Through the opening half of the 2025 NFL season, the Detroit Lions’ rookie class has delivered a combination of encouraging progress and expected growing pains.

Some of the newcomers have stepped into significant roles and impressed, while others have struggled to stay healthy or make an immediate impact.

Here’s a breakdown of how Detroit’s first-year players have performed so far this season:

DT Tyleik Williams

Detroit’s top draft selection has endured the usual ups and downs that come with adjusting to NFL competition.

The former Ohio State standout has produced modest results, tallying four total tackles and one quarterback hit over 205 defensive snaps.

Pro Football Focus ranks him as the lowest-graded interior defender on the team (53.6 overall), a sign of his uneven performance against both the run and the pass.

The return of veteran Alim McNeill has further cut into his workload. After seeing 35 snaps against Kansas City in Week 6, Williams played just 21 in McNeill’s season debut against Tampa Bay.

Williams remains a developmental project, and his playing time may shrink even more if his performance doesn’t improve in the coming weeks.

OL Tate Ratledge

If there’s been a standout among the rookies, it’s clearly offensive lineman Tate Ratledge.

The Georgia alum has solidified the right guard position, starting all seven contests and playing every offensive snap (438 total).

While he’s allowed two sacks and 14 pressures, Ratledge’s composure and physicality have earned praise from both coaches and teammates.

Offensive line coach Hank Fraley recently commended Ratledge’s progress since his rocky opener at Lambeau Field, pointing to how quickly he’s adjusted to the league.

“For young players like Tate, that first start in Lambeau is always special but nerve-racking,” Fraley said. “We had some early mistakes up there, but since then we’ve learned and grown from them.”

His best outing so far came in Week 3 against Baltimore, when he helped anchor a balanced offensive performance in Detroit’s 38-30 win.

Ratledge already looks like a long-term starter — steady, technically refined, and calm under pressure.

WR Isaac TeSlaa

TeSlaa has flashed his playmaking upside despite limited usage.

The Arkansas product has caught only three passes, but two have gone for touchdowns, including a stunning one-handed grab in the Week 1 victory over Green Bay.

It remains to be seen if coordinator John Morton will expand his role in the coming weeks.

With Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams attracting heavy defensive focus, TeSlaa’s size and control in traffic could make him a reliable red-zone target down the stretch.

OL Miles Frazier

Frazier, Detroit’s fifth-round pick, hasn’t suited up yet after starting the year on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list due to a knee injury.

The organization still views him as a valuable swing lineman capable of handling multiple spots, but his debut may have to wait until 2026.

EDGE Ahmed Hassanein

Hassanein tore a pectoral muscle in the preseason, leading to his release via an injury settlement.

Head coach Dan Campbell noted the injury would sideline him “for quite some time,” though GM Brad Holmes has expressed interest in bringing him back.

During training camp, Hassanein impressed with his effort and flashes as a situational pass-rusher. Once healthy, Detroit could look to re-sign him to the practice squad as a developmental prospect.

S Dan Jackson

Jackson’s rookie season ended before it began.

The Georgia defensive back sustained a leg injury during camp, landing on injured reserve before taking a snap.

He had been the front-runner for the fourth safety job prior to his injury setback.

Meanwhile, fellow seventh-rounder Lovett has been active in all seven contests, though his offensive work has been limited.

He’s logged just 45 snaps total — only seven on offense — with most of his value coming on special teams, highlighted by a 22-yard kick return in the Week 6 loss to Kansas City.

His versatility could earn him a larger role as the second half of the season unfolds.