Detroit Lions 2025 Draft Outlook: Needs, Picks, and What’s Next
After coming agonizingly close to a Super Bowl appearance, the Detroit Lions entered 2025 with big goals—and a few big problems. Their playoff dreams were crushed in dramatic fashion by the Washington Commanders, and the disappointment didn’t stop there. The offseason brought even more shakeups.
Detroit saw nearly half its coaching staff walk out the door. Offensive mastermind Ben Johnson took the head coaching job in Chicago, while defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn headed to New York to lead the Jets. A handful of position coaches and key support staff followed suit, leaving head coach Dan Campbell with some serious rebuilding to do off the field as well.
But the heart of the team remains intact. Quarterback Jared Goff still leads the offense alongside standout wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, elite tackle Penei Sewell, and a dynamic backfield featuring David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs. On defense, edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson is expected to return fully healthy after missing time in 2024 due to a broken leg, which only adds to the optimism.
Still, the Lions aren’t standing pat. They’re heading into the 2025 NFL Draft with several clear needs and a belief that a few well-placed picks could push them over the top in the NFC.
Top Team Needs
Defensive End:
Even with Hutchinson missing half the year, he led the team with 7.5 sacks. That says plenty about the urgency to find a strong edge rusher to pair with him. Detroit’s pass rush suffered significantly without him, and getting another threat on the opposite side could make a huge difference.
Cornerback:
Despite drafting Terrion Arnold and Ennis Rakestraw Jr. in 2024 and signing D.J. Reed in free agency, the Lions still finished 30th in pass defense. Injuries and inconsistency plagued the secondary, and general manager Brad Holmes may not be done addressing the position.
Interior Offensive Line:
Losing a starting guard in free agency for the second straight offseason has raised red flags. With long-time left tackle Taylor Decker nearing the end of his contract, it may be time to bring in a young lineman who can play guard now and slide outside in the future.
Best Prospect Fits for Detroit
- OG Grey Zabel (North Dakota State): Smart and versatile, can play across the line.
- LB Jihaad Campbell (Alabama): Athletic linebacker with great range and upside.
- DE Shemar Stewart (Texas A&M): Powerful edge rusher with starting potential.
- CB Maxwell Hairston (Kentucky): Ballhawk with physical tools and technique.
- DE Mike Green (Marshall): Quick off the snap, could shine opposite Hutchinson.
- CB Will Johnson (Michigan): Local favorite with shutdown potential.
- DT Derrick Harmon (Oregon): Solid run defender who adds interior depth.
- OG Kelvin Banks Jr. (Texas): Strong, agile, and built for the pro level.
Lions’ 2025 Draft Picks
- Round 1: No. 28 overall
- Round 2: No. 60 overall
- Round 3: No. 102 overall (compensatory pick)
- Round 4: No. 130 overall
- Round 6: No. 196 overall (from Tampa Bay)
- Round 7: No. 224 overall
- Round 7: No. 228 overall (from Dallas)
A Bit of Draft History at Pick 28
Some notable names have been selected 28th overall in past drafts, including two Hall of Famers—linebacker Derrick Brooks (Buccaneers, 1995) and cornerback Darrell Green (Washington, 1983). The Lions can only hope their pick this year lives up to that legacy.
With seven picks in hand and a proven eye for talent in the front office, the Lions have a real shot to fill key holes and reload for another deep playoff push. The foundation is there. Now it’s about building on it — one smart draft pick at a time.
