By Moses Joshua 
Detroit’s scouting department has a full Saturday slate—and five potential future Lions worth circling.
As the Detroit Lions prepare for Sunday’s matchup with the New York Giants, the team’s front office will have one eye on Week 13 and another squarely on the future. The Giants—built largely through recent drafts—serve as a reminder of how quickly young talent can reshape a roster. The Lions already boast a strong foundation assembled by Brad Holmes, but with injuries mounting and certain position groups lacking long-term stability, Week 13’s college slate presents prime scouting opportunities.
Below are five prospects Detroit should evaluate closely this weekend—players whose skill sets and development trajectories could make them ideal fits for the 2025 roster.
1. Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon
A breakout performer in 2025, Kenyon Sadiq has finally emerged as a complete tight end—and a potential first-round selection if he declares. Through nine games, he’s produced 407 yards and six touchdowns, highlighted by a dominant 96-yard outing against Minnesota.
Sadiq’s physicality as a run blocker stands out, a trait that pairs well with Detroit’s identity. While there are some concerns about “concentration-based drops,” his upside is hard to ignore. With Sam LaPorta expected to miss significant time and Brock Wright’s contract providing only short-term security, Sadiq could be the dynamic young addition Detroit needs.
He’ll be on full display Saturday when Oregon hosts USC in what’s being called a “classic Big Ten matchup.”
2. Eli Stowers, TE, Vanderbilt
Eli Stowers’ career path has been anything but linear—from Texas A&M quarterback to tight end at New Mexico State, and now a top offensive weapon at Vanderbilt. His production has been remarkable: back-to-back 600-yard seasons and nine touchdowns this year, including a 122-yard day against Auburn.
Pro Football Focus currently grades Stowers as a top-five player at his position. His questions—age, blocking strength, and build—may push him into late Day 2 or early Day 3, but his athleticism gives him a compelling ceiling. Detroit should watch him closely Saturday against Kentucky as they consider adding depth behind LaPorta.
3. Marlin Klein, TE, Michigan
If Detroit prefers a developmental tight end with local ties, Marlin Klein fits the bill. Though he’s never surpassed 200 receiving yards in a season, context matters: Michigan’s passing game has been turbulent since J.J. McCarthy’s departure, and Klein has spent much of his career behind first-rounder Colston Loveland.
Despite limited production, Klein offers plus blocking ability and strong measurables—traits that could make him a late-round steal. His proximity makes him an easy scouting assignment as Michigan heads to Maryland at 4 p.m. EST.
4. Keylan Rutledge, IOL, Georgia Tech
Few prospects embody resilience like Keylan Rutledge. After surviving a 2023 car crash that nearly cost him part of his foot, Rutledge has battled his way into early Day 3 consideration. A Lombardi Award semifinalist and a top-20 guard in PFF’s grading system, he brings toughness and grit—two qualities Detroit covets in the trenches.
His weaknesses—pad-level consistency and occasional footwork lapses—are coachable. Rutledge currently plays right guard, the same spot as rookie Tate Ratledge, but Detroit’s interior depth remains a long-term concern. He’ll be in action Saturday night when Georgia Tech hosts Pittsburgh.
5. Jordan Pollard, LB, San Jose State
Jordan Pollard has quietly become one of the most productive linebackers in the Mountain West. After a 115-tackle, 14-TFL season in 2024, he’s added 2.5 sacks and 77 more tackles this year, cementing himself as a late-round or priority free-agent candidate.
His “plus” trait is unquestioned athleticism, which helps counterbalance his smaller frame at 6-foot-1, 210 pounds. Detroit has shown a willingness to gamble on high-motor linebackers with speed, and Pollard fits that template. For night owls and diehard Lions fans, San Jose State kicks off at 10:30 p.m. EST against San Diego State.
Final Thoughts
Detroit’s current roster is competitive, but depth questions at tight end, interior offensive line, and linebacker make these five prospects must-watch players in Week 13. Whether the Lions are picking late in the first round or maneuvering on Day 2 and Day 3, 2025’s draft class offers intriguing options—if they start scouting the right names now.
Holmes and his staff have built this franchise through sharp talent evaluation. Week 13 provides another opportunity to stay ahead of the curve.