The NFL MVP race is down to five finalists-Josh Allen, Trevor Lawrence, Drake Maye, Matthew Stafford, and Christian McCaffrey-but if you’re a Detroit Lions fan, there’s another list worth celebrating. ESPN’s Seth Walder recently dropped his top 100 MVP candidates for the 2025 season, and Detroit made a strong showing, placing six players on the list, five of them in the top 50.
That’s not just a nod to individual excellence-it’s a clear signal that the Lions’ foundation is as solid as any in the league.
Let’s break it down.
Detroit’s Top Performers in 2025
Amon-Ra St. Brown came in at No. 17 overall-good for fourth among wide receivers.
That tracks with what we saw all season: St. Brown was a nightmare for opposing secondaries, consistently finding soft spots in coverage and turning short gains into big plays.
He’s not just a volume guy-he’s a tone-setter, the kind of receiver who can tilt a gameplan before the opening snap.
Aidan Hutchinson landed at No. 22 and ranked fifth among edge rushers. Hutchinson’s motor never stops, and his ability to disrupt both the pass and run game has made him the heartbeat of Detroit’s defense. He’s not just racking up sacks-he’s changing the math for opposing offenses.
Penei Sewell, the Lions’ right tackle, showed once again why he’s one of the best in the business. He slotted in at No. 28 overall and third among offensive tackles.
Whether it’s anchoring the run game or giving Jared Goff a clean pocket, Sewell’s presence on the line is as steady as it gets. He doesn’t just hold the edge-he owns it.
Jared Goff, Detroit’s quarterback and veteran leader of this young core, came in at No. 33 overall and ninth among quarterbacks. Goff’s 2025 campaign was efficient, poised, and productive. He’s not the flashiest name in the MVP conversation, but his command of the offense and ability to deliver in big moments kept Detroit in the mix all season long.
Jack Campbell, the second-year linebacker, made waves with a No. 50 ranking-and more impressively, he was listed as the top linebacker in the entire league. That’s not a typo.
Campbell’s instincts, range, and physicality turned heads all year. He’s quickly becoming the kind of player who sets the tone for an entire defense.
Jahmyr Gibbs, the dynamic second-year running back, rounded out the Lions’ representation at No. 64 overall and second among running backs. Gibbs’ explosiveness out of the backfield gave Detroit a true dual-threat weapon, and his ability to flip the field on any given touch made him one of the most dangerous players in the league.
League-Wide Context
Six players in the top 100 is no small feat. It puts Detroit in elite company and underscores just how well this roster has been built. But what really stands out is the age and contract status of these core players.
Goff, St. Brown, Sewell, and Hutchinson are all locked in for at least the next three seasons.
Campbell and Gibbs are on rookie deals and expected to be extended in due time. And here’s the kicker-Goff is the only one older than 26.
This isn’t just a talented group; it’s a young, ascending core that’s entering its collective prime.
What Comes Next
Star power doesn’t guarantee a Super Bowl. But it does give you a high floor-and Detroit’s is about as high as it’s ever been.
The challenge now for GM Brad Holmes is to keep building around this nucleus. Depth, versatility, and complementary pieces will be key as the Lions try to take that next step from playoff contender to championship threat.
The foundation is there. The stars are aligned-literally and figuratively. And if 2025 was any indication, the Lions are just getting started.