The Lions concluded the 2024 season with a disappointing loss in the second round to the Washington Commanders. Now just a few weeks post draft the Lions prepare to host their Rookie Mini-Camp, which kicks off this weekend. We will now take a look at the current status of the roster starting with the defensive side of the ball.

Defensive Line

A lot of success of the unit is contingent upon health and availability. Aiden Hutchinson and Alim McNeill will be coming back off of season-ending injuries. Hutchison is on pace to be ready for the beginning of the year, while McNeill will miss the majority of the season recovering how . They will dependent upon DJ Reeder anchor the front line. The Lions utilized their first pick on Defensive Tackle Tyleik Williams, who will likely be tasked with the job of covering for McNeill in the interim. Mekhi Wingo was viewed to be a late round draft steal in 2024, and played meaningful snaps from day 1 up until his season was cut short with a torn meniscus. He could be a major contributor to provide production all over the line as Hutch and others continue to recover and resume every down duties.

Linebackers

The Linebacking core is possibly the deepest unit of all on the defensive side of the ball. All of the starters will be returning. Derrick Barnes was resigned to successful reunite the unit. They elected to let Jalen Reeves-Maybin go in place of a younger Special Teams player in Grant Stuard. Jack Campbell, whose first round selection was originally deemed a reach, had an excellent sophomore year, serving as the glue that kept the core together despite all the injuries they dealt with. Malcom Rodriguez will be returning from injuries and be a nice depth piece all over.

Kerby Joseph earned a massive payday after leading the NFL in INTs 💰 https://t.co/sSbtVYedAr pic.twitter.com/PSbePI2cME

— The 33rd Team (@The33rdTeamFB) April 23, 2025

Secondary

The secondary is another strong unit on the defensive side. Starting with their two safeties who will be manning the backend. Brian Branch took a nice step up in production from his rookie season. Kerby Joseph will be coming off an All-pro season that he was rewarded with a healthy extension making him the highest paid safety in the sport. The addition of Super Bowl Winner Avonte Maddox and Veteran Rock Ya-Sin provide a nice floor to the cornerback room. Where the unit can maximize their potential is the evolution of Terrion Arnold, who will be entering his sophomore season looking to prove himself after a rocky rookie season. Ennis Rackestraw also hopes to make some strides. He was sidelined for the majority of the year with a strained hamstring that continued to limit him throughout the year. The biggest splash in the Off-Season came from the signing of Veteran Cornerback DJ Reed, who will takeover as CB1 from Carlton Davis, who moved onto New England earlier this Spring.