By Daniel 
Lions’ Draft Focus Still Up in the Air, But Trenches Remain a Priority
With NFL free agency slowing down and teams finalizing their rosters, mock drafts are starting to get a clearer picture of what the 2025 NFL Draft could look like.
For the Detroit Lions, though, things aren’t so straightforward. Their roster is already in great shape, and GM Brad Holmes tends to prioritize value over immediate needs. That’s why projections for Detroit are all over the place—out of the 43 mock drafts reviewed, 17 different players were linked to the Lions.
Here’s a breakdown of some of the latest names popping up in mock drafts for Detroit.
Offensive Skill Players in the Mix
Luther Burden III, WR, Miss our (CBS Sports – Chris Trapasso)
“Don’t let his 2024 stats fool you Burden is an elite receiver prospect with massive potential.”
Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State (33rd Team – Marcus Mosher)
– “Egbuka might be too similar to Amon-Ra St. Brown, but he’s too good to pass up. He’s versatile, a great blocker, and a perfect fit for Dan Campbell’s system.”
Takeaway:Both Burden and Egbuka are talented, but they primarily play in the slot. Burden has the potential to develop into an outside receiver, giving the Lions a young, high-upside option. Egbuka, on the other hand, might top the team’s “Grit Index” with his hard-nosed style of play.
That said, while adding a skill player would be exciting, all signs still point to Detroit prioritizing the trenches.
Offensive Line Targets
Kelvin Banks, OL, Team (Yahoo Sports, Draft Countdown)
– “When you don’t have many needs, build the trenches. Banks could compete for a starting job at guard and eventually take over at left tackle.”
Tyler Booker, OG, Alabama (33rd Team, NFL.com, The Ringer)
– “With Graham Glasgow regressing and Kevin Zeitler gone, Booker fills a big need and fits the Lions’ tough, physical identity.”
Grey Zabel, OL, North Dakota State (The Athletic)
– “A versatile, high-end interior lineman who could start immediately at guard and potentially replace Frank Ragnow at center down the road.”
Donovan Jackson, OL, Ohio State (Pro Football Network, Touchdown Wire)
– “One of the toughest players in college football last season, Jackson has versatility and a strong foundation, making him an ideal plug-and-play guard.”
Takeaway: Booker, Zabel, and Jackson have been consistent names in Lions’ mock drafts, all making sense as potential replacements for Zeitler. Booker, in particular, stands out, as his physicality and toughness align perfectly with the Lions’ mentality.
Banks is a newer name in the mix, but he’s a strong prospect who could provide immediate value inside while developing into a long-term tackle option.
Final Thoughts
While the Lions could surprise everyone by grabbing a skill player, their focus still seems to be in the trenches whether it’s bolstering the offensive line or adding depth to the defensive front. With draft day approaching, Detroit has plenty of options, and knowing Holmes’ approach, it’ll likely come down to who provides the best value at their pick.