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ESPN NFL Draft analyst Matt Miller released his two-round 2025 mock draft on Monday, after the conclusion of the recent Senior Bowl and Shrine Bowl, which allowed some of this year’s prospects to wrap up their college careers.
Miller is a longtime scout and has been an analyst for ESPN since 2021.
The Lions have own picks No. 28 and No. 60 in the first two rounds after coming up short in the Divisional Round of the playoffs last season.
Round 1
Miller has the Lions selecting Oregon defensive tackle Derrick Harmon at No. 28.
“The Lions will have hard decisions to make in free agency with guard Kevin Zeitler and defensive tackle Levi Onwuzurike both on expiring contracts,” Miller said. “But general manager Brad Holmes should beef up the interior defensive line whether Onwuzurike returns or not.”
Harmon had six sacks at Oregon, along with 35 pressures. He’s ranked fourth at his position in this year’s draft according to ESPN.
Miller is right to point out the need for defensive line help for the Lions. Alim McNeill’s injuries last year and the uncertainty around who will be returning next season put immediate pressure on finding viable, NFL-ready help like Harmon.
Round 2
Barring any movement between now and the draft, Miller has the Lions selecting Georgia center Jared Wilson with pick No. 60.
“Wilson has been battle tested in the SEC and would be ready to step in immediately as a starter if needed,” Miller said.
Wilson is ranked third at his position in this year’s draft according to ESPN.
Miller cited the future of Lions center Frank Ragnow as the driver behind going for a center this early in the draft. Ragnow will be 28 at the start of the 2025-26 season and reiterated before last season that he had no plans on retiring despite often dealing with nagging injuries.
This Lions era has been built on the strength of its offensive line, so investing early in a starting-level talent wouldn’t be the wrong line of thinking. Though this team has several needs on defense, this draft is loaded with potential talent at EDGE and this front office has not shown itself to be afraid of picking the players they want regardless of what round they’re operating in.
The Lions regained some draft capital following the exit of defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn, opening the door to reload with some of the young talent that could help them bounce back next season.
The 2025 NFL Draft begins April 24.