ALLEN PARK, Mich. – Competition remains at the center of the Detroit Lions‘ roster-building philosophy as the team continues organized team activities, according to assistant general manager Ray Agnew.
Speaking on Friday (May 29), Agnew echoed head coach Dan Campbell‘s assessment that the Lions have assembled one of their deepest and most competitive rosters since the current regime took over.
“Nothing breeds winning better than competition,” Agnew said. “Either you step up, or you get left behind.”
Rebounding from a missed postseason
The Lions are looking to rebound after missing the playoffs in 2025, ending a streak of three consecutive postseason appearances.
While Agnew acknowledged the disappointment of last season, he said the organization’s approach to evaluating and acquiring talent has not changed.
“We take it serious every year,” Agnew said. “Obviously, you don’t like not making the playoffs. But we didn’t change the approach. We still want the same tough, competitive guys that fit us.”
Agnew said the front office focused on adding talent and creating competition throughout the roster during the offseason.
“You want to build competition at every position, get everybody on their toes, so that won’t happen again,” Agnew said.
Defensive growth on the horizon
One of the players Agnew expects to take another step forward is defensive lineman Tyleik Williams.
Agnew said Williams became more consistent as last season progressed and believes further growth is coming.
“I thought at the end of the year he got more consistent as a player,” Agnew said. “I think he’ll get better as a pass rusher, also.”
Agnew also expressed optimism about defensive tackle Alim McNeill, who is entering another season removed from a major knee injury.
“Usually, that ACL, it’s the second year you come back where you’re fully healthy,” Agnew said. “I expect great things out of him.”
The assistant general manager praised several offseason additions on defense, including veteran edge rusher D.J. Wonnum and rookie defensive end Derrick Moore.
“D.J. has some rush ability,” Agnew said. “He’s a power rusher. He’s a high-effort guy.”
As for Moore, Agnew believes the former Michigan Wolverines standout fits Detroit’s culture and style of play.
“I think Derrick Moore will bring a lot to the table,” Agnew said. “He plays the game like we play the game.”
OTAs about mental reps, not evaluations
While the Lions selected several offensive and defensive linemen in April’s draft, Agnew cautioned against drawing conclusions from non-contact spring practices.
“You can’t find out about a player in pajamas,” Agnew said with a laugh, repeating a phrase commonly used by Campbell.
Instead, Agnew said the focus during OTAs is on mental preparation, learning schemes, and refining technique before pads come on during training camp.
“You’ll find out when you get the pads on what they truly are,” Agnew said.
Agnew grateful for GM opportunity, committed to Detroit
Agnew also addressed his recent interview for the Minnesota Vikings’ general manager opening.
While grateful for the opportunity, Agnew said he remains happy in Detroit.
“I was very grateful for the opportunity,” Agnew said. “Do I want to be a GM? Yes, I do. But I’m very satisfied and happy here in my job.”
Agnew credited general manager Brad Holmes for building Detroit’s roster and noted the difficulty of evaluating prospects before the draft.
“Brad’s got the hardest job there is,” Agnew said. “Everybody looks back afterward and says who should have been picked, but nobody knew that at the time.”
Sewell among easiest evaluations Agnew has made
The longtime personnel executive also offered high praise for All-Pro offensive tackle Penei Sewell, whom Detroit selected with the seventh overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft.
“Evaluating Penei was one of the easiest evaluations you’ve ever done,” Agnew said. “After five or six plays, you knew this guy was special.”
Agnew said Sewell has met every expectation the organization had when it drafted him and expects the lineman to transition smoothly as Detroit experiments with different offensive line alignments.
“I think he’ll be fine,” Agnew said. “I’m not worried about that.”
The Lions will continue offseason workouts through June before reporting for training camp later this summer.
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