Roundtable: Lions Player Not Getting Enough Attention

1.) Which NFC North team has the best defense?

Christian Booher: I believe the Minnesota Vikings currently have the best defense in the NFC North. They revitalized their defensive interior with the additions of Javon Hargrave and Jonathan Allen, and have Andrew Van Ginkel leading their linebacking corps. With Jonathan Greenard also coming off the edge, they have a chance to be one of the most prolific pass-rush units. 

Detroit isn't far away, but the team will likely feel the absence of Alim McNeill early in the year. They would also be helped if Marcus Davenport emerges into a solid running mate for Aidan Hutchinson. If the cornerback room develops as hoped, then the Lions' defense will take a big step forward. 

Vito Chirco: I'm going to go with the Green Bay Packers. They were sixth in points allowed last season, and they return a variety of playmakers, including All-Pro safety Xavier McKinney and Pro Bowl EDGE Rashan Gary.

I'm also a big fan of the Vikings’ defense, led by the likes of Pro Bowl EDGEs Jonathan Greenard and Andrew Van Ginkel, and I think they're going to be a strong unit again in 2025. However, for the purpose of this exercise, I'm going to go with Green Bay's unit, led by second-year coordinator Jeff Hafley.

2.) How does Amon-Ra St. Brown get better this season?

Booher: I think the next step for Amon-Ra St. Brown is to add more vertical punch to his game. He doesn't have the size to be a contested catch threat on deep balls, but I believe he could create some separation with the wiggle in his route-running. 

St. Brown doesn't necessarily need to be the Lions' primary deep threat with Jameson Williams having game-breaking speed, but that would be a nice addition to his game. He'll always be a reliable target in the middle of the field, but adding some vertical pop wouldn't hurt. 

Chirco: To be honest, I don’t know if he can. He’s been an All-Pro selection the last two seasons, and has become one of the NFL’s sturdiest and most reliable pass-catchers. He’s a go-to target for Jared Goff when the Lions attempt to convert first downs through the air, and he’s also one of Goff’s favorite red-zone targets. Detroit is lucky to have him as a part of its passing attack.

3.) Which player not talked about a lot may impress supporters at training camp?

Booher: One player to keep an eye on that hasn't been talked about as much as others is veteran Avonte Maddox. He impressed during offseason workouts, and his veteran experience should lend itself to some important snaps early on in his Lions tenure. 

Maddox is a versatile defender who can play any position in the secondary, so he will give the Lions an option in the event of a secondary injury. He could wind up having serious value for the team down the stretch.