Analyst ranks Lions defense among NFL's best (but you won't guess where)

As the ranking season continues in the NFL, the Detroit Lions are racking up the high ratings going into 2025.

With the Lions team as a whole and Jared Goff being ranked high this week, Lions fans have been fairly pleased with the recognition their squad is getting going into the season.

While the Lions' offense has been the focal point of the past few successful seasons, their defense is starting to get some recognition. Fans have often believed that once the Lions fully put it together on defense, they are going to be a hard out in the Super Bowl.

The Lions' defense finally starts to gain some recognition

Gary Davenport of Bleacher Report wrote an article on Tuesday ranking all 30 defenses in the NFL. Shocking to many, the Lions found themselves at No. 6 on this list going into the season.

Last year, the Lions' defense was up and down due to injuries, having had 21 total players on injured reserve in mid-December. Even missing the likes of Aidan Hutchinson and Alim McNeill, Detroit still finished 6th in rushing yards allowed, but 31st in passing yards allowed.

Going into this season, Davenport doesn't expect the Lions to have multiple practice-squad free agents signed and starting each week, and expects a dominant Detroit defense.

"The Lions' defense benefits from a lot of positive game scripts," said Davenport. "If the secondary can take a step forward this year, Detroit's defense could join the offense as one of the better position groups in the game."

Starting with the secondary, the Lions have been building this unit for a while. Detroit has the best safety duo in the league with Brian Branch and the newly extended Kerby Joseph. Branch is a versatile, strong safety, while Joseph was the best ballhawk in the NFL last season.

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In the 2024 NFL Draft, the Lions traded up in the first round to select Terrion Arnold, a cornerback from Alabama. Arnold had an up-and-down rookie year, but the injury to Carlton Davis forced Arnold to play CB1 late in the year. The new Lions free agency addition should help Arnold tremendously.

"The acquisition of free-agent cornerback D.J. Reed is an upgrade over Carlton Davis, but the likes of Terrion Arnold and Amik Robertson will have to step up and be more consistent this season," said Davenport.

The linebacker room is very underrated in my opinion. Jack Campbell was one of the best middle linebackers in the game during his sophomore season, grading 20th/189 linebackers according to PFF. Alex Anzalone has been the leader of this Lions defense for three years, and Derrick Barnes and Malcolm Rodriguez should be returning from injury this season.

The defensive line has question marks, but tons of potential. Aidan Hutchinson was on pace for a record season in 2024 before his season-ending injury, and will be back to 100% by Week 1. Alim McNeill probably won't return until December, but a healthy McNeill and Hutchinson are dangerous.

"With a healthy Hutchinson back in the fold, a line that also features tackles Alim McNeil and DJ Reader and edge-rusher Josh Paschal should be a problem for opponents, especially with first-rounder Tyleik Williams also working into the mix inside," said Davenport.

Although a second edge rusher is still a hole for Detroit, this defense was able to get to the quarterback when Hutchinson was still healthy. When offensive lines have to account for a player like him, other pass rushers have more of an opportunity to get home.

Regardless of a few uncertainties on this Lions defense, this is unquestionably the best unit the Lions have had under Dan Campbell. From an improved secondary and linebacker core to a healthy defensive line, this defense should live up to its No. 6 ranking and support its dominant offense.

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