After a rollercoaster 2024 season and a heartbreaking playoff exit, the Detroit Lions have entered 2025 with fresh motivation — and by the looks of their early Organized Team Activities (OTAs), they may be more dangerous than ever.
Despite the offseason shake-up, including the surprising retirement of veteran center Frank Ragnow and the departure of both offensive and defensive coordinators, the Lions have refused to hit the reset button. Instead, they’re building on what they already have — and it’s working.
On the latest episode of the Lone Wolves podcast, analysts highlighted the areas where Detroit has improved most. Co-host Christian Booher pointed to health, maturity, and star development as key upgrades. “Jahmyr Gibbs has taken control of the backfield, Jameson Williams is finally in sync, and Amon-Ra St. Brown is a year wiser. Jared Goff is motivated like never before after that Divisional Round disappointment,” Booher said.
There’s also optimism on defense. Young cornerbacks like Ennis Rakestraw and Terrion Arnold are progressing well, and with Aidan Hutchinson and Marcus Davenport looking sharp in OTAs, the pass rush may take a leap. Even second-level players like Derrick Barnes are stepping up.
Offensively, tight end Sam LaPorta is expected to become an even bigger focal point in Ben Johnson’s system, helping to balance out a unit that already boasts explosiveness at every level. The offense might not need a full reboot — just refinement.
Sure, there are looming salary cap hurdles in 2026 and some unanswered questions in the secondary, but this version of the Lions is not the underdog anymore. They’re not rebuilding — they’re reloading.
If this momentum carries into the regular season, Detroit may finally turn potential into legacy.
