2. Browns DT Mason Graham
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
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
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