The Detroit Lions after having being one of the weakest franchises if not the weakest franchise in not just the NFL but in all of professional sports for a very long period of time have now done a complete 180. The Detroit Lions, the past two seasons have been one of the primary Super Bowl contenders in the NFL and if it was not for over-aggressiveness in the 2023 season along with injuries/recklessness this past season, who knows they might have already won a title. Heading into next year and beyond the Detroit Lions with Dan Campbell and Jared Goff are seeking to fully establish themselves as contenders in the NFL. As in the 2023 season they were a fun dangerous team for most of the year before rounding into elite form come postseason time. In the 2024 season it was their first full season where they were supposed to be a contender and they answered the call going 15-2 and capturing the #1 overall seed in the NFC. Before of course injuries and recklessness ended their season in the playoffs as they had more defensive injuries than any team in professional football heading into the playoffs and they committed 5 turnovers in an ugly loss in the divisional round. Heading into next season and beyond the narrative will be if Detroit can maintain being a Super Bowl contender on a year in year out basis, especially now that they have run into some turmoil losing both coordinators to head coaching positions heading into the 2025 season.
On the offensive side of the ball the Detroit Lions had the premier offensive attack in the NFL this past season. They scored the most points in the regular season along with accounting for the 4th most offensive touchdowns in a season ever. The Lions were led by star Jared Goff on the offensive side of the ball along with offensive coordinator Ben Johnson and head coach Dan Campbell. Goff, although he is not in that same class with Patrick Mahomes and Lamar Jackson is certainly the next closest thing. If you reference my quarterback ranking article you can see how highly I think of Goff, as in terms of a ceiling he is almost as good as anyone in the NFL. He is just not in that first tier of quarterbacks due to a lower floor and not showing the ability to overcome chaos and carry a team. Heading into next season it remains to be seen how Goff will adjust to life without offensive coordinator Ben Johnson who has departed to become a head coach elsewhere. The Lions new offensive coordinator is John Morton and although the departure of Ben Johnson is indeed concerning, Lions fans should be optimistic that he along with head coach Dan Campbell can overcome the loss of Johnson from an offensive schematic standpoint. Such as the case with every team the schematics and the quarterback play although they are the primary thing that contributes to success or lack thereof on the offensive side of the ball, the remaining players on the team also matter quite a bit as well. I have conducted a detailed analysis of every unit of the Detroit Lions on the offensive side of the ball which can be found below. I have included the offense grade that each player was given over the course of the 2024 season along with me assigning each player a subjective grade that indicates how strong of players I deem them to be in totality outside of just 2024 based on yearly statistical output and yearly subjective grades that have been given to them by Pro Football Focus.
Lions Offensive Line Starters
LT – Taylor Decker – (21/60) offense grade in 2024 over 894 snaps, B to B+
LG – Graham Glasgow – (47/59) offense grade in 2024 over 1080 snaps, B to B+
C – Frank Ragnow – (3/44) offense grade in 2024 over 1060 snaps, A
RG – Kevin Zeitler – (4/83) offense grade in 2024 over 1047 snaps, A to A-, free agent
RT – Penei Sewell – (5/60) offense grade in 2024 over 1144 snaps, A
Key Lions Offensive Line Reserves
G/T – Dan Skipper – (54/60) offense grade in 2024 over 322 snaps, C, free agent
G – Kayode Awosika – (75/83) offense grade in 2024 over 145 snaps, C, free agent
G – Christian Mahogony – (4/59) offense grade in 2024 over 75 snaps, A, so far as 2024 6th rounder
C – Michael Niese – (62/64) offense grade in 2024 over 34 snaps, D to D+, free agent
Lions Offensive Line Rankings for 2024 Season
18th in pass blocking grade according to Pro Football Focus
3rd in run blocking grade according to Pro Football Focus
17th in pass blocking efficiency according to Pro Football Focus
9th in sacks allowed
As you can see from the above three sets of data, the Detroit Lions were very good on the offensive line over the course of the 2024 season. At center, right guard, and right tackle, all three players ranked in the top 5 at their respective positions in terms of an overall offense grade during 2024. Left tackle Decker was ranked as above average and left guard Glasgow was ranked as below average as he had a down year. Heading into next season, very reliable and highly effective right guard Kevin Zeitler who they signed last offseason is now a free agent. It remains to be seen if they will bring him back next season and how they will address the right guard spot in totality as he is the only starter on the offensive line who is indeed a free agent. Graham Glasgow had a really down year in 2024 as he graded as below average to well below average among all qualified guards. This was a down year because in the previous two seasons he ranked in the top 6 among all qualified players in that same category. Glasgow has shown the tendency to be erratic and inconsistent at the position however as despite typically ranking above average to well above average, he has been ranked as below average on more than a couple of occasions. The Lions have a relatively average pass protecting unit but an elite run blocking unit and that projects to be the case heading into next season as well. Overall, the Lions on the offensive front although flawed still have one of the better if not one of the best overall offensive lines in the sport. Despite Glasgow’s down year, which he has shown he is prone to have, all five starters typically grade as above average to well above average at their respective positions. With guard Christian Mahogany showing some high-end capabilities as a backup thus far albeit in very limited snaps as a rookie. I have conducted a similar analysis of the team’s skill position players which can be found below.
Lions Key Skill Position Players
WR1 – Amon-Ra St. Brown – (6/110) offense grade in 2024 in 17 games, A to A+
TE1 – Sam LaPorta – (10/45) offense grade in 2024 in 16 games, A-
WR2 – Jameson Williams – (31/110) offense grade in 2024 in 15 games, B+
HB1 – Jahmyr Gibbs – (6/58) offense grade in 2024 in 17 games, A-
HB2 – David Montgomery – (9/58) offense grade in 2024 in 14 games, B
WR3 – Kalif Raymond – (48/110) offense grade in 2024 in 12 games, B
WR4 – Tim Patrick – (66/110) offense grade in 2024 in 16 games, C+, free agent
As you can see from the above data the Lions had one of the more formidable skill position groupings in the NFL. Amon-Ra St. Brown although he is not physically imposing as a wide out by any stretch remains one of the premier wide receivers in the NFL by any and all metrics. Sam LaPorta, a former second round pick a few years ago has not underwhelmed thus far in the NFL. In his two seasons in the league, he has been one of the better if not one of the best overall tight ends in the NFL. Jameson Williams, a former first round pick who got off to a rocky start in the NFL has struggled thus far in the league. Despite being drafted as high as he was, which is not common for a wide out to be drafted in the first half of the first round as he was, he has struggled in the NFL. He graded as below average in terms of an offense grade in each of his first two NFL seasons while also struggling off the field as well, being suspended on two separate occasions by the league. Williams however turned things around this past season as he accounted for over 1000 yards on a remarkable 17.3 yards per reception. The 17.3 yards per receptions ranked first among all wide outs who accumulated 1,000 yards or more. The running back tandem of the Detroit Lions is stout led by the likes of Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery. Gibbs as a 2023 first round pick has not underwhelmed in the league thus far accounting for over 5.0 yards per attempt in each of his first two seasons while being graded 6th out of all running backs this past season. Montgomery is one of the better overall number two halfbacks in the sport consistently grading in or around the top 10 among all running backs in terms of an offense grade including this past season. The Lions have some strong depth at the wideout spot in Tim Patrick and Kalif Raymond both of whom are capable of producing at an above average clip on a consistent basis.
Overall, on the offensive side of the ball the Detroit Lions had the premier offensive attack in the league this past season. Jared Goff, although he isn’t a tier 1 quarterback, is certainly the next closest thing and possesses as high of a ceiling as practically any quarterback in the NFL. The Lions posses a very good offensive line that is especially strong in blocking for the run but is closer to average in terms of pass protection. The collection of skill position talent on the Lions roster ranks up there with any team in the NFL. Everywhere you look, each player is amongst the best at their respective position and the team has a strong amount of depth from a skill player standpoint as well. Going into next year the Lions will now have to overcome the loss of Ben Johnson as the offensive coordinator. Although Detroit may not be historically great in terms of offensive output as they were this past season, they can certainly remain the premier offense in the NFL as they were a season ago. Kevin Zeitler is the only notable free agent on the offensive side but both sides have expressed an interest in a reunion.
The defensive side of the ball was far more concerning than the offensive side of the ball for the Detroit Lions this past season. In the first half of the season the Lions were very strong on the defensive side of the ball as Pro Football Focus even had them graded as the #1 defense in the league for a portion of time. Injuries, however, really hampered the team in the latter half of the regular season and heading into the postseason. The team had about twice as many points per game missed on injured reserve on defense than any other team in the regular season. The Lions suffered devastating and catastrophic injuries on the defensive side of the ball that really hampered their chances entering postseason play. The lackluster play on the defensive side of the ball really showed in the back end of the season where the team allowed 30+ points in 3 of the last 5 weeks of the season after not allowing 30 points in any of the previous weeks. There was a strong glimmer of optimism after their week 18 matchup vs the Minnesota Vikings where they held one of the most effective offenses in the NFL to 9 points. But that was short lived as Detroit allowed 45 points in a postseason loss to the Washington Commanders. I have conducted a unit by unit analysis of Detroit’s personnel on the defensive side of the ball which can be found below.
Detroit Key Defensive Lineman
ED – Aidan Hutchinson – (1/135) defense grade over 280 snaps in 2024, A to A+, season ending injury
ED – Josh Paschal – (111/135) defense grade over 548 snaps in 2024, C to C-
ED – Trevor Nowaske – (122/135) defense grade over 332 snaps in 2024, C-, free agent
ED – Zadarius Smith – (27/135) defense grade over 615 snaps in 2024, B+ to A-
ED – Al-Quadin Muhammad – (83/135) defense grade over 254 snaps in 2024, C+ to B-, free agent
ED – Marcus Davenport – (120/135) defense grade over 89 snaps in 2024, B to B+, free agent, season ending injury
DL- Levi Onwuzurike – (29/146) defense grade over 635 snaps in 2024, B to B+, free agent
DL – Alim McNeill – (11/146) defense grade over 631 snaps in 2024, B+ to A-, season ending injury
DL – DJ Reader – (43/146) defense grade over 507 snaps in 2024, B+ to A-
DL – John Cominksy – DNP in 2024 season, B, season ending injury
As you can see from the above data the Detroit defensive line was stockpiled with talent as Aidan Hutchinson is arguably the best overall defensive end in the game. The Lions also had 5 five other defensive lineman who graded in the B+ range or higher, which is a rare occurrence. Hutchinson of course suffered a season-ending injury in the early portion of the season and very reliable interior defensive lineman John Cominsky suffered a season-ending injury prior to the season. Marcus Davenport, who has struggled with injuries the past two seasons but who is typically very productive, also suffered a season ending injury early in the season. Defensive lineman Alim McNeill, who is among the better interior defensive lineman in the NFL, also suffered a season ending injury late in the year. The Lions had 4 of their top 6 defensive lineman suffer season ending injuries with all four of those players ranking among the better if not among the best defensive lineman in the NFL. The team signed Zadarius Smith after having lost three very strong to elite defensive lineman for the season but it was too little too late and Detroit’s defensive line injuries were exacerbated by star defensive lineman Alim McNeill also suffering a season ending injury as well. Going into next season the Lions have some free agents on the defensive line that they should look into re-signing. The team should remain much healthier on the defensive front next year as it would be highly unlikely that they suffer injuries to the extent they did this year. I have conducted a similar analysis of the team’s linebacking core which can be found below.
Detroit Key Linebackers
LB– Jack Campbell – (9/92) defense grade over 973 snaps in 2024, B+ to A-
LB– Alex Anzalone – (35/90) defense grade over 608 snaps in 2024, C+
LB – Malcolm Rodriguez – (17/92) defense grade over 318 snaps in 2024, C+ to B-, season ending injury
LB – Derrick Barnes – (22/92) defense grade over 120 snaps in 2024, C to C+, season ending injury, free agent
LB – Ben Niemann – (78/92) defense grade over 178 snaps in 2024, C to C+, free agent
LB – David Long Jr – (91/92) defense grade over 352 snaps in 2024, C to C+
LB – Jalen Reeves Maybin – (73/92) defense grade over 159 snaps in 2024, C to C+
As you can see above, the Detroit linebacking unit was stout led by standout Jack Campbell and complemented by 2-3 other good to very good players. Injuries affected this unit as well as the team’s number 2 and number 3 linebackers in Rodriguez and Barnes suffered season ending injuries. When healthy the unit is very strong and above average but not spectacular and injuries were a concern this past season and one of the team’s primary linebackers is a free agent as well. I have conducted a similar analysis of the team’s secondary which can be found below.
Detroit Key Secondary Players
S – Kerby Joseph – (1/104) defense grade over 1084 snaps in 2024, B+ to A-, highly inconsistent
S – Brian Branch – (11/104) defense grade over 916 snaps in 2024, B+ to A-
S – Brandon Joseph – (94/104) defense grade over 182 snaps in 2024, C to C-
S – Ifeatu Melifonwu – (53/104) defense grade over 136 snaps in 2024, C+, free agent
CB – Terrion Arnold – (114/128) defense grade over 947 snaps in 2024, C- so far, 2024 first rounder
CB – Amik Robertson – (59/128) defense grade over 628 snaps in 2024, B-
CB – Carlton Davis III – (18/128) defense grade over 697 snaps in 2024, B, season ending injury, free agent
CB – Kindle Vildor – (120/128) defense grade over 244 snaps in 2024, C to C-, free agent
CB – Ennis Rakestraw Jr – (125/128) defense grade over 46 snaps in 2024, D to D+ so far, 2nd round 2024
CB – Emmanuel Moseley – DNP in 2024, B, season ending injury, free agent
As you can see above, the Lions were led by elite safety play that ranked among the best in the NFL but the cornerback play was marred by injuries and inexperience. The combination of Joseph and Branch ranked up there with any safety duo in the league and both players were fortunately able to stay healthy this year. Safety Kerby Joseph is highly inconsistent however, despite ranking first among all safeties in terms of a defense grade in 2024, the previous two seasons he ranked below average to well below average in that same department. The cornerback unit had Emmanuel Mosely and Carlton Davis both of whom are consistently above average at the position suffer season ending injuries. 2024 first and second round picks Terrion Arnold and Ennis Rakestraw Jr both really underwhelmed as rookies despite being drafted so high. All the above led to the cornerback play of the Lions really lacking this past season. Going into next season, they can expect to stay healthier and they can expect the young players to grow and develop. Moseley and Davis III, who both suffered season ending injuries in 2024 are free agents entering this offseason and it remains to be seen if they will return to the team.
Overall, on the defensive side of the ball the Detroit Lions were stout and very talented when healthy. As in the early portion of the season Pro Football Focus had them graded as the #1 overall defense in the league for a period of time. Their play unfortunately nosedived after suffering devastating and catastrophic injuries on the defensive side of the ball. Despite being by far the most injured team in the NFL on defense the Lions still finished 7th in terms of points allowed and 5th in terms of an overall defense grade according to Pro Football Focus. The team saw eight key players/starters on the defensive end suffer season ending injuries which is just too much to overcome. Heading into next season, the team can certainly expect to stay healthier and also see some improvement from young players in their secondary. If that can happen then the Lions will be one of the premier defensive teams in the league next season as they were this past season before the injuries really started to mount. Overcoming the loss of defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn who departed to become head coach of the Jets will be a hurdle to overcome however.
In totality when healthy on defense last year, the Detroit Lions along with the Eagles were one of the two premier teams in the NFL a season ago, a cut above the rest of the league in my estimation including the Chiefs and Ravens. The Lions had a historically great offense which led the league in points scored, combined with an elite defense that was in the argument for the best defense in the NFL when healthy. Overcoming the loss of both coordinators will be very tough but I trust Detroit to overcome it. The Lions, in my estimation heading into the offseason, remain the 2nd best team in professional football to the Eagles and they will be one of the primary threats to win it all next season.
