It’s time to stop putting the Detroit Lions’ 2025 draft class in the same category as their 2024 draft class

It’s time to stop putting the Detroit Lions’ 2025 draft class in the same category as 2024—because a full breakdown shows one group already looks like it has multiple long-term starters and real breakout potential.

Mike Payton — Detroit Lions Beat Writer
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Detroit Lions defensive tackle Tyleik Williams (91) celebrates a play against Chicago Bears during the second half at Ford Field in Detroit on Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025. Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Earlier this week, we wrote about how the Detroit Lions’ 2024 draft class is on thin ice, and there were a ton of questions about all of their picks. In monitoring the complaints of Lions fans, I’ve noticed that a lot of fans tend to put the Lions’ 2025 class in the same category as 2024. It could not be any more different. Let’s talk about each guy.

Tyleik Williams

The Lions got a solid player here. Williams did not take the world by storm in his rookie season, but he absolutely had a good rookie year, and he’s primed to have a much bigger year two. Williams is going to be a key starter on the interior of the Lions’ defensive line this year. He can run stuff, he can space eat, and he has some pass-rushing juice.

Tate Ratledge

Ratladge has already proven he’s a legit NFL right guard. He had a very good rookie season with some normal bumps in the road that all rookies are going to face. Like Williams, Ratledge should be expected to take a step forward in 2026, and this is a guy who could wind up being a Pro Bowler at some point.

Isaac TeSlaa

I know the Lions gave a lot for him and then didn’t use him a ton in his rookie season, but that is very likely to change in 2026. Look, TeSlaa is likely never going to be a 1,000-yard guy with the Lions, but he can absolutley be a 500-600 yard guy and can fit in so well to that Josh Reynolds role they’ve been trying to fill since, well, Josh Reynolds. A lot of big plays and red zone targets.

Miles Fraizer

There is a very good chance that Frazier is the Lions’ starting left guard in 2026. Even if he’s not, there is a lot of upside in having a guy who can play both guards and both tackles coming off the bench when you need him.

Ahmed Hassanein

The defensive lineman that people aren’t talking enough about. The Lions may try to put him in that Marcus Davenport role. The big end role they’ve been trying to find someone for since 2021. Hassanein has a ton of pass-rush juice, but is also a good edge setter in the run game. He’s someone who could be a beneficiary of the classic third year break out for the Lions. That doesn’t mean he can’t have a good year in 2026, though.

Dan Jackson

Jackson has a bit of a long road ahead of him. Missing his entire rookie season put him behind the eight ball, and the Lions have a lot of guys ahead of him. So the jury is out here. My guess is that he winds up being a good special teams player.

Dominic Lovett

The selection of Kendrick Law might spell the end to Lovett’s time with the Lions unless Lovett has a killer training camp and preseason. It doesn’t help that they also signed Greg Dortch.

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