Pride of Detroit
Frank Ragnow and Levi Onwuzurike were pivotal trench contributors for the NFC’s No. 1 seed last season and were expected to again be foundational forces on the interior in 2025. Replicating their production on both sides of the ball won’t be easy. But a look inside the data lab reveals several Detroit Lions players whose small-sample participation splits last season paint a revealing picture of how their presence—or absence—tangibly impacted Detroit’s performance in the trenches.
Lions defense – Levi Onwuzurike
After Jack Campbell, Levi Onwuzurike might’ve been the Lions’ most steady and reliable front-seven presence last season. He tied Carlton Davis III for the fifth-most defensive snaps (697), trailing only Kerby Joseph, Campbell, Terrion Arnold, and Brian Branch. But it’s not until you dig into the numbers that you realize just how much of a difference he made.
Onwuzurike didn’t always generate headlines, but his impact was immense—especially given his versatility. With him on the field, the Lions defense played like a top-five unit. Without him, they fell to dead last in yards per play allowed and bottom-half in success rate. The drop-off extended across categories, including a noticeable dip in turnover rate from fifth to 16th.
He wasn’t a flashy disruptor, but Onwuzurike’s dirty work consistency made life easier for those around him while being a handful for opposing attacks. With his absence looming large this season, Detroit will need a blend of new additions and returning health to help fill the gap.
Lions defense – Marcus Davenport and Derrick Barnes
The first two front-seven dominoes to fall in 2024 were Marcus Davenport and Derrick Barnes, both lost for the season in Week 3. Each brought unique strengths to their roles—and each proved difficult to replace. As the Lions look to level up their defense in 2025, getting both players back healthy could be a massive boost, especially with Onwuzurike no longer in the mix.
In the 157 combined snaps when either Davenport or Barnes was on the field last season, Detroit’s defense performed significantly better across yards per play metrics—including against the run and the pass—compared to the 977 snaps without them. The unit also improved in sack rate and third-down defense.
If Barnes can log 600–700 snaps and Davenport can reach 500+ snaps in 2025, the Lions defense not only has a strong chance to return to top-10 form, but could realistically flirt with being one of the league’s best units—helping cover any growing pains or lapses in offensive continuity. It’s worth noting that when Davenport and Barnes were active, the defense was fully stocked, including Aidan Hutchinson in peak form. It further reinforces that with health on their side this season, that kind of loaded lineup could be even more dominant.
Lions offense – Graham Glasgow
The Lions’ on/off splits for Frank Ragnow were well documented following his retirement. As a central piece of Detroit’s elite offense over the past three seasons, Ragnow’s absence creates a massive void. The Lions are turning to veteran Graham Glasgow...
