There is always an adjustment period that takes place in the NFL for first-year players entering this league. It's a big step up in speed and competition level from the college game, and newcomers find that out rather quickly.
Detroit's 2025 class of rookies saw their fair share of ups and downs throughout the course of their first NFL season, but by the end of the year several of them were getting quality reps and becoming impact players.
Here's a closer look at the impact Detroit's rookies made this season:
DT TYLEIK WILLIAMS, FIRST ROUND, NO. 28
Statistical impact: 17 games (10 starts), 18 tackles, 2 TFL, 1.0 sack, 3 QB hits, 4 PD
2026 outlook: With D.J. Reader and Roy Lopez both scheduled to hit free agency, Williams looks to be stepping into a major role alongside Alim McNeill in the middle of Detroit's defensive front next season. The Lions could re-sign Reader or Lopez (likely not both), but even if they do, look for Williams to play a lot more than the 446 snaps or 40 percent of the defensive snaps he played this season.
Quotable: "For me, just more pressure on the quarterback," Williams said of the thing he wants to improve the most going into his second season. "I won some rushes, but I'm not winning them at the rate I want to win them at."
Twentyman: I talked to Lopez during locker room clean-out after the season and some of the things he said about Williams and the progression he made was really encouraging. Lopez thinks Williams is a special talent who learned a lot as a rookie and will have a much bigger impact on the stat sheet week-to-week in 2026.
That's not hard to believe given that young players typically take their biggest leaps in development and production going into Year 2. One thing Williams and I talked about after the season was his focus on being more of an impact player in the pass game. If he adds a little more impact in that aspect of his game, he'll be well on his way to being the player the Lions knew he could be when they took him in the first round of last year's NFL Draft.
View photos of the Detroit Lions' rookie class throughout the 2025 season.
Detroit Lions defensive lineman Tyleik Williams (91) celebrates during an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns on Sunday, Sept. 28, 2025 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions defensive lineman Tyleik Williams (91) during an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025 in Cincinnati. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions defensive lineman Tyleik Williams (91) during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Thursday, Nov. 27, 2025 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions defensive lineman Tyleik Williams (91) in action during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025 in Inglewood, Calif. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions defensive lineman Tyleik Williams (91) makes a tackle during an NFL football game against the Chicago Bears on Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026 in Chicago. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions offensive lineman Tate Ratledge (69) during an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens on Monday, Sept. 22, 2025 in Baltimore. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions offensive lineman Tate Ratledge (69) during an NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions offensive lineman Tate Ratledge (69) and Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Thursday, Nov. 27, 2025 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions offensive lineman Tate Ratledge (69) during an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys on Thursday, Dec. 4, 2025 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions offensive lineman Tate Ratledge (69) during an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys on Thursday, Dec. 4, 2025 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa (18) catches a touchdown pass during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday, Sept. 7, 2025, in Green Bay, Wis. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa (18) during an NFL football game against the Chicago Bears on Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa (18) catches the ball and scores a touchdown during an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025 in Cincinnati. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa (18) scores a touchdown during an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys on Thursday, Dec. 4, 2025 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa (18) scores a touchdown during an NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Thursday, Dec. 25, 2025 in Minneapolis. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions offensive lineman Miles Frazier (71) during an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys on Thursday, Dec. 4, 2025 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions offensive lineman Miles Frazier (71) during an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys on Thursday, Dec. 4, 2025 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions offensive lineman Miles Frazier (71) during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025 in Inglewood, Calif. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Dominic Lovett (19) during an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025 in Cincinnati. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Dominic Lovett (19) during an NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
G TATE RATLEDGE, SECOND ROUND, NO. 57
Statistical impact: 17 games (17 starts), 7 penalties, 24 pressures, 1 sack allowed
2026 outlook: Ratledge's 73.5 Pro Football Focus run-blocking grade ranked 12th among all NFL guards and ranked second among rookie guards. Over his last 12 games, Ratledge didn't allow a sack and gave up only four quarterback hits. The Lions still haven't ruled out a move to center, but he really settled into that right guard spot.
Quotable: "Definitely better than where it started, but obviously, a lot of things to improve on," Ratledge said after the season. "I don't think I played to this offensive line's standard and this team's standard. So, definitely a lot of things I can improve on. The one thing that needs to be fixed sooner rather than later is pad level. I'm already a tall guard as it is and improving pad level is one of my bigger things."
Twentyman: The Lions tried Ratledge out at center in OTAs and early in training camp before making the switch to veteran Graham Glasgow and moving Ratledge over to right guard. Ratledge said he would do anything the team asked him to do but he feels more comfortable at guard.
I thought he really made some strides as the season went on and showed he can be a good starter in this league for a long time. He and right tackle Penei Sewell have the potential to be a formidable duo along the right side of Detroit's offensive line next season.
WR ISAAC TESLAA, THIRD ROUND, NO. 70
Statistical impact: 17 games (3 starts), 16 rec., 239 yards, 14.9 avg., 6 TD
2026 outlook: TeSlaa didn't make a lot of catches but the catches he did make were impact plays. He finished with six touchdowns. TeSlaa will be the third in what's expected to be a nice receiving trio next season with Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams.
Quotable: "I'm very happy with how things went this season for me personally," TeSlaa said. "Obviously, so many things I can work on. I just had my exit meeting with (assistant head coach/wide receivers coach) Scottie (Montgomery) and he said the biggest thing is just quickness and separation, adding just a little bit more to my game will really help."
Twentyman: Out of all of Detroit's first-year players, TeSlaa grew more than anyone from the beginning of the year to the end. He was averaging nearly 30 reps a game the last two months of the season and he'll enter 2026 with quarterback Jared Goff having a lot of confidence throwing the ball to him. Between St. Brown's hands, Williams' speed and TeSlaa's frame, it's a versatile top three at receiver for the Lions next season with a chance to be really productive under new offensive coordinator Drew Petzing.
G MILES FRAZIER, FIFTH ROUND, NO. 171
Statistical impact: 5 games, 2 penalties, 5 pressures, 0 sacks
2026 outlook: Frazier dealt with a knee injury suffered in OTAs that prevented him from taking part in training camp and the first half of the season. That's a tough start for a first-year player as those training camp reps are invaluable for young players. Frazier put in the work to get back and got himself into the lineup five games later in the year where he showed some promise. The Lions touted his versatility to play both guard and tackle when they drafted him, and he took practice reps at guard and tackle in practice during the season.
Quotable: "Wherever they need me, I'm ready," Frazier said. "I think it's a big asset because that's what I did in college, too. I'm willing to play whatever. Wherever the team needs me and whatever coach Campbell needs me, I'm ready."
Twentyman: It will be interesting to see if they work him in at tackle at all this offseason or if they'll put him at left guard and have him compete with Christian Mahogany for a starting spot there. This will be a big offseason for Frazier after missing so much developmental time as a rookie. He's got a big frame and some movement skills and could be a component of Detroit's offensive line in 2026.
View photos of Detroit Lions players at 2026 Pro Bowl practice in San Francisco.
Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14), running back Jahmyr Gibbs (0) and quarterback Jared Goff (16) at Pro Bowl Games practice on Feb. 1, 2026 in San Francisco, California. (Stuart Zaas/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions tackle Penei Sewell (58) at Pro Bowl Games practice on Feb. 1, 2026 in San Francisco, California. (Stuart Zaas/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions linebacker Jack Campbell (46) at Pro Bowl Games practice on Feb. 1, 2026 in San Francisco, California. (Stuart Zaas/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions linebacker Jack Campbell (46, Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs (0), and Detroit Lions edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson (97) at Pro Bowl Games practice on Feb. 1, 2026 in San Francisco, California. (Stuart Zaas/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson (97) at Pro Bowl Games practice on Feb. 1, 2026 in San Francisco, California. (Stuart Zaas/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions linebacker Jack Campbell (46) and Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14) at Pro Bowl Games practice on Feb. 1, 2026 in San Francisco, California. (Stuart Zaas/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs (0) with Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14) and Detroit Lions linebacker Jack Campbell (46) at Pro Bowl Games practice on Feb. 1, 2026 in San Francisco, California. (Stuart Zaas/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson (97) and Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14) with Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs (0) at Pro Bowl Games practice on Feb. 1, 2026 in San Francisco, California. (Stuart Zaas/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions linebacker Jack Campbell (46) and Detroit Lions edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson (97) at Pro Bowl Games practice on Feb. 1, 2026 in San Francisco, California. (Stuart Zaas/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson (97) and Detroit Lions tackle Penei Sewell (58) at Pro Bowl Games practice on Feb. 1, 2026 in San Francisco, California. (Stuart Zaas/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions linebacker Jack Campbell (46) at Pro Bowl Games practice on Feb. 1, 2026 in San Francisco, California. (Stuart Zaas/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14), Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs (0) and Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) at Pro Bowl Games practice on Feb. 1, 2026 in San Francisco, California. (Stuart Zaas/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) at Pro Bowl Games practice on Feb. 1, 2026 in San Francisco, California. (Stuart Zaas/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs (0) at Pro Bowl Games practice on Feb. 1, 2026 in San Francisco, California. (Stuart Zaas/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14) at Pro Bowl Games practice on Feb. 1, 2026 in San Francisco, California. (Stuart Zaas/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions linebacker Jack Campbell (46) at Pro Bowl Games practice on Feb. 1, 2026 in San Francisco, California. (Stuart Zaas/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14) at Pro Bowl Games practice on Feb. 1, 2026 in San Francisco, California. (Stuart Zaas/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14) at Pro Bowl Games practice on Feb. 1, 2026 in San Francisco, California. (Stuart Zaas/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14) at Pro Bowl Games practice on Feb. 1, 2026 in San Francisco, California. (Stuart Zaas/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) at Pro Bowl Games practice on Feb. 1, 2026 in San Francisco, California. (Stuart Zaas/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) at Pro Bowl Games practice on Feb. 1, 2026 in San Francisco, California. (Stuart Zaas/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14) at Pro Bowl Games practice on Feb. 1, 2026 in San Francisco, California. (Stuart Zaas/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14) at Pro Bowl Games practice on Feb. 1, 2026 in San Francisco, California. (Stuart Zaas/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14) at Pro Bowl Games practice on Feb. 1, 2026 in San Francisco, California. (Stuart Zaas/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions linebacker Jack Campbell (46) at Pro Bowl Games practice on Feb. 1, 2026 in San Francisco, California. (Stuart Zaas/Detroit Lions)
NFC finishes practice at Pro Bowl Games practice on Feb. 1, 2026 in San Francisco, California. (Stuart Zaas/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions linebacker Jack Campbell (46), Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs (0), Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14), Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16), Detroit Lions tackle Penei Sewell (58) and Detroit Lions edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson (97) take a group photo at Pro Bowl Games practice on Feb. 1, 2026 in San Francisco, California. (Stuart Zaas/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions linebacker Jack Campbell (46), Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs (0), Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14), Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16), Detroit Lions tackle Penei Sewell (58) and Detroit Lions edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson (97) take a group photo at Pro Bowl Games practice on Feb. 1, 2026 in San Francisco, California. (Stuart Zaas/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14) visits with the German youth flag team at Pro Bowl Games practice on Feb. 1, 2026 in San Francisco, California. (Stuart Zaas/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14) visits with the German youth flag team at Pro Bowl Games practice on Feb. 1, 2026 in San Francisco, California. (Stuart Zaas/Detroit Lions)
EDGE AHMED HASSANEIN, ROUND 6, NO. 196
2026 outlook: Hassanein suffered a pectoral injury during the preseason and got an injury settlement from the team before re-signing on the practice squad in November. He was signed to a futures deal after the season and will get an opportunity to compete for a role on the edge of Detroit's defensive line in 2026.
Quotable: "I don't know if he's ever had a bad day," Lions defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard said of Hassanein. "I'm serious ... that guy reminds me to appreciate each and every moment."
Twentyman: Hassanein has a motor that never quits and that's a good start for a young edge rusher. He'll continue to learn the rest in terms of technique, hand placement and pad level. You can't teach the motor and infectious energy he brings to practice. Hassanein turned some heads late in the year on the practice squad and will get a chance to earn a rotational role with a good training camp and preseason in 2026.
S DAN JACKSON, ROUND 7, NO. 230
2026 outlook: Jackson was placed on season-ending injured reserve after suffering a leg injury early in training camp so we never got to see the impact he might have had. It's unlikely that Brain Branch (achilles) is ready for the start of the season and we'll have to see where Kerby Joseph's knee injury is at, so Jackson could be in a position to compete for a starting role or significant playing time with a good camp. He showed a knack for the football before the injury.
Twentyman: It was too bad Jackson was injured so early into his Lions tenure because the way the season played out, he might have had an opportunity to play real reps and make an impact with Joesph and Branch missing significant time. We just didn't get to see enough of Jackson to have an informed opinion about his game and how it fits in Sheppard's scheme. He'll be a player to watch in OTAs.
WR DOMINIC LOVETT, ROUND 7, NO. 244
Statistical impact: 12 games, 1 kickoff return for 22 yards
2026 outlook: Lovett had an early special teams role before veteran Tom Kennedy took over later in the season. Lovett has some return ability and will compete for a reserve role at wide receiver in his second season.
Twentyman: Whether the Lions re-sign veterans Kalif Raymond and/or Kennedy will have an impact on Lovett's outlook next season. He's got some return ability and backup slot potential. It will really come down to a numbers game at receiver for Lovett, but it was a good sign he made the team out of camp as a rookie and played in 12 games.
