Pride of Detroit
A look at which Detroit Lions players just missed out of the top-five in our ranking of the 2025 roster.
We’ve reached the top-10 in our rankings of the Detroit Lions’ 2025 roster. I’ve decided this year to split the top-10 into two different sections. On one hand, yes, I’m absolutely milking this series to the end. On the other hand, I thought each of these players—some seemingly belonging in the top-five—deserved a little extra love and discussion.
In short, every single remaining player on this countdown should be celebrated.
Note: For methodology and more details, check out the first installment of this series.
Previously:
Last year’s ranking: 19
2023 ranking: 14
2022 ranking: 6
Jameson Williams has nearly caught up to his post-draft hype after a turbulent three seasons. His being ranked sixth on the 2022 list is both a reflection of how poor that roster was and of how high expectations were for the first-round pick once he returned from injury.
Despite a shaky first two years, Williams has thoroughly brushed off any “bust” labels with an outstanding run starting in the middle of the 2023 season. Last year’s 1,000-yard season was electric, but coaches and players around him are convinced his ceiling is still much higher than we’ve seen. If Williams reaches that hype in 2025, he could be the next Lion to receive a mega-extension.
Last year’s ranking: 10
2023 ranking: 11
2022 ranking: 15
2021 ranking: 21
McNeill has slowly crept up the list ever since he was drafted in the third round of the 2021 NFL Draft. He’s quietly developed the reputation of a borderline top-10 defensive tackle in this league, earning elite PFF grades in back-to-back seasons (79.6 in 2024, 86.8 in 2023). That play earned him a massive four-year, $97 million contract in the middle of the 2024 season.
It was a tough year to rank him, though, considering he’s expected to miss a significant portion of the season due to a torn ACL suffered in December. Still, our staff understands that when he returns fully healthy, he’s one of the best players on the team.
Last year’s ranking: 5
2023 ranking: 20
I’m a little surprised to see LaPorta drop out of the top five, especially when you consider one of those top-five positions (Frank Ragnow) is vacant from last year. That said, there were a few players who had breakout seasons in 2024 that caused them to jump him in the rankings. In fact, no one on staff had LaPorta higher than seventh.
LaPorta did have a “down” year compared to his historic rookie season, but he still finished sixth among tight ends in receiving yards...
