The Detroit Lions has a stellar 2024 NFL season despite crucial injuries on the defensive side of the football. Those injuries took their toll as Dan Campbell and company suffered an early playoff exit at the hands of Jayden Daniels and the Washington Commanders.
With key players like Aidan Hutchinson returning on defense, the Lions still entered the 2025 NFL Draft with a need to add another explosive defensive player and depth in the trenches on both sides of the ball. They also had a need to add another wide receiver target for Jared Goff.
With seven picks in the draft, did the NFC North defending champions find players ready to make an immediate impact?
Here are 3 rookies to watch for the Detroit Lions:
Tyleik Williams
Ohio State product Tyleik Williams is going to be big time along the Lions’ defensive line. After all the injuries the team suffered in 2024, the team’s need for defensive line help was very apparent, especially with defensive tackle Alim McNeil out to start the 2025 NFL season. With his size, raw power and scheme versatility, the rookie will get an early opportunity to make an impact. Bet on him making a difference Day 1.
With Hutchinson back, Williams play in the middle of the defensive line will be key to the entire defense. With his burst and quickness as a 300-plus defender, he could help the Lions put together a tough defense, especially once McNeil returns around mid-season. In all, a late first-round pick who will enter the season as one of the NFL’s most important rookies.
Tate Ratledge
Selected with the No. 57 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, offensive lineman Tate Ratledge gives the Lions the depth they needed at the position and then some. A three-year starter at Georgia, Ratledge is a powerhouse at the guard position who is not only a solid pass protector (allowed pressures on 1 percent of his pass blocks), but an outstanding run blocker.
In all, his versatility may gain him a starting role on the Lions offensive line as a center. With the retirement of Frank Ragnow, the Lions’ second round pick has been taking snaps at center and guard. Can he make that adjustment in the NFL? If he does, he solves the Lions void at center and as a mauler may even make the line better than expected.
Isaac TeSlaa
The Lions may have themselves another playmaker at wide receiver to add to Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams. Selected with the No. 70 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, this Arkansas alum is already making noise in the preseason. Through two games, Isaac TeSlaa has made plays to keep his stock rising as a contributor in the Lions’ offense in 2025.
At 6-foot-4, 214 pounds, TeSlaa possesses good speed and explosion which he has shown off in his two preseason appearances. With 8 receptions for 105 yards and two touchdowns, the buzz surrounding TeSlaa is that he is a player who will be ready to go whenever his number is called. Miami Dolphins wide receiver Andrew Armstrong has seen TeSlaa’s preparation up close and personal as a former teammate at Arkansas.
“He’s just always ready to go no matter what it is, no matter what time it is,” Armstrong told MLive. “When his number’s called, he’s ready to go out there and do what he has to do.”
He has already stood out in preseason as one of those players who will make an impact no matter what role he is given. Expect that to continue into the 2025 NFL season.