Detroit’s defense aims to be more aggressive, stacking Hutchinson and Davenport with Tyleik Williams to pressure the quarterback and shut the run. Williams, paired with McNeill and Reader, anchors a run-stopping base while the Lions add depth via Tyler Lacy and Tyrus Wheat. Ray Agnew called Williams underrated as a pass rusher and praised the group’s culture and potential to push pockets early in Kelvin Sheppard’s new scheme.

Early-season optimism centers on the interior push and improved edge pressure, with returnees and waivers forming a versatile front. The emphasis on stopping the run could unlock better game scripts for the rest of Detroit’s defense, creating more favorable opportunities for fantasy IDP contributors who thrive on sacks and tackles for loss.

Brad Holmes left a Za'Darius Smith reunion-wide door, stressing the one open Lions roster spot is about flexibility, not a guarantee. Detroit added Tyrus Wheat to bolster edge depth as Josh Paschal and Ahmed Hassanein recover. With Aidan Hutchinson, Marcus Davenport and Al-Quadin Muhammad in the mix, the Lions will evaluate talent and fit as the season nears, keeping trades and claims on the table.