Outside corner
Or safety
Punter.
Backup Safety, since, we’re starting backups, have to be part of the conversation.
You know you’re lacking depth in any area you’re starting a rookie that isn’t a first or second round pick… Nickelback is our weakest link.
I loved the Abney pick, and, he’s even better than I thought, but, he shouldn’t be having to start, already. It could hurt his confidence in the long run.
People keep saying DBs. Every DB outside of Abney and Rakestraw are average to above average to PFF. for their respective depths.
You really cant upgrade that position without drafting high, trading 1st/2nd round capital or dropping $10-20m on a FA. None of those were an option. I think the DBs are fine enough.
Look at the last few years. A DB goes down. Yea the defense takes a step back but its still good and competitive. DL goes down the whole defense falls apart. If the DL takes a step forward this year, the DBs will have less work to do. Thats the key.
to me my biggest concern is WR4/Punt Returner. Because the Lions dont have one. They have their starting 3. Then they have 3 Tom Kennedys. Ie WR5. They dont have a good WR4 that also can do punt returns. In fact they dont have a single player on the entire 69 man roster thats ever been the designated PR outside of the returner gets injured mid game and they have to spot fill for the rest of that game.
That’s not true about Kennedy, he replaced Raymond when Leaf got hurt last year.
“Where Raymond continued to thrive was as a return man, particularly his handling of punts, where he was named an All-Pro twice, in 2022 and 2024. But even that production declined last season. His 7.5-yard average in 2025 was his worst in seven years.”
“Detroit will obviously be on the hunt for a new return man. The team could bring back Tom Kennedy, who performed well as an injury replacement last season. Last year’s seventh-round draft pick, Dominic Lovett, should also be in the mix.”
Can we get better at PR? I am sure we could. To say we don’t have a guy who has ever fielded a punt or returned outside of an emergency situation? It’s just not accurate. Kennedy can do it, he had multiple decent returns last year.
2025 Punt Return Stats
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Average: 16.7 yards per return
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Longest Return: 21 yards
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Opportunities: Handled 3 punt returns during the regular season. [1, 2]
Notable Performances
- vs. Dallas Cowboys (Dec. 4, 2025): Recorded a 20-plus yard punt return alongside three kickoff returns of 35-plus yards, making him the first NFL player to achieve that combined stat line in a single game since 2009. [1]
Yep, I forgot about that one. Returns, is our weak link…as far as I know.
That doesn’t mean that Brad, Dan, and, Fripp, aren’t on top of it and our WR4 and/or RB5 aren’t capable. Usually, those guys are Special Teamers.
This is true. But thats only because the main returner was hurt. And if Kennedy is gonna be the designated PR. Why is he on the PS? At a certain point the roster gymnastics doesnt add up. And is 5 punt returns in 2 years including pre season really good experience?
For me, until proven otherwise is OL. Sewell and ratledge and then a lot of unknown/possible/probable new starters. OL doesn’t go, offense doesn’t go.
Dbs and oline. Yes there is depth but thats just it depth. Still want to see these guys play vs starters before I start to believe in them
Bingo bango
Pachecco to IR
Conklin to 53
Lovett on PS
Dude doesn’t age.
It’s this. If we haven’t resolved the C-LG issues from last year, I don’t care who the secondary is, I don’t care who the returner is, I don’t care who the 5th WR is. If we can’t stop teams blitzing the A gap, the offense will be extremely limited. Certain games we will rush for 200 yards and score 30 points, and in certain games we are rushing for 50 yards and losing to teams with 50 yards passing offense.
Still had a top scoring offense with a suspect OLine in 2025. I think the line is at least that good. So I’m not too worried about that group.
First place tie between RB2 and WR4 for me. Then it’s the secondary. Very comfortable with everything else on the roster. A good DLine can make a weak secondary look average.
Center and guards are still shaky. And rookie rt. Just hope tate and who every starts at the other guard step it up big time
Tate has been great, I have no concerns with him. Mahogany is still spooking me. He should’ve handled preseason easily, but he struggled. I think there is still a chance that Bartch takes his spot. I also don’t think it’s a coincidence the guy we signed from the Bucs, his highest rated position was LG. I just don’t feel like the Lions are too sold on that position right now.