Thursday, March 6, 2025

Lions Links for Wednesday 3-5-25

TWENTYMAN: 10 free agents that could interest Lions:  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/twentyman-10-free-agents-that-could-interest-lions-williams-mack-slay

2025 NFL free agency: One player each team should re-sign (Detroit Lions: LB Derrick Barnes - Barnes finally hit his stride in Detroit after taking over the SAM role in the defense. It allowed him to use his pass-rushing skills while also leaning on his stout run defense and impressive tackling power. The Lions defense was never able to capably replace him after he was lost with a knee injury in Week 3, trying several different options with varying levels of futility. Keeping him brings strength and stability to a position of growing importance for Detroit’s defense. As long as Barnes is healthy, he gets the slight nod over starting CB Carlton Davis here. – Jeff Risdon, Lions Wire):  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2025/03/05/2025-nfl-free-agency-player-each-team-should-re-sign/81577045007/


Detroit Lions WR Amon-Ra St. Brown unhappy Tee Higgins was franchise tagged again.:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/st-brown-higgins-getting-tagged-twice-should-be-illegal

Pros and Cons of Lions Signing LB Jack Sanborn:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/pros-cons-lions-signing-lb-jack-sanborn

Carlton Davis Won't Make Same Mistake Twice: 'Ya'll Know Who To Pay':  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/carlton-davis-will-not-make-same-mistake-twice-free-agency

Why Aidan Hutchinson, Jahmyr Gibbs Are Going to Be Even More Costly:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/why-hutchinson-gibbs-are-going-to-be-even-more-costly

Lions' 2025 Free Agent Predictions: Who Returns?:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/lions-2025-free-agent-predictions

Former Detroit Lions RB Released by New Orleans Saints:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/former-detroit-lions-rb-released-by-saints

Notes: How Lions DC Kelvin Sheppard Has Grown as NFL Coach:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/how-lions-kelvin-sheppard-has-grown-as-nfl-coach

Raiders, Maxx Crosby set market for Aidan Hutchinson with record-breaking deal:  https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2025/3/5/24378638/raiders-maxx-crosby-set-aidan-hutchinson-market-with-record-breaking-deal





NFL Offensive Line Rankings 2024: Insights Into All 32 OLs Entering Free Agency (6. Detroit Lions - Regular-Season Grade: 85.6 (B).  Regular Season + Postseason Grade: 82.7 (B-; 6th).  After a wobble in the middle of the season, the Detroit Lions’ offensive line has finished the season strongly, ranking sixth after clinching the division in Week 18. They were fourth over their last four weeks, and that includes a D- performance against the Bills in Week 15. Finishing with a B- against a very good Minnesota Vikings defense is also a huge credit to this group. The Lions rank 12th and 16th in PBWR and RBWR, respectively, and are 11th in pressure rate (32.6%). Yet, they’re second in RBYBC/rush (1.08). Detroit’s pass-blocking numbers are helped by the fact that Jared Goff is in the top 10 in time to throw (2.71).  Where the Lions’ pass blocking excelled was against the blitz. Goff is 10th in the NFL in time to throw against the blitz, but the line ranks seventh in pressure rate (37.1%) and fifth in sack rate (5.2%). Intriguingly, they actually have negative splits when not facing the blitz, ranking ninth in time to throw and 12th and 13th in pressure rate and sack rate, respectively.  Detroit’s worry is that its struggles came against other playoff teams. They graded as a C against the Buccaneers, a C- against the Vikings, a C+ and a D+ against the Green Bay Packers, a C against the Houston Texans, and a D- against the Bills.  When the competition ramps up, Detroit’s line has tended to struggle, but finishing well against the Vikings will have helped alleviate some of those concerns.  We saw those concerns against better teams come to a head in the Divisional Round. The Lions finished the week graded as a C+, thanks in large part to allowing a high-pressure rate both against the blitz and against three- or four-man rushes. They allowed a 66.7% pressure rate against the blitz (16th) and a 43.2% pressure rate when the Commanders did not blitz.  You can certainly point to those issues with pass blocking regarding some of Goff’s struggles against Washington. All season, Goff has been superb from a clean pocket but struggled under pressure. That showed up in a three-interception performance for the veteran quarterback.):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/best-offensive-lines-nfl-rankings/

2025 Combine:


2025 Draft:

2025 Draft: Lions Hosting Georgia Linebacker on Top-30 Visit:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/lions-hosting-georgia-linebacker-top-30-visit

2025 NFL Draft big board: Top two spots go to CBs, while a pair of TEs crack the top 10:  https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/article/2025-nfl-draft-big-board-top-two-spots-go-to-cbs-while-a-pair-of-tes-crack-the-top-10-215135396.html

Video:

Darius Slay back to the Lions? Dan Miller explains why it may make sense:  https://www.fox2detroit.com/video/1603588

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