Updated Lions Defensive Depth Chart

Each of the Detroit Lions' first three free agent signings were on the defensive side of the ball.

A year after the group was devastated by injuries, the Lions have replenished their depth with the additions of cornerback D.J. Reed, defensive tackle Roy Lopez and linebacker Grant Stuard. Each of the three could wind up playing big roles for Detroit's defense in 2025.

The defense will have new leadership in coordinator Kelvin Sheppard, but many of the same pieces remain in place.

Here's a glance at how the Lions' defensive depth chart could look when training camp begins later in the offseason.

Defensive end (2)

Starters: Aidan Hutchinson, Josh Paschal

Backups: Marcus Davenport, Isaac Ukwu, Nate Lynn

The Lions brought Davenport back on a new one-year contract, and he could wind up making a big impact. However, with his health concerns, it's reasonable to imagine Paschal getting the heavier workload of snaps earlier in the season.

While Paschal has not been the most efficient as a pass rusher, he has found a way to make a timely impact. He's also been solid against the run, and helps to set the edge when teams try to run away from Hutchinson.

The Michigan product is expected to be ready to go after suffering a severe leg injury last season and could be one of the best pass rushers in the game. With two former UDFA's rounding out the depth chart, this is a position that is still in need of help.

Defensive tackle (1)

Starters: Levi Onwuzurike

Backups: Mekhi Wingo, Myles Adams, Chris Smith

Injured: Alim McNeill

Because McNeill suffered a torn ACL late in the 2024 season, the overall length of recovery from the injury puts his status for the start of the season in doubt. When healthy, he's a three-down player who will be a major contributor for the defensive line.

Onwuzurike returns on a one-year contract, which allows him to prove his durability and Detroit to retain someone who is very familiar with their scheme. If he can stay healthy, he'll play a big role in the team's rotation.

Wingo was an intriguing rotational piece who is also coming off a season-ending knee injury. Smith bounced between the active roster and the practice squad last season, and Adams is back after playing in four games with Detroit after being a late-season addition.

Nose tackle (1)

Starter: DJ Reader

Backups: Roy Lopez, Brodric Martin

Reader is back for a second season, and the Lions added Lopez for additional depth at the nose tackle position. Lopez comes from the Arizona Cardinals, and his play style appears to fit the Lions' culture and defensive identity.

Martin is an interesting case. Entering his third season, he's yet to make a substantial impact due to development and injuries. With the addition of Lopez, he likely will have to have a strong offseason to work his way into the rotation.

Linebacker (3)

Starters: Jack Campbell, Alex Anzalone, Derrick Barnes

Backups: Malcolm Rodriguez, Grant Stuard, Ezekiel Turner, Trevor Nowaske, Anthony Pittman, DaRon Gilbert, Abraham Beauplan

The Lions have stacked a nice amount of depth at the linebacker position, particularly by re-signing Derrick Barnes to a three-year extension. Barnes earned the team's SAM linebacker spot and was expected to have a big impact before an unfortunate injury last season.

Malcolm Rodriguez is a solid backup linebacker who is capable of making a big impact in a pinch, as evidenced by his performance last season when Barnes and Anzalone went down. In adding Stuard, Detroit lands a special teams ace who has also proven his abilities to contribute defensively when called upon.

With all the injuries the Lions endured on defense last season, Turner, Nowaske and Pittman all had important roles at certain points. Now, with the whole group healthy, they'll likely be fighting for spots on the back-end of the roster.