The Detroit Lions have their sights set on Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans. But if they fall short of that goal, it’s safe to say a good amount of Lions players will be heading to Orlando for the Pro Bowl games on February 2, 2025.
A recent roundup of voting updates shows the Lions are going to be well-represented in Orlando, one way or another. Some players are leading their respective position groups while others are in the mix to either take the lead or at least be on the roster. Let’s go through each position and see where Lions players rank among the top ten. These are voting results through December 9.
Quarterback
Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) makes a pass against Green Bay Packers during the first half at Ford Field in Detroit on Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024.
Jared Goff currently sits 5th at the position, behind Lamar Jackson, Josh Allen, Jayden Daniels and Joe Burrow. That should put Goff in good position to be selected, as six quarterbacks are typically selected.
Running Back
Dec 5, 2024; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs (26) celebrates picking up a first down against the Green Bay Packers in the fourth quarter at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images
Jahmyr Gibbs is third overall and second among NFC running backs. Eagles running back Saquon Barkley is atop the voting, followed by Baltimore’s Derrick Henry and then Gibbs.
David Montgomery was also in the top ten at No. 8, but his injury puts that status up in the air, even if he were to be selected.
Wide Receiver
Nov 28, 2024; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Lions players, quarterback Jared Goff (16) wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14) and running back Jahmyr Gibbs (26) enjoy turkey legs after their win over the Chicago Bears at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images
Amon-Ra St. Brown is the No. 3 wide receiver overall and second in the NFC. Justin Jefferson (Vikings) is the leader, followed by Ja’Marr Chase (Bengals) and then St. Brown.
Tight End
Dec 15, 2024; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta (87) runs upfield after catching a pass against the Buffalo Bills in the fourth quarter at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images
Sam LaPorta is 6th among tight ends, meaning he’s on the bubble for making the roster. And at the moment, only one tight end ahead of LaPorta (Travis Kelce) is expected to be in the playoffs. The five ahead of LaPorta are Brock Bowers (Raiders), George Kittle (49ers), Kelce, Trey McBride (Cardinals) and Jonnu Smith (Dolphins).
Offensive Tackle
DETROIT, MICHIGAN – NOVEMBER 28: Penei Sewell #58 of the Detroit Lions runs with the ball during the first quarter against the Chicago Bears at Ford Field on November 28, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
Both Penei Sewell and Taylor Decker are in strong shape to make the Pro Bowl. You’re looking at No. 1 and No. 2 in voting at offensive tackle. Interestingly enough, Nos. 3 and 4 are also teammates, Lane Johnson and Jordan Mailata of the Philadelphia Eagles.
Offensive Guard
From left, Detroit Lions center Frank Ragnow (77), offensive tackle Penei Sewell (58), guard Kevin Zeitler (71), and guard Graham Glasgow (60) look on from the listing team tunnel before taking the field for first half against Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. on Sunday, Nov. 3, 2024.
Deja vu. Just like at tackle, the Lions have both of their guards, Kevin Zeitler and Graham Glasgow, at the top of the voting. So if you’re keeping track, that’s four starting offensive linemen from the Lions for the Pro Bowl…until we talk about…
Center
Detroit Lions center Frank Ragnow (77) warm up before the game between Detroit Lions and Buffalo Bills at Ford Field in Detroit on Sunday, Dec. 15, 2024.
You guessed it, Frank Ragnow is at the top here as well. Meaning, if the rosters were set now, all five starting offensive linemen for the Lions would be heading to Orlando…if they don’t reach the Super Bowl.
Defensive End
DETROIT, MICHIGAN – SEPTEMBER 30: Aidan Hutchinson #97 of the Detroit Lions plays against the Seattle Seahawks at Ford Field on September 30, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
Needless to say, Aidan Hutchinson would have been cruising here had he not gotten hurt. As it stands, the Lions don’t have an edge-rusher in the top ten.
The top five are currently Trey Hendrickson (Bengals), Myles Garrett (Browns), Danielle Hunter (Texans), Maxx Crosby (Raiders) and Will Anderson Jr. (Texans).
Defensive tackle
Nov 3, 2024; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Detroit Lions defensive lineman Alim McNeill (54) celebrates as he runs off the field following the game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images
Alim McNeill was running 9th in voting before suffering a torn ACL Sunday against the Bills. Another reason the loss was huge for the Lions as McNeill was having a strong season. Cameron Heyward (Steelers) and Quinnen Williams lead for the AFC, Vita Vea (Buccaneers) and Braden Fiske (Rams) are leading for the NFC.
Inside Linebacker
Detroit Lions linebacker Jack Campbell (46) tackles Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) during the first half at Ford Field in Detroit on Sunday, Dec. 15, 2024.
Jack Campbell has been one of the most-improved players on the Lions this season. People have noticed. Campbell is running 9th among inside linebackers. Roquan Smith (Ravens) and Zaire Franklin (Colts) lead in the AFC while Zack Baun (Eagles) and Bobby Wagner (Commanders) top the NFC.
Cornerback
DETROIT, MICHIGAN – SEPTEMBER 30: Carlton Davis III #23 of the Detroit Lions plays against the Seattle Seahawks at Ford Field on September 30, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
Carlton Davis has been one of the best free-agent pickups this season and he’s now one of the top vote-getters for the Pro Bowl, ranking 6th. The top five are Marlon Humphrey (Ravens), Patrick Surtain (Broncos), Byron Murphy (Vikings), Donte Jackson (Steelers) and Jaire Alexander (Packers).
Free Safety
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – OCTOBER 20: Brian Branch #32 of the Detroit Lions intercepts a pass intended for Jordan Addison #3 of the Minnesota Vikings in the second quarter of a game at U.S. Bank Stadium on October 20, 2024 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)
The Pro Bowl splits between free and strong safeties. We’ll start with free safety, where Brian Branch is the leader in the clubhouse. The top five all come from the NFC — Xavier McKinney (Packers), Reed Blankenship (Eagles), Camryn Bynum (Vikings) and Tyrann Mathieu (Saints). The top AFC free safety is currently Damar Hamlin of the Bills.
Strong safety
DETROIT, MICHIGAN – NOVEMBER 17: Kerby Joseph #31 of the Detroit Lions reacts after. play in the second quarter of a game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Ford Field on November 17, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images)
Branch may have his running mate with him in Orlando. Kerby Joseph ranks second among strong safeties but is first in the NFC. Baltimore’s Kyle Hamilton is the overall leader at strong safety.
Kicker
Detroit Lions place kicker Jake Bates (39) celebrates as he walks off the field after 52-14 win over Tennessee Titans at Ford Field in Detroit on Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024.
Jake Bates has been one of the best stories of this NFL season. Right now, Bates is 5th among kickers in Pro Bowl voting, behind Chris Boswell (Steelers), Brandon Aubrey (Cowboys), Ka’ami Fairbairn (Texans) and Cameron Dicker (Chargers).
Punter
DETROIT, MICHIGAN – DECEMBER 05: Jack Fox #3 of the Detroit Lions celebrates with Jake Bates #39 after a field goal against the Green Bay Packers during the second quarter in the game at Ford Field on December 05, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images)
Jack Fox is in the mix to be selected to the Pro Bowl. He is third overall but is leading all NFC punters. Tommy Townsend (Texans) and Corey Bojorquez (Browns) are the overall leaders.
Specialist
Aug 17, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Detroit Lions running back Sione Vaki (33) runs the ball as Kansas City Chiefs safety Jaden Hicks (21) attempts the tackle during the first half at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
While the Lions don’t have a return specialist in the mix, Sione Vaki could be on his way as the special teams player, leading all players in that category. Former Lion Miles Killebrew, now in his fourth season with the Steelers, could be joining Vaki in Orlando. Killebrew is running second in voting.