Discussion: Evaluating the Biggest Remaining Roster Need for the Detroit Lions After the Conclusion of the 2025 NFL Draft
The 2025 NFL Draft has come and gone, and while the Detroit Lions made several key moves to bolster their roster for a hopeful Super Bowl run, the conversation now shifts to what remains unfinished. General manager Brad Holmes and head coach Dan Campbell entered the draft with a vision to fill out some glaring holes and build upon the progress that made Detroit a legitimate NFC contender last season. Yet, no draft is ever perfect, and even the most successful teams emerge with lingering needs. As the dust settles, the biggest post-draft question for the Lions centers around what area of the roster still needs attention the most.
Detroit’s front office approached the 2025 draft with notable discipline. Despite external speculation that they might make a bold trade-up move in the first round, the Lions stood pat and focused on value picks that fit their long-term culture and short-term needs. They added depth on both sides of the ball, but critics and fans alike are now pondering whether the team did enough at certain positions. The defensive secondary, pass rush depth, and interior offensive line remain talking points, but one position stands out as the most concerning: cornerback.
While Holmes and Campbell made efforts to reinforce the defensive backfield this offseason, including the free-agent addition of Carlton Davis III and re-signing Emmanuel Moseley to a one-year deal, the reality is that Detroit’s cornerback room remains a mix of unproven players and veterans coming off injuries. Cam Sutton was released after legal trouble surfaced in the offseason, leaving a void in leadership and stability. Davis, who came over from Tampa Bay, is expected to be the team’s top corner, but he’s had his own inconsistencies in recent seasons and battled injuries. Moseley, meanwhile, is coming off a torn ACL and has struggled to stay healthy throughout his career. If both veterans stay healthy and play to their potential, the Lions could be fine. But that’s a big “if” to hang an NFC Championship-caliber defense on.
To be fair, Detroit did add cornerback help in the draft, selecting a pair of developmental prospects in the middle and later rounds. However, these rookies aren’t expected to be instant starters, and it’s likely they’ll need at least a season of coaching, scheme acclimation, and physical development before they can contribute meaningfully in high-leverage playoff situations. With the Lions aiming for a Super Bowl window that’s open right now—not two or three years down the line—it becomes imperative to assess whether cornerback has been sufficiently addressed.
Depth at the position is also a concern. Beyond Davis and Moseley, the Lions are counting on players like Kindle Vildor and second-year man Brian Branch, who’s more of a hybrid slot defender than a true outside corner. Branch had a standout rookie season and is a lock in the nickel role, but Detroit still lacks a proven option opposite Davis on the outside unless Moseley returns to form. Without that, Detroit may find itself vulnerable against pass-heavy offenses, especially ones boasting elite receiver duos.
Detroit faced multiple teams in 2024 that exposed their secondary with vertical passing attacks. Even with an improved pass rush led by Aidan Hutchinson, the back end faltered at critical moments. In their playoff loss to the San Francisco 49ers, the Lions surrendered crucial completions on third down, and Brock Purdy consistently found receivers exploiting soft spots in zone coverage. That game alone underlined the necessity of cornerback play when it matters most. In the 2025 NFC landscape, with teams like Philadelphia, San Francisco, and Dallas all boasting strong aerial attacks, it’s easy to envision how a weak link at corner could become Detroit’s Achilles’ heel.
Some might argue that the Lions could turn to free agency for help, and that’s a viable option. Several veteran corners remain unsigned, and while they’re not Pro Bowl-caliber players anymore, they could bring valuable experience and stability. Names like Xavien Howard, Stephon Gilmore, and Steven Nelson are still available, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see Detroit bring in one of them on a short-term deal to provide insurance. It’s worth noting that the front office has historically avoided desperate moves, preferring instead to build through draft development and strategic value signings. But if the right player comes at the right price, especially as camp nears and evaluations continue, a veteran addition could be on the table.
Another position that deserves honorable mention in the discussion is interior offensive line. While the Lions boast arguably the best offensive tackle duo in the NFL with Penei Sewell and Taylor Decker, the middle of the line could use reinforcement. Frank Ragnow is an elite center, but he’s been battling through chronic toe injuries and hinted at retirement in the not-so-distant future. Left guard Jonah Jackson departed in free agency, and though Detroit signed Kevin Zeitler as a plug-in veteran, he’s in his mid-30s and may not be a long-term solution. The team also drafted some depth options, but whether they can step into starting roles by the season’s end is unclear.
The offensive line is the engine of Detroit’s identity—smashmouth, physical, and relentless. If injuries pile up or if the interior trio can’t hold up in protection, Jared Goff’s comfort level and the effectiveness of the run game with Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery could suffer. It’s a ripple effect that can impact every facet of the offense. But compared to cornerback, the Lions have more proven pieces and system continuity up front, giving them some margin for error.
Wide receiver depth also came up in pre-draft conversations, especially given Jameson Williams’ inconsistency and Josh Reynolds’ departure. However, the Lions addressed the position by adding a reliable possession receiver in the third round and seem confident in Williams’ development. With Amon-Ra St. Brown recently locked in as the face of the receiving corps, Detroit’s pass-catching unit looks fine on paper, assuming continued growth from its younger members.
Tight end and linebacker are other areas with limited depth, but neither is quite as high-risk as cornerback. Sam LaPorta is a rising star at tight end, and while linebacker remains thin behind starters like Jack Campbell and Alex Anzalone, the scheme can often mask deficiencies there more than it can in the secondary. Moreover, the front-seven cohesion and pressure rate can help elevate linebacker play more than it can salvage breakdowns in coverage on the outside.
Ultimately, when projecting forward into the 2025 season and postseason, the Lions’ defense will be tested repeatedly by quarterbacks who can extend plays and receivers who can separate quickly. If Detroit wants to get over the hump and reach its first Super Bowl, it will need to tighten up its pass coverage—especially on the perimeter. A top-heavy cornerback room with injury history and a lack of proven depth behind the starters is a recipe for disaster if reinforcements aren’t brought in or if younger players fail to develop quickly.
The front office likely knows this and could already be in quiet negotiations or planning for post-June 1 cuts to find a late veteran addition. Brad Holmes has earned the benefit of the doubt with his sharp drafting and roster-building since 2021. But even he would admit that no roster is ever “complete” after the draft. The journey to September involves self-scouting, injury monitoring, and proactive roster moves. For a team as close as the Lions are to a championship breakthrough, those decisions will matter more than ever.
In conclusion, while Detroit has built a talented and well-balanced roster on both sides of the ball, the cornerback position remains its biggest post-draft need. It’s a concern that could become a critical flaw if not addressed adequately before the season kicks off. The Lions have the talent and culture to make a deep playoff run, but they’ll need to patch the secondary if they want to hoist the Lombardi Trophy in February. One move, one signing, one surprise emergence—any of those could change the equation. Until then, cornerback remains the top storyline to watch in Detroit’s offseason narrative.
