Pro Football Focus (PFF) recently published the 2025 roster rankings for all 32 NFL teams. PFF ranked teams based on the strength of last year’s rosters and the draft, plus off-season free-agent acquisitions and losses. The Detroit Lions roster was graded third-best in the league.
The Accuracy of PFF’s Roster Ranking for the Detroit Lions
As expected, the Philadelphia Eagles, the reigning Super Bowl champs, claimed the top spot. The Baltimore Ravens moved up from fifth place to the number two spot, given the strength of the team’s lethal ground attack with Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry.
How Accurate is PFF’s Ranking Historically
Last year, PFF ranked Detroit’s preseason roster in sixth place. PFF accurately rated the 2024 Kansas City Chiefs and Eagles’ rosters as the second and third strongest. However, PFF got it wrong in predicting the New York Jets roster would be the fourth-best in the league.
PFF underestimated the power and precision of Jared Goff and the Lions’ high-powered offense. Detroit finished 2024 with the NFL’s number-one scoring offense, averaging 32.5 points per game or a season total of 564. No other team matched that achievement, and the Lions’ roster from a year ago remains largely intact.
How Accurate is PFF’s Ranking This Year
Detroit’s third-place ranking was based on the strength of the Lions’ offensive line. PFF gave high marks to the superiority of the line led by Pro Bowl tackle Penei Sewell and center Frank Ragnow .
Unfortunately, the Lions’ offensive line just took a massive hit with the retirement of Pro Bowl center Ragnow. One of the best centers in the NFL, Ragnow played a crucial role in the Lions’ turnaround. Per PFF, he surrendered only 4.0 sacks on 2,544 pass-blocking snaps over the last five years. He will be hard to replace.
The Lions could move veteran offensive line players such as Graham Glasgow to cover for Ragnow. Another possible option is rookie offensive guard Tate Ratledge . PFF designated him as a “Player to Watch,” and predicted he would be a strong candidate to replace Kevin Zeitler, who was lost to the Tennessee Titans in Free agency. In their projected lineup, PFF gave second-year guard Christian Mahogany the starting assignment to replace Zeitler over Ratledge.
But now, Ragnow’s loss could considerably alter plans. PFF failed to account for Ratledge’s collegiate experience and versatility in playing multiple positions. At the NFL combine, Ratledge scored an 84, the highest among all guards. His elite athletic prowess put the league on notice. The ability to play more than one position could help Ratledge take over at center. The loss of Ragnow could also open a spot for rookie Miles Frazier at guard.
PFF Giving Credit For A Healthy Lions Defense
Another factor PFF cited in ranking the Lions’ roster as the third-best in the league was Aidan Hutchinson’s return. Medically cleared to play, the 6’7” 268 lb. EDGE is determined to pick up where he left off last year. The presumed 2024 Defensive Player of the Year, Hutchinson recorded a league-leading 7.5 sacks, 19 tackles (12 solo), and a forced fumble before his Week 6 injury.
Describing Hutchinson as key to the Lions’ “entire defense,” PFF also credited the secondary and Jack Campbell’s emergence as a premier talent. When Alex Anzalone went down with a broken arm, Campbell stepped up in his absence. Assuming responsibility for play-call communication from the sidelines, the second-year athlete led the defense. Free-agent veterans recently acquired to replace the injury-ravaged defense looked up to Campbell and respected his leadership.
In addition to the return of Derrick Barnes , Malcolm Rodriguez, and Marcus Davenport, Brad Holmes boosted defensive depth with free agents D.J. Reed , Roy Lopez , and Grant Stuard . Reed is an impact player who will start at cornerback while Lopez and Stuard provide DC Kelvin Sheppard with strong veteran options.
The Lions X-Factor
PFF always references a team’s “X-Factor” in their rankings to account for an unknown element. This year, PFF’s X-Factor for the Lions was the health and return to form for Hutchinson, describing it as “one of the biggest stories across the entire NFL.” However, since early reports indicate Hutchinson is fully recovered and back at full strength, this doesn’t appear to be an issue.
PFF also addresses the loss of OC Ben Johnson. While Johnson was credited with the Lions’ superior offensive production, HC Dan Campbell played a big role in the team’s offense. As the architect of the Lions’ renovation, Campbell will continue to work with offensive coordinator John Morton in the same manner.
The Lions Coaching Staff
Perhaps the biggest X-Factor difference this year is the collaborative working relationship between the coaches. It’s a close-knit group. Egos are set aside to focus on making the team the best it can be. DC Sheppard and running backs coach Tashard Choice are old friends who give each other pointers coming from opposite sides of the field. In a similar vein, Hank Fraley , veteran offensive line coach/run game coordinator, and defensive line coach Kacy Rodgers will share tips and strategies. Although he’s now the wide receiver coach, Scottie Montgomery is there to provide insights and perspective. Campbell hired offensive assistants Tyler Roehl and Bruce Gradowski as additional information resources. While PFF perceives the loss of Glenn and Johnson as a step back for the Lions, it’s more likely that this cohesive new staff will help the Lions advance even further this season.
PFF’s ranking of the top three rosters, with the Eagles’ number one defense and the Ravens’ number one ground game, is accurate. However, last year, PFF’s rankings placed the Washington Commanders and the Denver Broncos at the bottom of the NFL. Statistics are a crucial way to measure a team’s success and productivity. However, it takes more than statistics to create a winning roster. Sometimes, an intangible X-factor can play a bigger role in determining a successful outcome.
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