Dave Birkett

1 week ago | freep.com | Dave Birkett

Detroit Free Press sports reporter Dave Birkett takes a position-by-position look at the top prospects and the Detroit Lions’ biggest needs in the 2025 NFL draft. This is the second in an eight-part series. This is the deepest running back draft in recent memory, but the Detroit Lions are well-fortified at the position with no glaring short- or long-term needs. Jahmyr Gibbs is one of the best backs in the NFL and under contract for two more seasons with an extension potentially coming next spring.

1 week ago | freep.com | Dave Birkett

Detroit Free Press sports reporter Dave Birkett takes a position-by-position look at the top prospects and the Detroit Lions’ biggest needs in the 2025 NFL draft. This is the first in an eight-part series. It took a few years, and they went the non-traditional route to make it happen, but the Detroit Lions finally found their long-term solution at kicker. Jake Bates made a promising NFL debut in 2024, making 26 of 29 field goals including six of eight from 50-plus yards.

1 week ago | freep.com | Dave Birkett

The Detroit Lions' never-ending search for playmakers has led them to the fastest wide receiver in this year's NFL draft. And if they're able to land a new deep threat with the 28th pick in the first round, it could provide a big clue about their plans for the future. The Lions hosted Texas wide receiver Matthew Golden on a predraft visit over the weekend, NFL Network reported.

1 week ago | freep.com | Dave Birkett

Matt Kinzer is the only man to play for both the Detroit Lions and the Detroit Tigers. Kinzer was the Lions punter for a game in 1987 and was in the Tigers bullpen during the 1990 season. Just seven players have played in both MLB and the NFL: Kinzer, Bo Jackson, Brian Jordan, Deion Sanders, D.J. Dozier, Drew Henson and Chad Hutchinson. Matt Kinzer was in the Tiger Stadium bullpen with the Detroit Tigers one day in 1990 when the center-field scoreboard flashed a trivia question.

1 week ago | usatoday.com | Dave Birkett

• Matt Kinzer is the only man to play for both the Detroit Lions and the Detroit Tigers. • Kinzer was the Lions punter for a game in 1987 and was in the Tigers bullpen during the 1990 season. • Just seven players have played in both MLB and the NFL: Kinzer, Bo Jackson, Brian Jordan, Deion Sanders, D.J. Dozier, Drew Henson and Chad Hutchinson. Matt Kinzer was in the Tiger Stadium bullpen with the Detroit Tigers one day in 1990 when the center-field scoreboard flashed a trivia question.