BREAKING NEWS: Three Red-Hot Detroit Lions Takes from 2025 Minicamp That Have the Entire NFL Buzzing With Excitement

The 2025 NFL season might still be months away, but the Detroit Lions are already making noise — loud, thunderous noise — and that buzz has only grown stronger after their recently concluded minicamp. What was supposed to be a routine series of offseason workouts has now morphed into a whirlwind of headlines, speculation, and bold takes that could redefine Detroit’s season outlook.

Here are the three hottest Detroit Lions takes emerging from this year’s minicamp that fans, analysts, and league insiders simply can’t stop talking about.

Take 1: Jared Goff Has Never Looked More Confident — MVP Campaign Incoming?

Let’s not sugarcoat it — Jared Goff was good last year. Very good. But this minicamp? He looked elite. Goff’s pocket presence, velocity on throws, timing with receivers, and calm control over the offense have sparked serious MVP chatter around Allen Park.

Goff’s chemistry with Amon-Ra St. Brown was as crisp as ever. The duo connected repeatedly during 7-on-7 and 11-on-11 drills, including a pair of eye-popping deep bombs that had teammates erupting. What stood out more, however, was how seamlessly Goff incorporated new weapons like second-round pick Keon Coleman and veteran tight end Zach Ertz into the offense. He’s making it look easy.

“He’s just got command,” said offensive coordinator Ben Johnson. “I mean, we’ve seen Jared operate at a high level, but this? This is another gear.”

It’s not just the staff saying it. Defensive players, including veteran safety Kerby Joseph, noted Goff’s improved manipulation of coverages and his ability to read defensive disguises better than ever.

If he continues this trajectory into the preseason, there’s no question Goff could be a legitimate dark-horse MVP candidate in 2025. The numbers should come naturally with all the firepower Detroit now boasts, but it’s the mental and leadership leap that has people truly excited.

Take 2: Rookie Ennis Rakestraw Jr. Already Looks Like CB1 Material

When the Lions took Ennis Rakestraw Jr. in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft, many viewed it as a depth or long-term move. But if this minicamp showed anything, it’s that Rakestraw may be ready to make an immediate and massive impact.

He’s sticky in coverage. Physical at the line. He chirps, competes, and plays like a 10-year veteran — and maybe most importantly, he doesn’t back down from anyone. During the second day of minicamp, Rakestraw matched up against Jameson Williams on three straight reps and broke up two passes, including one in the red zone that left the offense momentarily stunned.

Head coach Dan Campbell didn’t hide his excitement: “The kid’s got some real bite. I mean, you love that as a coach. He’s gritty. He doesn’t flinch.”

Rakestraw is already working in with the first-team defense alongside Carlton Davis III and Brian Branch. That’s no small feat. For a team that struggled at times to contain top-tier receivers last season, the emergence of a young, fearless corner like Rakestraw could change the entire complexion of the defense.

There’s even quiet buzz that if he continues his upward trend, Rakestraw could be the full-time outside starter by Week 1. CB1 status isn’t a stretch anymore — it’s very much in play.

Take 3: Jahmyr Gibbs Looks Like a Superstar Ready to Break the League

Lions fans already love Jahmyr Gibbs. His rookie season proved that he has the tools to be special — elite burst, deadly in open space, and more than capable of taking over a game. But what’s happening now goes beyond expectations.

This version of Gibbs looks like a player ready to join the likes of Christian McCaffrey and Alvin Kamara in the conversation for most dynamic weapon in football. He’s running with more power, absorbing contact better, and his route-running from the slot has improved dramatically. The Lions lined him up everywhere during camp: backfield, slot, motion, out wide. And in every spot, he produced.

Ben Johnson has made no secret about how much he wants to weaponize Gibbs. “We’re going to get him the ball. Period. That’s not a secret,” Johnson said bluntly.

The explosiveness was on full display in one rep where Gibbs caught a short angle route over the middle, made one cut, and was gone. Defensive players didn’t even try to chase him down.

The more exciting part? The plan to pair him even more efficiently with David Montgomery. The two were often on the field together, running plays that featured misdirection, option looks, and motion to create mismatches. If minicamp is any indication, the Lions are about to unleash one of the league’s most unpredictable and dangerous RB duos.

Fans should prepare for more than just highlights — Gibbs is looking like a player who could eclipse 2,000 total yards in 2025.

Other Takeaways Worth Mentioning

While those three takes are stealing most of the headlines, there were several under-the-radar storylines worth watching:

• Jameson Williams’ focus and route discipline have improved — Goff’s trust in him is clearly growing.

• Malcolm Rodriguez is pushing for more reps at LB after bulking up and showing faster reaction time in zone coverage.

• Rookie offensive lineman Christian Mahogany got second-team snaps and didn’t look overwhelmed. The Lions may have struck gold again up front.

This isn’t just offseason hype. These takes from minicamp are rooted in consistent observations and testimonials from both players and staff. Jared Goff is playing with MVP confidence. Ennis Rakestraw Jr. is locking down receivers with the poise of a seasoned veteran. Jahmyr Gibbs is morphing into a nightmare for defensive coordinators.

Add that to a roster already brimming with talent, leadership, and continuity, and you start to get a sense of how special 2025 could be for Detroit. These aren’t your old Lions. These are Dan Campbell’s war-ready, teeth-gritting, kneecap-biting Lions.

And they’re coming — fast.