Our favorite fits for the Detroit Lions when it comes to the linebacker and defensive back positions in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Our 2025 NFL Draft preview series continues on the PODcast. Last week, we kicked things off by looking at the skill position players we liked on Days 1, 2, and 3 of the draft. This week, we start looking at the Detroit Lions ’ options on defense.
While the linebacker position isn’t a huge immediate need, it is a significant future need. The following linebackers under contract are in the final year of their deals: Alex Anzalone, Malcolm Rodriguez, Grant Stuard, Ezekiel Turner, Anthony Pittman, Abraham Beauplan, and DaRon Gilbert. Or to say simpler: only Jack Campbell and Derrick Barnes are part of this team’s long-term plan.
So on this week’s PODcast, we talk about our favorite linebacker prospects on each day of the 2025 NFL Draft, and how they’d fit in Detroit. Some of the topics we discuss include:
- How would roles change if the Lions drafted Jihaad Campbell?
- Two of the grittiest linebackers available on Day 2 of the draft
- Day 3 sleepers with special teams upside
Then we shift the discussion to the secondary. Obviously, the Lions are somewhat set when it comes to their starters in 2025, but, again, there are some questions about the future. Will the Lions re-sign both safeties to huge contracts, or is it time to start preparing to get cheaper? What is the future at nickel? Could the Lions fill Ifeatu Melifonwu’s role in the draft his year?
We answer all those questions while, again, offering our favorite picks on each day of the draft.
But before we talk about any of that, we put a box on the owners meetings by playing a game of “Buy or sell” on the biggest narratives coming out of the week in Florida.
You can check out the entire podcast below or on whatever your favorite podcasting platform is. Additionally, you can watch video of the podcast—with bonus content—over on our YouTube and Twitch pages.