Which positions could the Detroit Lions realistically select on Day 1 of the NFL Draft?
With the 28th pick in the 2025 NFL Draft , the Detroit Lions select…?
Those are the words that many Lions fans are anticipating, but which player could realistically follow suit? As Detroit looks to restock for another chase at a Super Bowl , the draft could be a pivotal moment in that pursuit. The Lions have an endless amount of options, from offense to defense to outright trading the pick. As we try to prepare for another Brad Holmes-led draft, unpredictability is at the forefront of the discussion. All things considered, can we truly know what the Lions will or will not do?
The first round of the draft is typically the most consequential, so we will narrow our focus on that. The Lions could spend their draft capital on any player, but are there some positions that are more realistic than others?
Today’s Question of the Day is:
Which positions are realistic first-round options for the Detroit Lions?
My answer: Let’s go through each position.
Quarterback: Brad Holmes has been bold before, but with Jared Goff entrenched as the starter and Hendon Hooker still developing, I would be stunned by a quarterback. Not realistic.
Running back: The Lions proved everyone wrong when they selected Jahmyr Gibbs in the first round. However, between Gibbs, David Montgomery, and Sione Vaki, the Lions have zero incentive to draft a running back early. Not realistic.
Wide receiver: The Lions have a stud in the form of Amon-Ra St. Brown and an explosive weapon in the form of Jameson Williams. Beyond those names, the Lions receiving corps is fairly barren. The next depth options were Tim Patrick, a pending free agent, and Kalif Raymond, a special teamer and tertiary option. Even Williams is entering an interesting time, with the Lions having to weigh a contract extension versus his value. A first-round pick would give the Lions a bonafide third receiver or insurance for injuries or departures. Realistic.
Tight end: The Lions should be in the market for tight end help, but the first round is far too rich given the success of Sam LaPorta. Meanwhile, Brock Wright is a great fit as a TE2. I would expect a free agent or two and perhaps a later draft pick. Not realistic.
Offensive line: I’m grouping all offensive line positions together. The Lions have not shied away from investing in their offensive line, and it would make sense to continue that trend. Nearly every position has some questions going forward. How long with Taylor Decker and Frank Ragnow play for? What will the Lions do at guard with Kevin Zeitler and Graham Glasgow? Will the young players like Giovanni Manu or Christian Mahogany step into starting roles? The Lions could realistically draft a lineman for either immediate or long-term help. Realistic.
Defensive tackle: Short-term, it is unclear if Alim McNeill will be ready for Week 1. Long-term, the Lions have no options locked up besides McNeill. DJ Reader has one year left on his deal, Levi Onwuzurike is a free agent, and Brodric Martin has shown little thus far. The Lions need help in the interior. Realistic.
Defensive end: Aidan Hutchinson is a star, but who will step up across from him? Even if Za’Darius Smith sticks around on his contract, he will be 33 in September. The Lions need a solution at edge, not a stopgap. Realistic.
Linebacker: With linebackers coach Kelvin Sheppard getting promoted to defensive coordinator, it is unclear how or if the Lions will change their approach to linebackers. Jack Campbell is a blossoming talent, while Alex Anzalone is a dependable veteran. Yet beyond those two, we have some questions. Will the Lions utilize a SAM or pass-rushing linebacker, a role previously occupied by free agent Derrick Barnes? With Malcolm Rodriguez tearing his ACL and Jalen Reeves-Maybin primarily a special teamer, the Lions could use some added depth as well. Realistic.
Cornerback: If Carlton Davis departs in free agency, cornerback is a notable need for the Lions. Terrion Arnold and Amik Robertson came along over the course of the season, but Ennis Rakestraw is still a question mark after a quiet rookie year. However, is a rookie truly what the Lions need? I think they should prioritize acquiring a veteran starter in free agency—as we learned with Arnold last season, experience is important. A first-round corner is still on the table, but I would not expect them to start out of the gate. Realistic.
Safety: The Lions have an elite duo of Kerby Joseph and Brian Branch, so an immediate starter is not a pressing need. Yet with Ifeatu Melifonwu hitting free agency, there is room for the Lions to add a third safety, a modest rotational role in this defense. From coverage to run stopping to blitzing, the Lions want versatility out of their defensive backs, something that Melifonwu offered (when healthy, which was not often enough). Is that enough to warrant spending a first-round pick? I think the Lions would be willing. They value having as many options in the secondary as possible. Realistic.
Special teams: Not only are first-round special teamers rare, but the Lions have a great trio of Jake Bates, Jack Fox, and Hogan Hatten. Not realistic.
Projecting what the Lions will do in the upcoming draft is nigh impossible. For one, the Lions are currently slated to pick 28th overall, so the remaining board at that spot could go in thousands of different directions. The Lions could alternatively trade up or trade down from that spot, adding further difficulty in predicting their pick.
Yet what truly makes this draft difficult to project is the number of realistic options they have. This is not due to a depleted roster with multiple holes, like the 2021 Lions once were. Instead, the Lions have constructed a roster where the true value from the draft comes from selecting talented players, not positions of need. The Lions are not pigeonholed into drafting starters—they can draft talented players and let them blossom into starters, not force them into that role.
Your turn.