6 Detroit Lions players facing uphill Pressure after 2025 NFL Draft

# 6 Detroit Lions Players Facing Roster Pressure After the 2025 NFL Draft

With the 2025 NFL Draft now concluded, several returning Detroit Lions players find themselves in tough positions. While the draft brings excitement for incoming rookies, it also intensifies the competition for roster spots—especially for veterans or fringe players. As the offseason progresses, depth chart shakeups are inevitable, and some familiar names could be on the outside looking in once the regular season rolls around.

Brodric Martin, Defensive Tackle

It’s been a rough stretch for Brodric Martin, whose status with the Lions appears increasingly shaky. The signing of veteran nose tackle Roy Lopez and the selection of Tyleik Williams in the first round have made Martin’s roster outlook grim. With an already deep group that includes DJ Reader, Alim McNeill, and Pat O’Connor, there simply may not be room for Martin—even if McNeill starts the season on the PUP list. Martin’s best hope lies in outperforming others like Mekhi Wingo or proving his worth enough to justify a surplus defensive tackle spot. It’s a tall order, and he’ll need a standout training camp to stay in Detroit.

Kingsley Eguakun and Michael Niese, Interior Offensive Linemen

While the Lions didn’t draft a pure center this year, which might initially seem like good news for Eguakun and Niese, the additions of rookie linemen Tate Ratledge and Miles Frazier complicate matters. Both newcomers are versatile and could get reps at center, per GM Brad Holmes. Niese, who was on the active roster last year, now faces a murky path with more competition. Eguakun, an undrafted free agent, showed promise last summer but needs major improvement to stick around. With starters like Frank Ragnow and backups capable of shifting inside, it’s hard to envision the team carrying extra depth at center unless someone truly stands out.

Colby Sorsdal, Offensive Tackle

Despite Detroit skipping an offensive tackle selection in the draft, the future doesn’t look particularly bright for Colby Sorsdal. Originally drafted as a guard, he transitioned back to tackle in 2024 but saw little action. With Giovanni Manu already viewed as a developmental project, and new draftees like Frazier and Ratledge bringing versatility, Sorsdal may not be high on the team’s priority list. Veterans like Dan Skipper or Jamarco Jones could be favored for swing tackle roles. For Sorsdal to make the team, he must prove he’s the third-best tackle on the roster—a difficult proposition at this stage.

Christian Mahogany, Guard

The Lions’ offensive line will be a hotly contested unit in camp, especially with both guard positions wide open. Christian Mahogany ended 2024 on a high note, delivering two strong performances—including one stellar playoff game. Yet, with only two starts to his name, the former sixth-round pick still has much to prove. He’ll be in the mix with veterans like Graham Glasgow and promising rookies like Ratledge and Frazier. While Mahogany might be seen as a future starter, the coaching staff will likely reward whoever shows the most consistency in camp, regardless of draft status or late-season hype.

Dominic Lovett, Wide Receiver

Even though Dominic Lovett is only a seventh-round rookie, his road to the 53-man roster is far from certain. Locked-in wideouts like Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, Kalif Raymond, Tim Patrick, and fellow rookie Isaac TeSlaa leave Lovett on the bubble. His advantage lies in his slot receiver background and experience on special teams, where he could compete as a gunner—especially with Kindle Vildor no longer on the team. The Lions have a need for depth behind St. Brown in the slot, and while Lovett’s speed is an asset, he must impress quickly. Under Brad Holmes, drafted rookies typically make the initial roster, so Lovett has added motivation to keep that trend alive.