The confetti has barely settled from the 2025 NFL Draft, and the Detroit Lions find themselves in unfamiliar territory. Not as hunters, but as the hunted. Fresh off their most successful season in decades, the defending NFC North champions entered the draft with the luxury of fine-tuning rather than overhauling. But make no mistake, even the most polished machines need maintenance.
The Lions’ draft haul, headlined by Ohio State defensive tackle Tyleik Williams at No. 28 overall, addressed several key needs. But as any seasoned NFL observer knows, the draft is just one piece of the roster-building puzzle. With $42.36 million in available cap space (third-most in the league) the Lions have ammunition to address remaining gaps through free agency or trades.
Let’s dive into the areas where Detroit still needs reinforcement, position by position. Some might surprise you. Others will feel as obvious as a Detroit winter is long.
Edge Rusher: The Glaring Need
The elephant in the room wears cleats and hunts quarterbacks – or rather, doesn’t hunt them quite well enough. While the Lions added pieces to their defensive front, including Williams, they didn’t significantly address their edge rushing needs. The New York Times’ analysis suggests that one edge rusher might not be enough, especially considering the explosive offenses in the NFC North.
Think about it this way: in today’s NFL, you’re either pressuring the quarterback or you’re planning your offseason vacation early. The Lions’ pass rush improved last season, but in a conference featuring Jalen Hurts, Matthew Stafford, and emerging young guns like Jayden Daniels, “improved” isn’t good enough. They need to be dominant.
One intriguing possibility still looms: a potential reunion with Za’Darius Smith. The Lions released Smith earlier this year primarily due to financial considerations, as his contract would have cost them $11 million in base salary and bonuses for 2025. However, recent reports suggest that while a reunion isn’t imminent, the door hasn’t been completely closed. Smith, who remains one of the top remaining free agents, could provide the veteran presence and proven pass-rushing ability the Lions’ defensive front currently lacks. At 32, he’s not a long-term solution, but for a team in win-now mode, he could be exactly what they need.
Secondary Depth: A Quiet Concern
The secondary situation is like a house with a fresh coat of paint but questionable foundation. Sure, the Lions made moves, bringing in veteran cornerback D.J. Reed on a three-year, $48 million deal. But depth remains a concern, especially considering the modern NFL’s pass-happy nature.
What happens if injuries strike? Football isn’t a game of 22 starters anymore. It’s a game of 35-40 meaningful contributors. In fact, DC often says the need all 69 players (53 on active roster, 16 on practice squad). The Lions’ secondary depth chart looks thin enough to read a newspaper through.
The wild card in this equation is Ennis Rakestraw Jr. Limited to just 46 defensive snaps in an injury-riddled rookie season, the former second-round pick is something of a mystery box. His rookie campaign was derailed before it really began. He was set to start at nickel cornerback in Week 2 against Tampa Bay but suffered a hamstring injury during warm-ups. Adding to the complexity, he had entered the season still recovering from a sports hernia that required surgery.
Yet the Lions haven’t lost faith. Head coach Dan Campbell expects Rakestraw to take “another step up” in Year 2, and he’s expected to compete for time in a cornerback room that suddenly looks a lot more crowded. If he can stay healthy, Rakestraw could be the internal solution to the Lions’ depth concerns. But that’s a big “if” given his injury history.
Interior Offensive Line: The Silent Priority
Here’s something that won’t make headlines but could make or break games: interior offensive line depth. Yes, the Lions drafted Georgia guard Tate Ratledge in the second round, but considering that Glasgow isn’t getting any younger and right guard is a question mark, the team needs more insurance up front.
Remember, you’re only as strong as your weakest link, and in the NFL, that link gets tested every single snap. The Lions’ offensive success hinges on protecting their quarterback and opening holes for their dynamic running game.
Wide Receiver: Looking Beyond 2025
The selection of Arkansas’ Isaac TeSlaa in the third round was a start, but the Lions need to think long-term at receiver. While their current corps is solid, the NFL is a forward-thinking league. You don’t want to be scrambling for receivers when you need them most. You want to develop them before you need them.
It’s like changing your car’s oil. You do it before you have problems, not after. The Lions would be wise to add another young receiver to develop behind their current stars.
Linebacker: The Sneaky Need
Linebacker might not seem like a pressing need, especially after signing Derrick Barnes to a three-year, $25.5 million extension. But in today’s NFL, you need linebackers who can both stop the run and cover in space. The Lions could use another versatile linebacker, particularly one who excels in coverage.
The situation is more complex than it appears at first glance. While the Lions boast a solid starting trio of Jack Campbell, Alex Anzalone, and the newly extended Barnes, there are long-term considerations that can’t be ignored. Several linebackers, including Alex Anzalone and Malcolm Rodriguez, are in the final year of their contracts. That’s a lot of potential turnover at a critical position group.
The 2024 season also exposed how quickly depth can evaporate. The Lions saw four of their top five linebackers land on injured reserve at various points, including Barnes, who tore his MCL and PCL before making a remarkable recovery. While Barnes’ extension provides some stability, the position group needs reinforcement, particularly given the physical nature of the modern NFL linebacker role.
The Detroit News describes this as a “medium-low” immediate need, but that assessment might be overly optimistic. In a league where offensive coordinators increasingly target linebackers in coverage, having depth at the position isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity. The Lions learned this lesson the hard way last season, and they’d be wise not to forget it.
The Quarterback Room: Future Planning
Let’s be clear: this isn’t about the starter. This is about being prepared for every scenario. The Lions’ quarterback situation is stable at the top, but depth is always worth monitoring. In the NFL, you’re always one play away from reaching into your depth chart.
Special Teams: The Hidden Game
Special teams might not sell jerseys, but they win games. The Lions could use additional depth here, particularly in the return game. It’s the kind of need that doesn’t show up in highlight reels but becomes glaringly obvious in crucial moments.
After The Draft – Looking Ahead
With nearly $43 million in cap space, the Lions have flexibility. They could target remaining free agents, explore trades, or bank some cap space for midseason moves. Brad Holmes, the Lions’ GM, has shown he values what he sees on film more than stats and measurables, suggesting any additions will be carefully considered.
The Lions aren’t desperate at any position and that’s a luxury they’ve earned. But in the NFL, standing pat means falling behind. The teams that win consistently are the ones that address weaknesses before they become problems.
The good news? Detroit has options. With their cap space and the potential for post-June 1 cuts around the league, they can be selective and opportunistic. They don’t need to reach for solutions. They can wait for the right ones to become available.
What’s clear is this: the Lions are no longer rebuilding. They’re building for sustained success. Their remaining needs aren’t glaring holes but rather areas for enhancement. It’s the kind of position every NFL team wants to be in. What team doesn’t want to be in the position of looking for ways to get better, not desperately trying to get good?
My Top 5 NFC Offenses: (Post Draft)
1) Eagles
2) Lions
3) Rams
4) Commanders
5) Bucs pic.twitter.com/SSz9tAvBfG— Chase Daniel (@ChaseDaniel) May 1, 2025
The 2025 season looms large for Detroit. They’re not just expected to compete anymore. This team is expected to contend. How they address these remaining roster needs could be the difference between a good season and a great one. Between making the playoffs and making a deep run. Between being competitive and being champions.
The work isn’t finished. But for the first time in a long time, the foundation is solid. Now it’s about adding the finishing touches to a roster that’s ready to roar.