The Detroit Lions are where they are today because of the NFL Draft. The job general manager Brad Holmes has done at finding young talent has been incredible. And while the Lions roster has gotten to a point where it’s hard for a rookie to make a meaningful impact, that will likely be different for Detroit’s 2025 class. At least two of Detroit’s picks are expected to be Week 1 starters, while a third could very well find a big role in the opener in Green Bay.
So our staff has a tricky job predicting this year’s Detroit Lions Rookie of the Year. Here are our choices:
Previous season predictions:
2025 Detroit Lions Rookie of the Year candidates
Erik Schlitt: Tate Ratledge
Not only should Ratledge see the most playing time of all the rookies, but he’ll have a ton of expectations put on him by starting at right guard. The Lions need their offensive line to operate at full capacity in order to run their offense effectively, and believe he’ll be up to the task of keeping the Lions dominant up front.
Max Gerber: Isaac TeSlaa
With the trading of Tim Patrick, the Lions seemed to have placed all of their faith in Isaac TeSlaa. The rookie may not be the WR3 at the moment, but I wager he’ll assimilate into the offense quickly and make some plays. As Tyleik Williams and Tate Ratledge don’t play the flashiest of positions, a lot of the attention will go to TeSlaa instead.
John Whiticar: Tate Ratledge
I think this will be a popular pick despite his second-round status, and it all comes down to play time. Ratledge is forecasted to play every offensive snap, whereas Tyleik Williams could be a rotational piece, albeit an important one. While I think Williams could exceed Ratledge’s performance on a per snap basis, if Ratledge becomes a reliable starting guard from the onset, that pushes him into the lead for Lions Rookie of the Year.
Jeremy Reisman: Tate Ratledge
With all due respect to Tyleik Williams and Isaac TeSlaa, Tate Ratledge is the most important Lions rookie this year. Williams will be part time and could even see his playing time shrink once Alim McNeill is back. TeSlaa is exciting, but with so many mouths to feed on offense, even the most optimistic projections about the rookie receiver should be modest. Ratledge, on the other hand, will be a key part of the Lions’ offensive identity as a strong run blocker. And with him playing between Graham Glasgow and Penei Sewell, I’m confident he’ll be up for the challenge, even though I’m expecting some early turbulence.
Brandon Knapp: Isaac TeSlaa
The rookie was looked at as WR4/5 before the season even started, and with the Lions trading away Tim Patrick to the Jacksonville Jaguars, it could mean TeSlaa is in for a big year. He wowed in the preseason games, while doing fair in practice with limited play time with quarterback Jared Goff. With how many weapons this offense has, TeSlaa could add himself in the rotation very quickly.
Al Karsten: Tyleik Williams
Detroit’s run defense has the makings of an elite unit, and Williams barricading rushing lanes alongside DJ Reader will be a driving force. Neutralizing the ground game won’t just erase opposing plans, it will feed directly into the Lions’ pass rush and secondary to turn possessions into punishment. Williams may not pile up box score stats, but offensive linemen and coordinators will feel his presence every snap. And if his flashes of interior pass rush at Ohio State carry over, he’ll add yet another layer of havoc to an already dangerous defense.
Ryan Mathews: Tate Ratledge
Tate Ratledge feels like the early favorite to be the Lions’ Rookie of the Year. After moving up to select the former Georgia Bulldog, he’s immediately needed to keep Detroit’s offensive line operating at a high level. In his only bit of preseason action, Ratledge looked really solid across his 24 snaps against some of the starters for the Atlanta Falcons–wait and see what kind of confidence he can play with next to an All Pro like Penei Sewell.
Morgan Cannon: Tyleik Williams
I could have gone with the trendy pick at wide receiver here, but for me, it’s tough not to go with the defensive tackle out of Columbus. Early in 2025, I believe Williams will be a key contributor on one of the best run defenses in the NFL, with everything else falling into place as the season progresses. If he can add some juice to his pass rush by the time Alim McNeill returns, this front could be really special.
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