Pride of Detroit
Revealing the top-20 of the best players on the 2025 Detroit Lions roster.
As we now enter the top 20 in our countdown of the entire 2025 Detroit Lions roster, we’re starting to crack into the players on the roster who are not only essential to the team, but could even get some national recognition for their play. Last year, the Lions had eight players named to the Pro Bowl—including two who are in this range. It wouldn’t be surprising to see a couple more make it this year.
Let’s take a look at the players we ranked 20 through 11 on the Lions roster.
Note: For methodology and more details, check out the first installment of this series.
Previously:
For the second straight year, Onwuzurike took a massive jump in our countdown. With two full seasons of play after a back injury threatened his career, the question is no longer whether the former third-round pick can stay healthy, but how much development is still left to go now that he’s actually getting valuable experience. Detroit felt lucky to get him back on a one-year deal, so can Onwuzurike earn himself a big payday now?
Despite missing most of the season with an injury, Barnes actually still climbs four spots on this list. It’s easy to understand why. Barnes was given a unique SAM linebacker role, a brand-new contract, and a heap of praise all of last year. Detroit clearly has big plans for Barnes, and unfortunately, we only got to see the tip of the iceberg last year.
After a modest season, Reader takes a slight dip in this year’s rankings. Last year, the veteran nose tackle was recovering from a torn quad, but has already noted how beneficial it has been to enter this offseason without the need for rehab. Could we see a bit of a resurgence from Reader, or has the 31-year-old nose tackle reached the downswing of his career?
For the first half of the 2024 season, Robertson was quietly going about his business as Detroit’s starting nickel cornerback. By the end of the season, he had become a secret superstar. Having to kick outside during injury, Robertson made the biggest name for himself when he helped shut down Justin Jefferson in the regular season finale. Now he enters 2025 as the assumed starter at nickel with the known ability to be a primary backup on the outside.
Arnold just moves up a smidge after an...
