As the Detroit Lions gear up for the 2025 NFL season, the countdown to training camp begins. With anticipation building and roster battles set to unfold, now is the perfect time to take stock of the entire squad. Continuing what has become an annual tradition, Pride of Detroit staff has once again ranked every player on the 90-man roster, offering insights into both the top-tier stars and the players fighting for a spot.
This ranking exercise, now in its seventh year, provides an in-depth snapshot of how the roster is shaping up. It also offers perspective on how far the franchise has come in recent seasons. A quick glance back at 2021 shows players like punter Jack Fox and linebacker Jamie Collins making the top 10, while wide receiver Tyrell Williams—who only appeared in one game—was ranked 17th. Fast forward to 2025, and the Lions’ roster is so rich with talent that even proven contributors are being squeezed out of the top 20.
For the 2025 edition of the list, the Pride of Detroit editorial team—featuring contributors such as Jeremy Reisman, Erik Schlitt, John Whiticar, Ryan Mathews, and others—submitted individual rankings. These were then averaged to form a consensus ranking of every player, from No. 90 all the way up to No. 1. As in previous years, the rankings will be revealed in batches of 10 players at a time. We begin today with players ranked 90 through 81.
90. Luke Deal, Tight End
Highest ranking: 84 | Lowest ranking: 90 | 2024 ranking: N/A
Kicking off the list is rookie tight end Luke Deal, a name unfamiliar to many Lions fans but one worth noting. Deal didn’t originally sign with the Lions as a priority undrafted free agent, but rather earned his place through a tryout at rookie minicamp. A two-time team captain during his college career, Deal brings maturity and leadership to the locker room. He also brings a specific skill set: he’s more of a traditional blocking tight end, a role that could earn him a spot on the practice squad or even the 53-man roster if injuries hit.
89. Anthony Tyus, Running Back
Highest ranking: 82 | Lowest ranking: 90 | 2024 ranking: N/A
Anthony Tyus enters training camp as one of two running backs looking to crack the depth chart or at least stick around on the practice squad. Standing 6-foot-1 and weighing 226 pounds, Tyus is a physical, downhill runner. He had a breakout season at Ohio University in 2024, rushing for 1,215 yards and nine touchdowns over 13 games. His bruising style could make him a valuable asset in short-yardage situations.
88–81 Preview
While the list above kicks things off with rookies and practice squad hopefuls, the next few spots include a mix of returning players, backups, and special team contributors. The depth of the Lions’ roster in 2025 means even some recognizable names are found deep in the rankings. That only speaks to the overall improvement of Detroit’s depth chart—a sign of how far the team has come under its current regime.
Stay tuned as we reveal players ranked 88 through 81 in the next installment of our comprehensive breakdown. Training camp battles are heating up, and with each ranking, we get a clearer picture of who’s in the mix and who’s on the bubble.