games of NFL experience) typically on the assignment.

● Matching his college scouting report, undrafted receiver Jackson Meeks didn’t get a ton of separation on many of his routes. However, he showed a comfort level operating in close quarters, making two contested catches, including a deep grab over cornerback Tavian Montgomery near the end of practice.

● The biggest thing about Ahmed Hassanein that jumped out was how vocal he was ahead of the snap, identifying things in the offensive formation and relaying that info to his teammates.

● The intensity of defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard and running backs coach Tashard Choice stood out among the retooled staff. You can tell the two close friends are going to raise the level of competitiveness during practices this year.

● Tryout cornerback Tyson Russell, a rookie out of Vanderbilt, had a couple of PBUs, including one working against TeSlaa, but Russell definitely had an arm hooked around the waist of the third-round receiver.
 
Ahead of the release of the full 2025 schedule on May 14, the league's broadcast partners will announce select games on the following days:
  • NBC - Monday, May 12 on TODAY Show
  • FOX - Monday, May 12
  • Prime Video - Monday, May 12
  • ESPN - Tuesday, May 13 on Good Morning America
  • CBS - Wednesday, May 14 on CBS Mornings
  • Netflix - Wednesday, May 14
The NFL continues to master drawing things out.
 
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