The roar in Detroit is growing louder. The 2025 NFL Draft is now in the books, and with it, the Detroit Lions have solidified a young and promising roster that fans hope can build upon last year’s playoff breakthrough. General manager Brad Holmes and head coach Dan Campbell continue to reshape the identity of a team that no longer carries the burden of mediocrity but rather wears the expectations of a contender. As offseason workouts wind down, all eyes now shift toward training camp.
There are still questions to answer, jobs to be won, and schemes to be implemented. But make no mistake — this is a different era for the Lions. With stars at key positions, an aggressive front office, and a coaching staff that has galvanized the locker room, Detroit enters 2025 not as a hopeful underdog, but as a team hungry for more
The Lions approached the 2025 NFL Draft with clear objectives: strengthen the defense, bolster the offensive depth, and ensure long-term sustainability. And once again, Holmes delivered.
In the first round, Detroit used its pick on cornerback Javon Bullard from Georgia — a physical, versatile defender with experience in multiple coverages. Bullard adds immediate depth to a secondary that was much improved in 2024 but still struggled against elite passing attacks.
Second-round pick Tyleik Williams, the defensive tackle from Ohio State, adds power and depth to an already formidable defensive front. While Alim McNeill and Aidan Hutchinson headline the defensive line, Williams gives Detroit another weapon in the trenches — someone who can rotate in and eat up blocks or get after the quarterback on passing downs.
Detroit also added offensive lineman Dominick Puni (Kansas) in the third round, a pick that reflects their commitment to winning at the line of scrimmage. Puni brings flexibility as a guard or tackle and could challenge for a backup role immediately. With veterans like Taylor Decker and Frank Ragnow anchoring the line, Detroit is preparing for the long haul with quality depth.
Late-round selections included a mix of developmental prospects and special teams contributors, including wide receiver Jha’Quan Jackson (Tulane) and linebacker Trevin Wallace (Kentucky). Holmes’ draft strategy continues to focus on athletes with high character and positional versatility.
Now that the roster is largely set, training camp in Allen Park becomes the proving ground. Several major storylines will dominate conversations leading into late July.
1. How High is Jameson Williams’ Ceiling?
Perhaps no player enters camp with more intrigue than wide receiver Jameson Williams. After a quiet and injury-impacted start to his NFL career, Williams showed flashes late last season. Now healthy and with a full offseason, the former first-round pick has the chance to explode alongside Amon-Ra St. Brown.
Campbell and offensive coordinator Ben Johnson are expected to feature Williams more prominently, especially in vertical passing situations. His speed is elite, and if his hands and route running can catch up, he could become a dynamic weapon for Jared Goff.
2. Who Starts at Cornerback Opposite Carlton Davis?
The trade for Carlton Davis III gave Detroit a bona fide veteran presence on the outside, but the battle for the other starting corner spot is wide open. Bullard, the rookie, will be in the mix — though he may initially be used in the slot. Veterans Emmanuel Moseley and Kindle Vildor, along with sophomore Brian Branch, will all get long looks. Branch, in particular, had an excellent rookie campaign and could transition into more responsibilities.
This competition will be among the fiercest in camp, and it will determine how much flexibility defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn has when deploying nickel and dime packages.
3. Can Jahmyr Gibbs Be a Full-Time Star?
The Lions’ backfield is a two-headed monster featuring Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery, but Gibbs enters his second season with expectations of taking the leap from complementary piece to offensive star.
Gibbs’ speed, receiving skills, and ability to create mismatches in space make him an ideal modern NFL back. Training camp will be a good barometer for how Detroit plans to use him — particularly in the passing game. With a full grasp of the offense now under his belt, he may be featured much more heavily in 2025.
4. Will Jared Goff Get His Contract Extension?
While not a positional battle, the question of Jared Goff’s future looms large over camp. The veteran quarterback is coming off a strong 2024 season in which he led Detroit to the NFC Championship Game. He’s proven to be a perfect fit for Johnson’s system and a respected leader in the locker room.
However, Goff is due a new deal, and the Lions must decide whether to lock him in long-term or consider drafting his successor next year. There’s mutual interest in an extension, and training camp may serve as the backdrop for negotiations to intensify.
5. How Will the Defense Handle Elevated Expectations?
Detroit’s defense was opportunistic last season but still allowed its share of big plays, particularly through the air. The additions of Bullard, Davis, Williams, and returning pieces like Alex Anzalone and Jack Campbell aim to fix those leaks.
Glenn’s unit now has experience and depth. The pressure is on to elevate from good to great — especially if Detroit wants to compete with the NFC’s best, including Philadelphia, San Francisco, and Dallas.
Training camp is always a breeding ground for breakout stories. Here are three players who could steal the spotlight:
- James Mitchell, TE – With Sam LaPorta already an emerging star, Mitchell may carve out a larger role as TE2. His size and athleticism give Detroit another threat in 12 personnel.
- Malcolm Rodriguez, LB – Often overshadowed, Rodriguez remains one of the hardest workers on the team. He could earn more snaps if he continues to improve in pass coverage.
- Chase Lucas, DB – A strong camp could allow Lucas to move up the depth chart in a crowded but unsettled secondary. His instincts and special teams value give him an edge.
After decades of disappointment, Detroit fans are experiencing something new — hope. And not the kind based on hype, but the kind forged through results. The Lions are no longer rebuilding. They’re reloading.
Ford Field was rocking during last year’s playoff run, and demand for season tickets is soaring. For the first time in a generation, the NFC North runs through Detroit — and the rest of the league knows it.
Still, training camp will be critical in determining whether the Lions can meet or exceed these new expectations. Depth will be tested. Chemistry will be scrutinized. But with a young core, a powerful running game, and a defense on the rise, the pieces are in place.
Detroit’s full training camp schedule will be released soon, but here are a few key dates to note:
- Mid-May: Rookie minicamp
- Early June: OTAs
- Late July: Training camp opens at Allen Park (exact date TBD)
- August: Preseason games and joint practices (rumored partners include the Colts and Steelers)
These practices will serve as vital preparation, especially with new faces needing time to adjust to the Lions’ physical and demanding culture.
As the offseason turns to training camp, the Detroit Lions stand on the threshold of greatness. This is no longer about making noise or sneaking into the playoffs — it’s about building a championship-caliber team.
From the front office to the coaching staff to the emerging stars on the field, Detroit has found a formula that works. Now, they must sharpen it, test it, and prepare to unleash it on the NFL once again.
Because when camp opens and the pads come on, the real journey begins — and the roar in Motown may soon shake the league.
