OFF TOPIC: 2025-26 Official Detroit Lions UPDATE: Lions brutal schedule with times and dates announced, includes Christmas Day game

[Kevin Thomas]

Detroit Lions 2025 Mock Draft Roundup 12.0: Final predictions all over the place​

Taking a closer look at the prospects from the 2025 NFL Draft class that have been projected to the Detroit Lions over the past week.

With less than a week until the 2025 NFL Draft, we’re delivering our final Mock Draft Roundup of the offseason. Unfortunately, if you’re looking for clarity on who the Detroit Lions will select, you’re going to have to sift through a lot of overreactions to general manager Brad Holmes’ pre-draft press conference to find answers.


Earlier this week, Holmes made a point to emphasis that the Lions are a team that does not draft for need, and will always take the best player available, regardless of what anyone outside the organization thinks.


“I sometimes don’t understand the need thing because when each season ends, it’s going to be something else,” Holmes said. “Another player’s contract is going to end, another player, unfortunately, may be coming off an injury. Like, it’s going to be something different every single offseason. So if you’re trying to chase the what happened last season of, ‘Oh man, this guy’s contract is ending.’ You’re trying to chase. ‘Oh, this guy’s injured.’ You’re just kinda getting into a cycle that I think is a little bit dangerous to get into. So that’s why I’ve been more of a just get the best player.”


It appears draft analysts have taken Holmes at his word. Unlike in recent Roundups where the focus has been solely on offensive and defensive linemen, things opened all the way back up this week—with 21 different prospects being mocked to the Lions over 52 mock drafts.


Let’s take a look at those latest players and explore the likelihood of them being on the Lions' radar.

Offensive skill players​

Matthew Golden, WR, Texas​

Source: Stats and Insights Team (Pro Football Network)

“The Detroit Lions have been unafraid to make unconventional picks, with the shining example being Jahmyr Gibbs going No. 12 overall two years ago. Matthew Golden would raise similar eyebrows, as his speed-based skill set would overlap heavily with Jameson Williams.
“However, strong organizations address needs before they arise, and the Lions may not be able to retain Williams on a $20-25 million per year deal with all their other big contracts on offense. With Aidan Hutchinson also due his own mega-extension soon, replacing Williams’ skill set while also adding receiver depth in the short term might be the most prudent path to keep the offense rolling in the post-Ben Johnson era.”

Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State​

Source: Brian Lamb (Draft Countdown)

Luther Burden, WR, Missouri​

Source: Marc Ross (NFL.com), Ryan Fowler (Draft Network), Bryce Lazenby (Newsweek)

“The Lions take the best player available here as they add to an already highly explosive offense. Ben Johnson isn’t scheming things up anymore (that’s John Morton’s job now), but how hard could it be to find ways to get the likes of Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, Jahmyr Gibbs, Sam LaPorta, and now Luther Burden III the ball? That’s a fantastic problem to have.” — Fowler

Erik’s Thoughts:


Golden, Egbuka, Burden, and Tet McMillian are the four wide receivers most analysts believe could be selected in the first round. Seeing the Lions mocked three of them—after none in the last few weeks—is a bit surprising, but it’s not necessarily an idea that analysts just pulled out of nowhere.


Not only do analysts have to consider what Holmes said at his press conference, but they likely are also remembering that at the owners meetings, coach Dan Campbell said the team was looking to get younger at wide receiver.


Of the three options above, Golden is the cleanest fit, Egbuka is the grittiest, and Burden is unlike anyone they currently have on the roster.

Offensive line​

Tyler Booker, OG, Alabama​

Source: John Niyo (Detroit News), Chad Reuter (NFL.com), Mike Band (NFL.com), Michael Fabiano (Sports Illustrated), Nate Davis (USA Today), Jared Dublin (CBS Sports), Cameron Sheath (Pro Football Network), Keny Weyrauch (Fantasy Pros)

“Booker’s powerful presence would help fill the huge hole left by Kevin Zeitler on the Lions’ offensive line. Though he played primarily on the left side, Booker logged time at left and right guard at Alabama, and veteran Graham Glasgow has started on both sides, setting the team up to find a combination that maintains the strength of Detroit’s top unit.” — Reuter

Kelvin Banks, OL, Texas​

Source: JP Acosta (SB Nation), Jeff Kerr (CBS Sports), Jack McKessy (USA Today)

“The Lions get a great player in Banks at No. 28, one too good to pass up. While Banks can thrive at tackle, he could become an All-Pro at guard — especially on the Lions offensive line. Imagine him next to Penei Sewell.” — Kerr

Josh Simmons, OL, Ohio State​

Source: Dave Birkett via Joe Rivera (USA Today)

“I considered a pair of pass rushers at this pick: Boston College’s Donovan Ezeiruaku and Texas A&M’s Shemar Stewart, but Lions GM Brad Holmes is a best-available type guy and Simmons checks that box, assuming he’s healthy. Simmons won’t play right away and the Lions have a bigger need at edge, but they can fill that on Day 2.” — Birkett

Grey Zabel, IOL, North Dakota State​

Source: Hayden Winks (Underdog Fantasy), Jacob Infante (Pro Football Network)

“He’s the only potential 1st-rounder with an official visit that we know about, and it makes sense. The NDSU left tackle projects as a guard (or maybe center) in the pros, and the Lions have an open spot there for the first time in a bit. It’s been a priority position for this regime.” — Winks

Josh Conerly, OL, Oregon​

Source: Emory Hunt (CBS Sports), Tom Fornelli (CBS Sports)

“Versatility and talent combine to describe Conerly’s game. He’ll give the Lions a starter-in-waiting, as some are getting up there in age along the offensive line.” — Hunt

Donovan Jackson, OL, Ohio State​

Source: Nate Tice and Charles McDonald (Yahoo Sports), Jordan Dajani (CBS Sports)

“Christian Mahogany, a 2024 draft pick, looks like he will be the future starter at right guard for the Lions, but I still think the Lions are going to keep adding talent to the tip of the spear of their franchise. Jackson played admirably as a tackle after Josh Simmons was injured, but his best path as a professional is staying inside at guard. While the Lions might prefer a lineman with true inside-outside versatility for a possible Taylor Decker successor, Jackson has the size, power and athleticism to be a needle-mover at the position and will keep the cupboard full for offensive line coach Hank Fraley.” — Tice

Erik’s Thoughts:


Booker was mocked to the Lions more than any other player this week, and while it is likely not a direct result of him landing atop the Grit Index, I’ll be happy to take credit for it. I believe that Booker fits the Lions as well as, if not better than, every other prospect in this draft class, and they’d be wise to grab him if he’s available. But the reality is, at least half of the six linemen paired to the Lions will likely have already been selected—including Booker.


All six would make sense for the Lions in their own unique ways, but I listed them in the order I believe the Lions would prefer them.

Defensive tackle​

Derrick Harmon, 3T, Oregon​

Source: Sayre Bedinger (NFL Spin Zone)

“There is a lot to like about Oregon defensive tackle Derrick Harmon from his size to his strength at the point of attack, but what’s going to draw the eye of most NFL teams? He led all interior defensive linemen in college football last season with a whopping 55 total pressures and racked up 10.5 tackles for loss on top of it.” — Bedinger

Kenneth Grant, NT, Michigan​

Source: Michael Renner (CBS Sports), Danny Kelly (The Ringer)

“The Lions don’t have any real needs, so they can afford to take best value available. Grant is an explosive nose tackle who can push quarterbacks into Aidan Hutchinson’s waiting arms.” — Renner

Walter Nolen, DT, Mississippi​

Source: Dave Birkett via Luke Easterling (Anthon Sports)

“They have a bigger need at edge than defensive tackle, but if I’m the Lions, I’d prefer to roll the dice on Nolen than James Pearce Jr. with my first-round pick. Detroit won’t have Alim McNeill to start the season, so Nolen would slide into the rotation early and be a fixture as an interior playmaker for years to come.” — Birkett

Erik’s Thoughts:


This trio of defensive tackles have stuck around the Roundup for most of the offseason, and like with the offensive linemen, I have them ranked in the order I prefer. At different points of the offseason, I’ve had each of these prospects atop this group of three, but after competing my evaluations, I feel confident that Harmon would be the favorite for Detroit. His balanced skill set as a penetrating pass rusher and stout run stuffer would level-up the Lions middle of their defensive line.

Edge rusher​

Mykel Williams, EDGE, Georgia​

Source: Josh Edwards (CBS Sports), Field Yates and Mel Kiper (ESPN), Nick Wright (Fox Sports), Owain Jones (Pro Football Network), David Dorey (The Huddle)

“Mykel Williams is available later than many had anticipated. He is the powerful pass rusher who Detroit will likely covet. The opportunity to learn from Aidan Hutchinson should set him up to turn that potential into production.” — Edwards

Shemar Stewart, EDGE, Texas A&M​

Source: Richard Janvrin (Fantasy Pros), Steve Serby (NY Post), Daniel Belton (Cat Scratch Reader)

“The Lions have invited Shemar Stewart for an official visit. While he didn’t have much production in college, his explosiveness and violence fit the Dan Campbell mold, especially with Kelvin Sheppard as the new defensive coordinator. They’ll get Stewart on track. Stewart and Aidan Hutchinson are a scary duo.” — Janvrin

Mike Green, EDGE, Marshall​

Source: Matt Bitonti (Football Guys)

“The Lions had Aidan Hutchinson playing nearly every snap before he got injured, and no other defensive lineman had over fifty-five percent share. As Hutchinson broke down, that clearly can’t continue. Green is a beastly pass rusher with off-the-field concerns. The Lions are strong enough as a program to take a risk.” — Bitonti

Donovan Ezeiruaku, EDGE, Boston College​

Source: Kyle Crabbs (33rd Team), Adam Rank (NFL.com), Garrett Podell (CBS Sports), RJ White (CBS Sports), Ben Arthur (Fox Sports), Mike Randle (FTN Fantasy), Tom Rock (Newsday)

“The good news for Detroit is Hutch should be back at 100 percent this season after missing most of 2024. But Detroit will need a rush partner long-term to go with Aidan Hutchinson after moving on from Za’Darius Smith. Ezeiruaku has the potential to be a top-flight pass rusher, and putting him across from Hutchinson should give the Lions plenty of disruption to justify such a selection and lock in this duo long-term.” — Crabbs

Nic Scourton, EDGE, Texas A&M​

Source: Jordan Plocher (PFF), Joe Schad (Palm Beach Post), Matthew Jones (Fantasy Pros)

“Scourton gives the Lions another young edge defender to pair with Aidan Hutchinson. He has a different body type than Hutchinson, bringing a shorter and stockier build, so the two should complement each other. Scourton earned an 80.6 PFF pass-rush grade in 2024.” — Plocher

Landon Jackson, EDGE, Arkansas​

Source: Evan Silva (Establish the run)

“Lengthy, relentless, productive, and highly athletic edge rusher fits the Dan Campbell mold at Detroit’s biggest position of need opposite Aidan Hutchinson, who suffered a compound leg fracture last October.” — Silva

James Pearce, EDGE, Tennessee​

Source: Luke Easterling (Anthon Sports), David Bearman (Pro Football Network)

“Even before last year’s barrage of injuries along the defensive front, the Lions were already in need of another talented edge rusher to line up opposite Aidan Hutchinson. This year’s class is extremely deep, and could leave a value pick like Pearce still on the board here. He’s streaky, but Pearce has explosiveness and closing ability you just can’t teach.” Easterling

Erik’s Thoughts:


From start to finish, collectively, edge rushers have been the position most mocked to the Lions. However, with no real consensus after Penn State’s Abdul Carter, which edge rusher the Lions might be able to land is anyone’s guess.


I still believe Williams and Stewart provide the profile the Lions prefer in an edge rusher, but it’s hard to ignore what Green and Ezeiruaku bring to the party. In my personal Lions-based draft board, I have Scourton, Jackson, and Pearce another tier down the list and believe the Lions would prefer Williams, Stewart, Green, or Ezeiruaku if given a choice.

Linebacker​

Jihaad Campbell, LB, Alabama ​

Source: Ryan Novozinsky (NJ.com)

Lions Mock Draft Roundup 12.0: Final predictions all over the place

Taking a closer look at the prospects from the 2025 NFL Draft class that have been projected to the Detroit Lions over the past week.

www.prideofdetroit.com

 

[Kevin Thomas]

SI.com’s Albert Breer reports some people in NFL circles believe Lions WR Jameson Williams could be traded. It’s worth noting this is coming from a survey of personnel evaluators from other teams about the draft, not folks with the Lions. Detroit is reportedly planning on exercising Williams’ fifth-year option for 2026, which would be worth $15.493 million. However, the Lions have until May to officially decide and could instead opt to move the receiver and add a replacement in the draft rather than pick up the option.

Breer: Some Believe Lions WR Jameson Williams Could Be Traded

SI.com’s Albert Breer reports some people in NFL circles believe Lions WR Jameson Williams could be traded. It’s worth noting this is coming from a survey of pe

bvmsports.com

 

[Kevin Thomas]

The Detroit Lions will take on the Los Angeles Chargers in the annual Hall of Fame Game, the NFL announced Wednesday.

The game will kick off Enshrinement Week this summer in Canton, Ohio, and will take place at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium on July 31, with TV coverage on NBC.

"This game features two teams that can be considered legitimate contenders to reach Super Bowl LX next February,” Pro Football Hall of Fame president and CEO Jim Porter said in a statement. "For them to face each other right out of the gate in Canton, Ohio, should create a dynamic opening to another spectacular NFL season."

NFL tabs Lions, Chargers to play in this year's Hall of Fame Game

The 15-2 Lions and 11-6 Chargers will open the 2025 NFL exhibition season on July 31 as part of Enshrinement Week in Canton, Ohio.

www.usatoday.com

 

[Kevin Thomas]

 

[Kevin Thomas]

EXTENSION: All-Pro #Lions S Kerby Joseph is getting PAID. The deal includes a 4-year contract for $86 million with @Lions. Detroit now has the highest paid safety in NFL history

 

[Kevin Thomas]

DT Tyleik Williams from Ohio State is the Lions First Round Draft pick at No.28

 

[swimreaper]

Another Northern VA product making it to the league!

 

[Kevin Thomas]

 

[Kevin Thomas]

Brad Holmes on Round 2 of the Draft----

Tate Ratledge, offensive guard from Georgia.

Issac Teslaa wide receiver from Arkansas.

 

[Kevin Thomas]

 

[Kevin Thomas]

 

[swimreaper]

If somehow they could pull Sawyer, this would be a great draft. Fortified the lines and got an absolute flyer with size. One edge please.

 

[Kevin Thomas]

 

[Kevin Thomas]

Lions trade up again to draft 'mauler-type' guard Miles Frazier in fifth round​

Allen Park — The Detroit Lions made a third trade in the 2025 NFL Draft on Saturday, moving up to the fifth round on Saturday for LSU guard Miles Frazier.

Frazier becomes the second guard drafted by Detroit after the Lions traded up to take Georgia guard Tate Ratledge (57th overall) on Friday night.

The Lions sent pick Nos. 182 and 228 to the New England Patriots for pick No. 171.

Frazier (6-foot-6, 317 pounds) was a three-year starter at LSU, with most of his appearances at right guard. He played one game at right tackle in LSU's bowl game. Over 545 pass-blocking snaps in 2024, Frazier gave up no sacks and 13 pressures.

"I'm more of a mauler-type offensive lineman. I just want to get style points. My coach at LSU, Brad Davis, he coaches a lot about 'style points,' extra effort, knockdowns, pancakes," Frazier told local reporters via Zoom. "I just want to showcase that on the next level and just show that I'm very dominant and that'll reflect in my tape."


Frazier began his college career as a left tackle at Florida International, where he started 11 games as a redshirt freshman and was named a Freshman All-American. Over his college career, he’s played 28 games at right guard, 12 at left tackle, nine at left guard and two at right tackle. Despite not playing much tackle at LSU, he was the team's backup at both the left and right tackle positions.

"I just think think the versatility speaks for itself when you watch my tape. If anything happens at any moment, I'm able to jump to the left side, left guard, right guard, right tackle, left tackle," Frazier said. "The only position I haven't played is center, but I'm open to that too. ... My coaches had a lot of trust in me to have that versatility at the highest level."


The pick appears to be excellent value: NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah had Frazier as his 61st overall player, one spot ahead of Ratledge at 62. The Athletic’s Dane Brugler had Frazier ranked as his fifth guard and No. 81 overall.

Frazier said he became close with Ratledge during the pre-draft process. The two trained together in Frisco, Texas, with offensive line guru Duke Manyweather.

"I've met him during this whole pre-draft process, and every step of the way, I was with him training ... so I have a good relationship with Tate," Frazier said. "That's my dog. I just met him recently, but he's family."

Frazier becomes the second faller from LSU in as many years to be scooped up by Lions general manager Brad Holmes. Detroit took defensive tackle Mekhi Wingo in the sixth round of last year’s draft. Frazier said he's already familiar with the type of program Detroit runs — and the quality of its offensive line — through conversations with Wingo.

"I'm just blessed to be in this situation and blessed to be part of such a dominant offensive line in the NFL," Frazier said.

Following the trade, Detroit has three picks remaining: One in the sixth round and two in the seventh.

Lions trade up again to draft 'mauler-type' guard Miles Frazier in fifth round

Frazier was a three-year starter at LSU, with a majority of his appearances coming at right guard.

www.detroitnews.com

 

[Kevin Thomas]

Allen Park — The Detroit Lions have addressed their perceived need at edge rusher.

The Lions on Saturday selected Ahmed Hassanein (Boise State) in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft. Hassanein was productive in his collegiate career with the Broncos, tallying 119 total tackles (35 for loss) and 24 sacks over 49 appearances.

Hassanein is the first player from Egypt to ever play FBS football, according to the NFL Network.

Lions address need at edge with Boise State's Ahmed Hassanein in sixth round

The Detroit Lions have addressed their perceived need at edge rusher, selecting Boise State's Ahmed Hassanein in the sixth round.

www.detroitnews.com

 

[Kevin Thomas]

 

[Kevin Thomas]

Gold Jacket?

 

[Kevin Thomas]

 

[Kevin Thomas]

 

[Kevin Thomas]

Lions Draft 2025: Detroit selects Georgia S Dan Jackson in 7th round​

The Detroit Lions grabbed a gritty safety in Dan Jackson in the seventh round of the 2025 NFL Draft.

The Detroit Lions have selected Georgia safety Dan Jackson with the 230th pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.


Jackson fills one of Detroit’s final remaining needs, as the Lions only have Kerby Joseph, Brian Branch, Morice Norris, Erick Hallett, and Loren Strickland at the position. Jackson could contend for the third safety role on the team, as none of Detroit’s depth has much experience at the position. But he’s got a long road to get there.


A walk-on at Georgia, he played a lot of special teams before becoming a starter in 2024. A tier-two on our Grit Index, Jackson’s play is defined by his effort.


“Then he worked his way from eighth (defensive back) to sixth, and then he worked his way to fifth, then he blocks a punt,” Georgia coach Kirby Smart said in 2022. “All he does is give you everything he’s got every day.”

Detroit selects gritty Georgia safety Dan Jackson in 7th round

The Detroit Lions grabbed a gritty safety in Dan Jackson in the seventh round of the 2025 NFL Draft.

www.prideofdetroit.com

 

[Kevin Thomas]

Dan Jackson was a walk-on before earning a starting job in 2024. He started 13 games and recorded 64 tackles, one forced fumble, five passes defended and two interceptions. On 33 targets thrown his way in 2024, Jackson did not surrender a touchdown and allowed a passer rating of 56.3, per Pro Football Focus.

He has a chance to make an immediate impact on special teams at the NFL level.

 

[Kevin Thomas]

Allen Park — The Detroit Lions selected two more Georgia Bulldogs in the seventh round of the NFL Draft on Saturday, adding safety Dan Jackson (pick No. 230) and wide receiver Dominic Lovett (pick No. 244).

Jackson (6 feet, 194 pounds) was a Third Team All-SEC selection by the coaches in his conference. Jackson, 24, is a former walk-on who primarily played special teams over his Georgia career but became a starting safety as a redshirt senior in 2024.

Last season, Jackson recorded 64 combined tackles (two for loss) with two interceptions and three additional pass breakups. Over his career as a special-teams player, he has blocked a punt and a blocked field goal. In coverage, Jackson was the closest defender on 33 attempts; he allowed 23 receptions for 169 yards and an opposing passer rating of 56.3.

Lovett is also a special-teams maestro. At the combine, Lovett told reporters: "When I got to Georgia, I fell in love with special teams.


"We take pride in the special teams unit. ... Honestly, (it's) just another opportunity to be on the field. And special teams does impact the game, whether you know it or not. If we down the ball inside the 2(-yard line) with the defense that we've got, that's certainly a plus for us."

Jackson did a little bit of everything in his only season as a starter, lining up at both high safety and in the slot. He was named a nominee for the Burlsworth Trophy, which is given annually to the most outstanding player who began his career as a walk-on.

Jackson and Lovett were the second and third Georgia players drafted by the Lions in as many days. Detroit also drafted guard Tate Ratledge in the second round (57th overall) on Friday night.

Lions add Georgia's Dan Jackson, Dominic Lovett in seventh round

The Lions selected safety Dan Jackson and wide receiver Dominic Lovett.

www.detroitnews.com

 

[Kevin Thomas]

 

[Kevin Thomas]

 

[Kevin Thomas]

The #Lions are signing Grand Valley State Safety Ian Kennelly, per @gvsufootball

 

[Kevin Thomas]

 

[Kevin Thomas]

Holmes recaps the Lions draft

 

[Kevin Thomas]

 

[Kevin Thomas]

Detroit's mandatory minicamp was removed. The Lions were the only team that did not have dates listed.

The move to cut the event is presumably due to Detroit's participation in the Hall of Fame Game.

Lions cancel mandatory minicamp; rookie minicamp dates announced

The Detroit Lions won't be having a mandatory minicamp this offseason, a move made likely due to their participation in the Hall of Fame Game.

www.detroitnews.com

 

[Victory_Lap]

Gold Jacket?

Whoa that's not how I thought he would look.

I read the name and assumed he was Polynesian.

Looks and skin color don't matter but man, handsome kid.

 

[swimreaper]

Whoa that's not how I thought he would look.

I read the name and assumed he was Polynesian.

Looks and skin color don't matter but man, handsome kid.

Measured out at 6’4” and 220 and ran sub 4.4 at the combine, not some inflated fantasy land measurements who played against the best competition in college football. If he is even he is leaving, maybe after he has already ran over you.

 

[Kevin Thomas]

Tate Ratledge is ready to roar in the NFL, and it seems the former Georgia football team captain couldn’t have landed in a better situation.

The Detroit Lions, coming off back-to-back NFL playoff appearances for the first time in 30 years, strengthened their offensive line by selecting Ratledge in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft last Friday.

For Ratledge, who started 37 games at Georgia, it seems like a situation that was meant to be.


“There is actually a tattoo of a lion on my forearm — that kind of came full circle, and I didn’t even process that until now, a foreshadow,” Ratledge said during his post-draft video interview.

“I think Lions are the king of the jungle for a reason, just their mentality, their attitude, the way they go about their whole life,” Ratledge said. “I think it’s something that I kind of attach my lifestyle to, that mentality of never satisfied, never quits.”

No doubt, Ratledge paid his dues playing in one of the most physical and intense environments in college football over the past five seasons.

Ratledge has already lined up against some of the NFL’s best defensive linemen on a daily basis while developing into an elite player, himself, at Georgia.

Ratledge took on the likes of future NFL first-round picks Jordan Davis, Jalen Carter, Devonte Wyatt, Nolan Smith and Travon Walker while with the Bulldogs.

And now Ratledge, a former college All-American and Top 50 prep prospect from the Darlington School in Rome, Ga., is ready to mix it up alongside the best.

“(Detroit) has had one of the best offensive lines in the league for a while now, the way they play, they’re physical, they’re tough and play fast,” Ratledge said. “The tape, I watch a decent bit, (and) just watching them play and seeing how they play, and what I can do.”

Ratledge’s athleticism is impressive, to the extent he had the highest overall athleticism rate at the NFL combine, per NFL.com’s NextGen Stats Score Breakdown.

Ratledge, at 6-foot-6 an 308 pounds, ran a 4.97-second time in the 40-yard dash and did a 32-inch vertical jump in Indianapolis.

The football film was already in the books for the Lions, as general manager Brad Holmes explained.

“Tate fits what we’re looking for, whether he’s got his mullet or not, he plays the game the right way,” Holmes said. “He’s tough, he’s physical, he’s a lot more athletic than you may think, and he has a lot more versatility than people may realize.”

Ratledge has done his scouting, too, and will go into the Detroit locker room with inherent respect for head coach Dan Campbell.

“What Coach Smart and Coach Campbell believe in, they are right in line with each other,” Ratledge said. “They both believe in physical football players, tough football players, smart football players ….

“That’s the area I fit in and I’m excited to get up there.”

Why Detroit Lions found perfect fit in Georgia football captain Tate Ratledge

The Detroit Lions selected Georgia All-American Tate Ratledge in the second round, and he appears to be a perfect fit

www.dawgnation.com

 

[Kevin Thomas]

Former Spartan defensive tackle Raequan Williams is trying out with the Lions.

Williams has made prior stops in his career with Philadelphia, Jacksonville, and Carolina.

 

[Kevin Thomas]

Detroit Lions Rookies meet with the media | 2025 Rookie Minicamp​

 

[Kevin Thomas]

Detroit Lions schedule 2025 games​

• Week 1, Sunday, Sept. 7: at Green Bay Packers, 4:25 p.m., CBS
• Week 2, Sunday, Sept. 14: vs Chicago Bears, 1 p.m., Fox
• Week 3, Monday, Sept. 22: at Baltimore Ravens, 8:15 p.m., ESPN/ABC
• Week 4, Sunday, Sept. 28: vs Cleveland Browns, 1 p.m., Fox
• Week 5, Sunday, Oct. 5: at Cincinnati Bengals, 4:25 p.m., Fox
• Week 6, Sunday, Oct. 12: at Kansas City Chiefs, 8:20 p.m., NBC
• Week 7, Monday, Oct. 20: vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 7 p.m., ESPN/ABC
• Week 8: Bye
• Week 9, Sunday, Nov. 2: vs Minnesota Vikings, 1 p.m., Fox
• Week 10, Sunday, Nov. 9: at Washington Commanders, 4:25 p.m., Fox
• Week 11, Sunday, Nov. 16: at Philadelphia Eagles, 8:20 p.m., NBC
• Week 12, Sunday, Nov. 23: vs New York Giants, 1 p.m., Fox
• Week 13, Thursday, Nov. 27: vs Green Bay Packers, 1 p.m., Fox
• Week 14, Thursday, Dec. 4: vs Dallas Cowboys, 8:15 p.m., Prime
• Week 15, Sunday, Dec. 14: at Los Angeles Rams, 4:25 p.m., Fox
• Week 16, Sunday, Dec. 21: vs Pittsburgh Steelers, 4:25 p.m., CBS
• Week 17, Thursday, Dec. 25: at Minnesota Vikings, 4:30 p.m., Netflix
• Week 18, Saturday/Sunday, Jan. 3-4: at Chicago Bears, TBD

The Lions play a first-place schedule after winning the NFC North Division last season, their second straight division crown after not previously winning their division since 1993, meaning they play the other division winners in the NFC East (Philadelphia), NFC South (Tampa Bay) and AFC West (Kansas City).

The Lions schedule is ranked third-toughest based on projected 2025 team win totals posted by sportsbooks, and features seven road games against playoff teams from last season — that includes both Super Bowl participants.

 

[d_javier_v]

Has anyone done any metrics on all teams strength of schedule? I have a feeling that the entire NFC North is going to finish with a 10-7 record