Washington quarterback Jayden Daniels made an immediate impact in his first season leading the Commanders' offense, a fact Detroit Lions fans know all too well as Daniels and the Commanders eliminated the Lions from the playoffs last season. Daniels was the Offensive Rookie of the Year while Los Angeles Rams edge rusher Jared Verse was the Defensive Rookie of the Year. Detroit saw both players as rookies and will see both again in the regular season this year.
There were a number of rookies who made a significant impact for their teams last season. Who will emerge as the top rookies in the NFL this year?
Here's a look at some of the top rookies the Lions will face in 2025:
1. Giants EDGE Abdul Carter
Drafted: No. 3 overall
Carter bio: After making the transition from an off-ball linebacker to an edge rusher, Carter ranked No. 1 in the FBS in tackles for loss (23.5), No. 2 in pressures (66) and No. 7 in sacks (12.5) last season.
How it affects Lions: Detroit has one of the most consistent tackle tandems in the NFL in Penei Sewell and Taylor Decker. The Lions ranked in the top 10 in the league in sacks allowed (33) in 2024. Detroit won't see Carter until Week 12 and by then he'll have plenty of reps under his belt and will have settled into his rookie season. Can he be a double-digit sacker as a rookie?
When Lions face him: Week 12, Nov. 23 at home
View behind-the-scenes photos from 2025 Detroit Lions rookie media day on Thursday, June 12, 2025.
Detroit Lions wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa (18) during the 2025 media day at the Meijer Performance Center on June 12, 2025 in Allen Park, Mich. (Katie Quinlan/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions defensive lineman Tyleik Williams (78) during the 2025 media day at the Meijer Performance Center on June 12, 2025 in Allen Park, Mich. (Katie Quinlan/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions safety Dan Jackson (28) clapping on set during the 2025 media day at the Meijer Performance Center on June 12, 2025 in Allen Park, Mich. (Katie Quinlan/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions offensive lineman Miles Frazier (71) during the 2025 media day at the Meijer Performance Center on June 12, 2025 in Allen Park, Mich. (Katie Quinlan/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions defensive lineman Tyleik Williams (78) during the 2025 media day at the Meijer Performance Center on June 12, 2025 in Allen Park, Mich. (Katie Quinlan/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions running back Kye Robichaux (25) during the 2025 media day at the Meijer Performance Center on June 12, 2025 in Allen Park, Mich. (Katie Quinlan/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Dominic Lovett (19) and Detroit Lions offensive lineman Miles Frazier (71) during the 2025 media day at the Meijer Performance Center on June 12, 2025 in Allen Park, Mich. (Katie Quinlan/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa (18) during the 2025 media day at the Meijer Performance Center on June 12, 2025 in Allen Park, Mich. (Katie Quinlan/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa (18) during the 2025 media day at the Meijer Performance Center on June 12, 2025 in Allen Park, Mich. (Katie Quinlan/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa (18) during the 2025 media day at the Meijer Performance Center on June 12, 2025 in Allen Park, Mich. (Katie Quinlan/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions defensive lineman Ahmed Hassanein (61) signing his name during the 2025 media day at the Meijer Performance Center on June 12, 2025 in Allen Park, Mich. (Katie Quinlan/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions Team Reporter Dannie Rogers and Detroit Lions offensive lineman Tate Ratledge (69) talking during the 2025 media day at the Meijer Performance Center on June 12, 2025 in Allen Park, Mich. (Katie Quinlan/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions safety Dan Jackson (28) during the 2025 media day at the Meijer Performance Center on June 12, 2025 in Allen Park, Mich. (Katie Quinlan/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa (18) during the 2025 media day at the Meijer Performance Center on June 12, 2025 in Allen Park, Mich. (Katie Quinlan/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions offensive lineman Tate Ratledge (69) during the 2025 media day at the Meijer Performance Center on June 12, 2025 in Allen Park, Mich. (Katie Quinlan/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions defensive lineman Tyleik Williams (78) during the 2025 media day at the Meijer Performance Center on June 12, 2025 in Allen Park, Mich. (Katie Quinlan/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions offensive lineman Tate Ratledge (69) during the 2025 media day at the Meijer Performance Center on June 12, 2025 in Allen Park, Mich. (Katie Quinlan/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions safety Dan Jackson (28) during the 2025 media day at the Meijer Performance Center on June 12, 2025 in Allen Park, Mich. (Katie Quinlan/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions defensive lineman Keith Cooper Jr. (64) taking a photo with a disposable camera of Detroit Lions running back Kye Robichaux (25) during the 2025 media day at the Meijer Performance Center on June 12, 2025 in Allen Park, Mich. (Katie Quinlan/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Dominic Lovett (19) and Detroit Lions safety Dan Jackson (28) making a TikTok during the 2025 media day at the Meijer Performance Center on June 12, 2025 in Allen Park, Mich. (Katie Quinlan/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions defensive lineman Keith Cooper Jr. (64) taking a photo with a disposable camera during the 2025 media day at the Meijer Performance Center on June 12, 2025 in Allen Park, Mich. (Katie Quinlan/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Jakobie Keeney-James (80) looking at his headshot photo during the 2025 media day at the Meijer Performance Center on June 12, 2025 in Allen Park, Mich. (Katie Quinlan/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions defensive lineman Tyleik Williams (78) during the 2025 media day at the Meijer Performance Center on June 12, 2025 in Allen Park, Mich. (Katie Quinlan/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions tight end Luke Deal (82) during the 2025 media day at the Meijer Performance Center on June 12, 2025 in Allen Park, Mich. (Katie Quinlan/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions offensive lineman Tate Ratledge (69) during the 2025 media day at the Meijer Performance Center on June 12, 2025 in Allen Park, Mich. (Katie Quinlan/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions safety Dan Jackson (28) during the 2025 media day at the Meijer Performance Center on June 12, 2025 in Allen Park, Mich. (Katie Quinlan/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Jakobie Keeney-James (80) looking at his headshot photo during the 2025 media day at the Meijer Performance Center on June 12, 2025 in Allen Park, Mich. (Katie Quinlan/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions Team Photographer and Assistant Creative Director Jeff Nguyen showing Detroit Lions defensive lineman Ahmed Hassanein (61) his portrait photo during the 2025 media day at the Meijer Performance Center on June 12, 2025 in Allen Park, Mich. (Katie Quinlan/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions offensive lineman Tate Ratledge (69) during the 2025 media day at the Meijer Performance Center on June 12, 2025 in Allen Park, Mich. (Katie Quinlan/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions defensive lineman Keith Cooper Jr. (64) taking a photo with a disposable camera during the 2025 media day at the Meijer Performance Center on June 12, 2025 in Allen Park, Mich. (Katie Quinlan/Detroit Lions)
2. Browns DT Mason Graham
Drafted: No. 5 overall
Graham bio: The former high school champion wrestler plays with terrific pad level, leverage and strength. He was a consensus All-American last year after recording 45 tackles, 3.5 sacks and seven tackles for loss.
How it affects Lions: A matchup with Graham and a talented Browns defensive front should significantly test how much the Lions will miss center Frank Ragnow.
When Lions face him: Week 4, Sept. 28 at home
3. Bears TE Colston Loveland
Drafted: No. 10 overall
Loveland bio: A three-year starter at Michigan, Loveland was a versatile tight end lining up primarily in the slot (47.6 percent of the time) and inline (32.5 percent). He caught 56 passes for 582 yards and five touchdowns in 10 games played for the Wolverines last season.
How it affects Lions: The Lions allowed the third fewest receptions (68) and third fewest yards (665) from opposing tight ends last season. Detroit has a nice collection of cover linebackers and safeties they can deploy against the position. Detroit only allowed three touchdowns to tight ends all of last season. Loveland joins a Bears skill group that should be very dangerous in 2025 under the leadership of new head coach and former Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson.
When Lions face him: Week 2, Sept. 14 at home & Week 18, TBD in Chicago
4. Cowboys G Tyler Booker
Drafted: No. 12 overall
Booker bio: A two-year starter at Alabama, Booker primarily lined up at left guard in Alabama's run-heavy, RPO-based scheme but has been taking reps at right guard with Dallas' first-team offense this offseason. He started 27 of his last 28 games at Alabama and allowed two sacks total the last three seasons.
How it affects Lions: Detroit will see the Cowboys come to town later in the year in December, and by then they should have back stout defensive tackle Alim McNeill, who could miss the start of the season rehabbing a torn ACL. Lions first-round pick Tyleik Williams will also have 13 games under his belt. How will Booker stand up against that duo inside for Detroit?
When Lions face him: Week 14, Dec. 4 at home
5. Bengals EDGE Shemar Stewart
Drafted: No. 17 overall
Stewart bio: He never had more than 1.5 sacks in any of his three seasons in Texas A&M, but he led the Aggies in pressures (39) in 2024.
How it affects Lions: Stewart has a rare combination of athletic traits and motor that could make him a really productive edge rusher in the NFL despite the lack of sack production in college.
When Lions face him: Week 5, Oct. 5 in Cincinnati
6. Buccaneers WR Emeka Egbuka
Drafted: No. 19 overall
Egbuka bio: A three-year starter at Ohio State, Egbuka worked primarily out of the slot and finished his career with the most receptions (205) in Ohio State history and second in receiving yards (2,868 – 30 yards behind Michael Jenkins).
How it affects Lions: The Lions expect their secondary to be one of the strengths of their football team in 2025 led by the best safety duo in the NFL in Kerby Joseph and Brian Branch. Detroit has veteran cornerbacks in D.J. Reed and Amik Robertson (nickel). Terrion Arnold is expected to take a big leap in his second season. Robertson vs. Egbuka should be a great matchup right before Detroit's bye week.
When Lions face him: Week 7, Oct. 20 at home
7. Steelers DT Derrick Harmon
Drafted: No. 21 overall
Harmon bio: Harmon had a breakout season in 2024 after transferring from Michigan State to Oregon. He led all FBS interior defensive linemen with 55 pressures, which were 12 more than the next-closest interior defender. He also notched 10.5 tackles for loss and 5.0 sacks last season.
How it affects Lions: Detroit faces Harmon their last home game of the season and the only home game among the last four contests of the regular season. Playing alongside an All-Pro player like Steelers edge rusher T.J. Watt should positively impact an interior player like Harmon. He'll get a number of sacks by quarterbacks stepping up and into his grasp trying to avoid Watt. Detroit's pass protection will certainly be tested in this late-season matchup.
When Lions face him: Week 16, Dec. 21 at home
View photos of Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, running back Craig Reynolds and wide receiver Kalif Raymond as they tour Germany, participate in youth football camps and more.
Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14) kicks a soccer ball at a Detroit Lions youth football camp on June 22, 2025 in Cologne, Germany. (Stuart Zaas/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions running back Craig Reynolds (13) along with wide receivers Amon-Ra St. Brown (14) and Kalif Raymond (11) at Englischen Garten on June 20, 2025 in Munich, Germany. (Stuart Zaas/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions running back Craig Reynolds (13) at Marienplatz on June 20, 2025 in Munich, Germany. (Stuart Zaas/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions running back Craig Reynolds (13) and wide receiver Kalif Reymond (11) at Marienplatz on June 20, 2025 in Munich, Germany. (Stuart Zaas/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions running back Craig Reynolds (13) and wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14) eating dinner at Seehaus im Englischen Garten on June 20, 2025 in Munich, Germany. (Stuart Zaas/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions running back Craig Reynolds (13) along with wide receivers Kalif Raymond (11) and Amon-Ra St. Brown (14) at Seehaus im Englischen Garten on June 20, 2025 in Munich, Germany. (Stuart Zaas/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions running back Craig Reynolds (13) along with wide receivers Kalif Raymond (11) and Amon-Ra St. Brown (14) at Seehaus im Englischen Garten on June 20, 2025 in Munich, Germany. (Stuart Zaas/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions running back Craig Reynolds (13) along with wide receivers Kalif Raymond (11) and Amon-Ra St. Brown (14) at Seehaus im Englischen Garten on June 20, 2025 in Munich, Germany. (Stuart Zaas/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions running back Craig Reynolds (13) along with wide receivers Amon-Ra St. Brown (14) and Kalif Raymond (11) at Englischen Garten on June 20, 2025 in Munich, Germany. (Stuart Zaas/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Kalif Raymond (11), wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14) and running back Craig Reynolds (13) at Englischen Garten on June 20, 2025 in Munich, Germany. (Stuart Zaas/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions running back Craig Reynolds (13) at the St. Brown brothers youth football camp on June 21, 2025 in Munich, Germany. (Stuart Zaas/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14) at the St. Brown brothers youth football camp on June 21, 2025 in Munich, Germany. (Stuart Zaas/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14) at the St. Brown brothers youth football camp on June 21, 2025 in Munich, Germany. (Stuart Zaas/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14) at the St. Brown brothers youth football camp on June 21, 2025 in Munich, Germany. (Stuart Zaas/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Kalif Raymond (11) at the St. Brown brothers youth football camp on June 21, 2025 in Munich, Germany. (Stuart Zaas/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14) at the St. Brown brothers youth football camp on June 21, 2025 in Munich, Germany. (Stuart Zaas/Detroit Lions)
Former Detroit Lions defensive lineman David Bada at the St. Brown Brothers camp on June 21, 2025 in Munich, Germany. (Stuart Zaas/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14) at the St. Brown brothers youth football camp on June 21, 2025 in Munich, Germany. (Stuart Zaas/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions running back Craig Reynolds (13) Marienplatz on June 21, 2025 in Munich, Germany. (Stuart Zaas/Detroit Lions)
The St. Brown family (Equanimeous St. Brown, Amon-Ra St. Brown, Miriam Brown, John Brown and Osiris St. Brown) at Marienplatz on June 21, 2025 in Munich, Germany. (Stuart Zaas/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions German mascot Leo at a youth football camp on June 22, 2025 in Cologne, Germany. (Stuart Zaas/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14) at the St. Brown brothers youth football camp on June 21, 2025 in Munich, Germany. (Stuart Zaas/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions German mascot Leo at a youth football camp on June 22, 2025 in Cologne, Germany. (Stuart Zaas/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions German mascot Leo at a youth football camp on June 22, 2025 in Cologne, Germany. (Stuart Zaas/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14) with FC Köln goalkeeper Marvin Schwäbe (1) and forward Mark Uth (13) at a youth football camp on June 22, 2025 in Cologne, Germany. (Stuart Zaas/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14) at a Detroit Lions youth football camp on June 22, 2025 in Cologne, Germany. (Stuart Zaas/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions German mascot Leo and wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14) at a youth football camp on June 22, 2025 in Cologne, Germany. (Stuart Zaas/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions German mascot Leo at a youth football camp on June 22, 2025 in Cologne, Germany. (Stuart Zaas/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions German mascot Leo at a youth football camp on June 22, 2025 in Cologne, Germany. (Stuart Zaas/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14) wearing a custom FC Köln football helmet at a youth football camp on June 22, 2025 in Cologne, Germany. (Stuart Zaas/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions German mascot Leo with 2024 Detroit Lions International Fan of the Year Marius Dell at a youth football camp on June 22, 2025 in Cologne, Germany. (Stuart Zaas/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14) juggles a soccer ball at a youth football camp on June 22, 2025 in Cologne, Germany. (Stuart Zaas/Detroit Lions)
Participants at a Detroit Lions youth football camp on June 22, 2025 in Cologne, Germany. (Stuart Zaas/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14) juggles a football at a Detroit Lions youth football camp on June 22, 2025 in Cologne, Germany. (Stuart Zaas/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14) with Detroit Lions German mascot Leo at a youth football camp on June 22, 2025 in Cologne, Germany. (Stuart Zaas/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14) kicks a soccer ball at a Detroit Lions youth football camp on June 22, 2025 in Cologne, Germany. (Stuart Zaas/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions running back Craig Reynolds (13) tries to save a penalty kick from FC Köln goalkeeper Marvin Schwäbe at a Detroit Lions youth football camp on June 22, 2025 in Cologne, Germany. (Stuart Zaas/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions running back Craig Reynolds (13) and Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14) celebrate winning a competition at a Detroit Lions youth football camp on June 22, 2025 in Cologne, Germany. (Stuart Zaas/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14) kicks a soccer ball at a Detroit Lions youth football camp on June 22, 2025 in Cologne, Germany. (Stuart Zaas/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions running back Craig Reynolds (13) and Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14) celebrate winning a competition at a Detroit Lions youth football camp on June 22, 2025 in Cologne, Germany. (Stuart Zaas/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions running back Craig Reynolds (13) throws a football at a Detroit Lions youth football camp on June 22, 2025 in Cologne, Germany. (Stuart Zaas/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions running back Craig Reynolds (13) runs a drill with a participant at a Detroit Lions youth football camp on June 22, 2025 in Cologne, Germany. (Stuart Zaas/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions running back Craig Reynolds (13) with participants at a Detroit Lions youth football camp on June 22, 2025 in Cologne, Germany. (Stuart Zaas/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions running back Craig Reynolds (13) watches a drill at a Detroit Lions youth football camp on June 22, 2025 in Cologne, Germany. (Stuart Zaas/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions running back Craig Reynolds (13) with participants at a Detroit Lions youth football camp on June 22, 2025 in Cologne, Germany. (Stuart Zaas/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions running back Craig Reynolds (13) watches a drill at a Detroit Lions youth football camp on June 22, 2025 in Cologne, Germany. (Stuart Zaas/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions running back Craig Reynolds (13) watches a drill at a Detroit Lions youth football camp on June 22, 2025 in Cologne, Germany. (Stuart Zaas/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14) kicks a soccer ball at a Detroit Lions youth football camp on June 22, 2025 in Cologne, Germany. (Stuart Zaas/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14) with participants at a Detroit Lions youth football camp on June 22, 2025 in Cologne, Germany. (Stuart Zaas/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14) with participants at a Detroit Lions youth football camp on June 22, 2025 in Cologne, Germany. (Stuart Zaas/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14) with participants at a Detroit Lions youth football camp on June 22, 2025 in Cologne, Germany. (Stuart Zaas/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions running back Craig Reynolds (13) runs during a drill with youth football camp participants on June 22, 2025 in Cologne, Germany. (Stuart Zaas/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions German mascot Leo at a youth football camp on June 22, 2025 in Cologne, Germany. (Stuart Zaas/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14) with participants at a Detroit Lions youth football camp on June 22, 2025 in Cologne, Germany. (Stuart Zaas/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions German mascot Leo at a youth football camp on June 22, 2025 in Cologne, Germany. (Stuart Zaas/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions running back Craig Reynolds (13) runs during a drill with youth football camp participants on June 22, 2025 in Cologne, Germany. (Stuart Zaas/Detroit Lions)
Former FC Köln forward Mark Uth, FC Köln goalkeeper Marvin Schwäbe and Detroit Lions running back Craig Reynolds (13) at a Detroit Lions youth football camp on June 22, 2025 in Cologne, Germany. (Stuart Zaas/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14) and 2024 Detroit Lions International Fan of the Year Marius Dell at a youth football camp on June 22, 2025 in Cologne, Germany. (Stuart Zaas/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14) teaches participants how to throw a football at a Detroit Lions youth football camp on June 22, 2025 in Cologne, Germany. (Stuart Zaas/Detroit Lions)
Participants at a Detroit Lions youth football camp on June 22, 2025 in Cologne, Germany. (Stuart Zaas/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14) and Detroit Lions German mascot Leo at a youth football camp on June 22, 2025 in Cologne, Germany. (Stuart Zaas/Detroit Lions)
FC Köln goalkeeper Marvin Schwäbe and former FC Köln forward Mark Uth present a jersey to Detroit Lions running back Craig Reynolds (13) at a Detroit Lions youth football camp on June 22, 2025 in Cologne, Germany. (Stuart Zaas/Detroit Lions)
Former FC Köln forward Mark Uth kicks a football with FC Köln goalkeeper Marvin Schwäbe holding at a Detroit Lions youth football camp on June 22, 2025 in Cologne, Germany. (Stuart Zaas/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions running back Craig Reynolds (13), kicks a soccer ball at a Detroit Lions youth football camp on June 22, 2025 in Cologne, Germany. (Stuart Zaas/Detroit Lions)
FC Köln goalkeeper Marvin Schwäbe throws a football at a Detroit Lions youth football camp on June 22, 2025 in Cologne, Germany. (Stuart Zaas/Detroit Lions)
FC Köln goalkeeper Marvin Schwäbe dribbles a soccer ball at a Detroit Lions youth football camp on June 22, 2025 in Cologne, Germany. (Stuart Zaas/Detroit Lions)
8. Packers WR Matthew Golden
Drafted: No. 23 overall
Golden bio: Golden is the speedy deep threat the Packers' offense has been missing. He ran a 4.29 in the 40 at the Combine and averaged at least 20.0 yards per catch in 10-of-16 games for the Longhorns in 2024. He's also a dangerous returner on special teams.
How it affects Lions: The Packers had a Top 5 rushing attack and Top 5 overall defense last year but were just middle of the road as a passing offense. If that part of their offense can be more consistent and more dangerous down the field, the Packers can be a much better football team overall in 2025.
When Lions face him: Week 1, Sept. 7 in Green Bay & Week 13, Nov. 27 at home
9. Ravens S Malaki Starks
Drafted: No. 27 overall
Starks bio: A three-year starter at Georgia, Starks was a do-everything safety who started the last 42 games he played for the Bulldogs' defense. He had six interceptions and defended 23 passes in three seasons at Georgia.
How it affects Lions: The Lions love to attack teams vertically with speedster Jameson Williams, and they'll no-doubt test the rookie Starks a few times in this early-season matchup in primetime. Williams had five receptions of 50-plus yards last season.
When Lions face him: Week 3, Sept. 22 in Baltimore
10. Commanders T Josh Conerly Jr.
Drafted: No. 29 overall
Conerly bio: A two-year starter at left tackle at Oregon, Conerly allowed just one sack and six total pressures over his final 12 starts.
How it affects Lions: Veteran pass rushers like Aidan Hutchinson, Marcus Davenport and Derrick Barnes start salivating a bit when they know they get to face a rookie tackle. Detroit will be looking for payback in this midseason matchup and will need to pressure Daniels better than they did in the playoffs if they want to defeat Washington this time around.
When Lions face him: Week 10, Nov. 9 in Washington
