2025 Draft Preview Detroit Lions RB

 

Running Backs

Analysis:

Not a need position for the Lions, however, the depth of talent here is very rare. Good starter level players can be found throughout this draft and even in post draft free agency. The Lions maybe tempted to bring in a back to compete with Craig Reynolds for a roster spot. 

2025 Detroit Lions Draft Preview Offensive Line

 

Tackles

Analysis:

Not a need position for the Lions. Brad may draft a player from this group that can play guard and later switch to tackle. The gold standard for the lineman is the 20 yard shuttle. A 4.47 time is almost a guaranteed long career. Logan Brown and Caleb Rogers came closest to that standard.

Guards/Center

Center

Guard

Analysis:

A position of need for the Lions. Zeitler signed with the Titans and Glasgow played poorly down the stretch. The Lions have in house candidates but competition from this group is expected. Booker, Zabel, Jackson, Savaiinaea and Ratledge have all been attached to the Lions during the process. All five have  top 50 grades. Slater stood out at the Senior Bowl. 

2025 Detroit Lions Draft Preview WR/TE

 

Wide Receiver

Analysis:

Good depth with this group. The Lions need an infusion of youth in their receiver room. I look for them to take a big bodied X receiver type. They could add a return guy as well, Raymond is on the last year of his contract. Guys I like include Savion Williams, Isaac Te'Slaa and Tre Harris. 

Tight End

Analysis:

Deep group in the draft. Starter level players found throughout. The Lions don't have a great need but new blood for competition is going to be a goal. I really like Dippre out of Alabama. Can play inline and catch the ball.  Lachey is a a tough Iowa TE who can block. 

2025 Detroit Lions Draft Preview Secondary

 Cornerbacks

Players that fit the Lions:

Barron draws a lot of Brian Branch comps. He is more of a true CB than Branch. Hairston can run and cover but is very thin. Morrison is big CB that would play outside. Ransaw caught my eye at the Senior Bowl and backed it up at the Combine. A lot good athletes in this group.

Safety

Players that fit the Lions:

An area of need for the Lions. Watts is a ballhawk. Sanker can play both safety positions and slot. Ransom is play maker, Reed from Detroit King is a tough customer but lacks coverage skills.

2025 Detroit Lions Draft Preview Linebackers

 Linebackers

Players I Like for the Lions:

Not a huge area of need but some youth would be welcomed in the room. Special teams will be an essential for this group. Bassa is an old school downhill backer. Martin played the same position as Rodrigo at OK State. Oliver is a great athlete. 

2025 Detroit Lions Draft Preview Defensive Line

 

Defensive Ends

Players I think fit the Lions:

Williams has a high upside. A true edge rusher with long arms, he will play this season at 21 years old. Tuimoloau is a big game player. 12.5 sacks last season doing much of his damage in the playoff. Jackson is a physical specimen. Long but strong. Has some jucie off the edge. Stewart is probably the best athlete in the draft but lacks production. Scourton isn't as long but is productive. Ezeiruaku is speed rusher with plenty of juice off the edge. He probably would be a passing down guy. Sai'Von Jones is interesting player. Long arms and good strength. He could be a great situationally pass rusher inside. 

Defensive Tackles

Players I think fit the Lions:

Nolen has juice inside. Would play the 3 tech but could play the big end. Harmon flashed every time I saw Oregon play. Quick for a big guy. Grant is a NG but has pass rush ability. Alexander was awesome at the Senior Bowl. NFL ready strength but will play next year at 25 years old. A lot of good players at this position. Value into the third day of the draft. 

2025 NFL Draft Detroit Lions prospect visits

 

Local Pro Day

Analysis:

Boone from Detroit King was a horse in high school. He bounced around in college but has power and toughness. Broden should be drafted after a elite pro day. The Lions should bring a couple tight ends in the draft or free agency. All four of these players have a shot in the NFL. Carr was a WR at Oak Park. Stewart is a one trick pony. Excellent get off and speed on the edge. He lacks length and counter moves. Alexander is the best player on the list. He is a top 50 player in the draft.  The LB have a chance to special teams players. Turner played at Wisconsin before transferring to MSU. He is a good leader and toughness. Heard was a dynamic RB at Farmington Hills Harrison. He played at Northwestern before settling at Notre Dame. 

30 visits

Analysis

TeSlaa, a transfer from Hillsdale, showed out the Senior Bowl and Combine. Could go as early as the third round. Zabel is a top 25 player and a starter at guard. Stewart is the best athlete in the draft but lacks production and a polish. Robinson needed a medical check after an elbow injury. Williams a true Nose and a top 50 player. Chambliss and Hippolite have special teams potential. Hairston from West Bloomfield, is a top 40 player. Sanker is a versatile player who fits the Lions scheme. 

Add in OG Tate Ratledge from Georgia. A future starter and a cultural fit for the Lions. Likely would have to be picked in the second round. Another Detroit kid, Derrick Harmon also visited. A transfer to Oregon from MSU, he had a dominant year in 2024. The Lions would have to take him in the first round. Another addition is WR Matthew Golden from Texas 5'11" 193 ran 4.29 at the combine. He would be a replacement for Jamo if he is not extended. Golden should be a top 25 pick. NC State OT Anthony Belton visited as well. He is a massive 6'6" 336 lbs. and 34" arm length. At the Senior Bowl, he shut down the pass rushers in the one on ones. Lions would probably have to take him in the 3rd round.