The Detroit Lions have made several surprise moves ahead of training camp, adding talent across both offense and defense to address key positional gaps. These pre-camp adjustments suggest the front office is aiming to shore up areas of concern before the season kicks off—most notably the defensive line, secondary, and interior offensive line.
On the defensive side, the Lions added reinforcements to their already-strong interior defensive line. With questions surrounding the availability of standout Alim McNeill, Detroit bulked up the rotation by bringing in depth options behind key names like DJ Reader, Tyleik Williams, Roy Lopez, and Levi Onwuzurike. These additions ensure that even if McNeill isn’t ready for Week 1, the Lions won’t be left thin in the trenches. Notably, the franchise seems committed to building a front that can pressure opposing quarterbacks while holding up against the run—both crucial areas for improvement from last season.
The more pressing concern on defense, however, remains the safety position. While the starting duo of Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph is among the most dynamic in the NFL, the depth behind them has been considered one of the team’s weakest spots. Detroit has reportedly brought in additional defensive backs, likely via undrafted free agents or lower-tier signings, in an attempt to fortify the back end of the defense. Injuries or fatigue among starters would leave the team vulnerable without adequate backups, making this a crucial area to watch during camp.
Offensively, the biggest change came with the retirement of center Frank Ragnow, a team captain and longtime anchor of the offensive line. His departure left a significant gap, but the Lions moved quickly, drafting interior linemen Tate Ratledge and Miles Frazier to add competition and depth. Veteran Graham Glasgow is expected to step into the center role, while Ratledge and Frazier will battle for starting or rotational spots alongside Christian Mahogany. The team is clearly hoping that a mix of veteran experience and rookie upside will maintain the offensive line’s elite status, which is critical to both the run game and Jared Goff’s protection.
At tight end, Detroit has also made low-key moves to strengthen depth. With Sam LaPorta locked in as the starter and Brock Wright a reliable TE2, the third tight end spot remains open. Training camp will likely serve as a proving ground for undrafted players or fringe veterans trying to make the final 53-man roster.
Overall, the Lions’ pre-camp moves show a front office that’s not only aware of its roster weaknesses but is also proactive about addressing them before they become in-season liabilities. With expectations sky-high for Detroit in 2025, these calculated roster decisions could be the difference between another playoff push or a step backward. Training camp will now serve as the testing ground for these new additions as the Lions look to finalize a championship-caliber roster.