3 Michigan Wolverines who would be great fits on the Detroit Lions

The Detroit Lions have seven picks in the upcoming NFL Draft, and any of these 3 Michigan Wolverines would be a great fit on the local team:

The 2025 NFL Draft is just two days away, and several Michigan Wolverines are expecting to hear their names called.

The Detroit Lions have seven picks in the draft:

• Round 1, Pick 28 (28)
• Round 2, Pick 28 (60)
• Round 3, Pick 38 (102, Compensatory)
• Round 4, Pick 28 (130)
• Round 6, Pick 20 (196, from Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
• Round 7, Pick 12 (228, from Dallas Cowboys)
• Round 7 Pick 28 (244)

While the Lions were one of the best teams in the NFL last season, there are still some holes on the roster that could be filled with Michigan players.

Until the draft starts, let’s discuss three Wolverines who could be good fits with the Lions.

For the purposes of this exercise, I ruled out the four likely first-rounders — defensive tackles Mason Graham and Kenneth Grant, cornerback Will Johnson and tight end Colson Loveland — since most draft analysts predict all four will be off the board by the time the Lions pick. A trade-up is never off the table considering Holmes’ history, but for now, let’s focus on some likely late-round selections.

Edge Josiah Stewart

Detroit was tied for 23rd in the league with 37 sacks last year, and while Hutchinson will return from his leg injury, the Lions opted not to re-sign Za’Daruis Smith and could use another edge rusher.

Stewart will likely be available after Round 1 and is worth a flier. He’s a bit undersized at 6-foot-1 and 245 pounds, but he’s got excellent speed off the edge, racking up 71 tackles and 14 sacks in two seasons at Michigan. As our Trevor Woods wrote in Stewart’s Draft Profile , his motor is hard to teach pass rushers and the Lions are going to love his perseverance towards the pocket.

Safety Makari Paige

Paige accumulated 135 tackles, three picks and eight pass deflections in five seasons at Michigan. He has a high football IQ and proved to be a versatile player. Paige was reliable as a safety, but was forced to play nickel late in the year and played some of his best ball there.

One of Paige’s picks came in Michigan’s most impressive win of the season over Ohio State.

Paige will likely be available on Day 3 and can provide the Lions with quality depth and special teams play.

Guard Josh Priebe

Guard is one of the few true needs the Lions have. Kevin Zeitler left in free agency, Graham Glasgow struggled in his ninth season, and while he was good when called upon, Christian Mahogany only has seven games of NFL experience.

The Lions may draft a potential starter at guard early in the draft, but like Paige, Priebe could be a great depth option late in the draft or as an undrafted free agent. Michigan’s offensive line struggled this past season compared to the dominance of the previous three seasons, but Priebe was a bright spot. He has good size at 6-foot-5 and 306 pounds, he’s a smart guy — having went to Northwestern and then transferring to Michigan — and he thrives when attacking the second level of a defense.

To echo my colleague Dan Plocher , because of his toughness, I wouldn’t count out Priebe. He’s worth a shot with one of those Day 3 picks, and if he’s not drafted, Priebe should be a priority as an undrafted free agent.

What Wolverines do you want to see on the Lions? Let us know in the comments. And for all your Lions content needs, check out our friends at Pride of Detroit .