The following is an excerpt from Warren Sharp's 2025 Football Preview book. In addition to Warren's deep, detailed write-up on all 32 NFL teams, each chapter features page after page of full-color charts, stats, and heatmaps as well as defensive previews from Raymond Summerlin. Click here for a full FREE chapter from the 2025 Football Preview.
While offenses dominate NFL discussion, the other side of the ball plays a large role.
With the 2025 NFL season fast approaching, let's look at the defense of the Detroit Lions and preview how it might perform this season.
2025 Detroit Lions Defense
The Lions were not the immovable object they had been against the run in 2023, but they slowed down running backs effectively.
They finished 12th in yards allowed per running back carry (4.2) and seventh in explosive run rate against on RB carries (8.6%).
The core of the defensive line is back after the Lions signed Levi Onwuzurike to a surprisingly cheap one-year extension.
Getting Onwuzurike back looked good for the Lions given the torn ACL Alim McNeill suffered late in the season, but Onwuzurike will miss at least the first four games after landing on the PUP list ahead of training camp.
DJ Reader has had his own issues staying on the field throughout his career, but he started 15 games in his first season with the Lions.
Detroit also added Tyleik Williams in the first round.
Even after losing Aidan Hutchinson early, the Lions still ranked sixth in pressure rate (37.1%), but they finished with just 37 sacks (23rd).
They also manufactured that pressure, blitzing at the fourth-highest rate in the league.
Despite playing just five games, Hutchinson led the team with 7.5 sacks.
He had a 25% pressure rate prior to the injury – Myles Garrett led the league with 18.4% – and appeared headed toward Defensive Player of the Year honors.
The injury at the top of the depth chart exposed the lack of depth.
Marcus Davenport was re-signed, but he went out before Hutchinson, playing just two games in 2024 after four games for the Vikings in 2023.
Al–Quadin Muhammad and Josh Paschal are better depth options.
They could still look to add a veteran on the edge before the start of the season.
A 2023 first-round pick, Jack Campbell took over the linebacker position in his second season, leading the team with 12 run stuffs and recording a tackle on 24.4% of his run defense snaps.
The rest of the depth chart struggled to stay on the field, with Alex Anzalone, Malcolm Rodriguez, and Derrick Barnes all missing time.
Anzalone is now in a contract dispute, and Rodriguez might be out deep into the season.
The Lions allowed 7.2 yards per attempt (22nd) in 2024, but they also allowed a league-best 3% touchdown rate and recorded 16 interceptions (5th).
Carlton Davis left in free agency, but the Lions may have gotten a better deal with former Jet D.J. Reed.
Reed was one of the more underrated corners during his time with the Jets, allowing an 83.3 quarterback rating in coverage and 6.2 yards per target.
Reed will pair with 2024 first-round pick Terrion Arnold, who had some rookie hiccups but still allowed a respectable 93.7 quarterback rating in coverage.
The Lions also added a corner in the second round of the 2024 draft, selecting Ennis Rakestraw out of Mizzou, and he should compete with Amik Robertson for snaps.
The Lions have arguably the best safety duo in the league.
Kerby Joseph earned his first All-Pro nod and was outstanding in coverage.
Brian Branch is the other outstanding safety in Detroit, a do-it-all option who plays closer to the line and helps out covering in the slot.
This analysis continues in the 2025 Football Preview
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Warren Sharp's book shares insights into the players, coaches, teams, and philosophies with one goal: to prepare you for the 2025 NFL season with the smartest information delivered in the fastest, most direct way possible for optimal reviewing and retention.
- Team Chapters previews are in-depth, data driven & full of actionable info
- Fantasy Football player profiles, predictions, and ranks
- Vegas Odds forecast team wins, division rankings, lines for all 2025 games
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- Rookie draft class deep dive into impact for every team
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