The Detroit Lions could be looking to shake things up in the 2025 NFL Draft, with a potential trade that would bring in more picks while adding another edge rusher to the mix. A recent mock draft from Bleacher Report’s Alex Ballentine suggests that Detroit could trade down from their No. 28 overall pick, swapping it along with the No. 246 pick to the New England Patriots in exchange for picks No. 38 and No. 69.
This move would position the Lions to land Ohio State edge rusher Jack Sawyer early in the second round. Ballentine described Sawyer as a “poor man’s version of Aidan Hutchinson,” highlighting his toughness, physicality, and relentless motor. With Hutchinson suffering a season-ending leg fracture last season, Detroit’s pass rush struggled to stay consistent, making depth at the position a priority.
While Sawyer isn’t the most explosive or agile rusher, his work ethic and ability to take on blockers could make him a valuable addition to the Lions’ defensive front. Pairing him with Hutchinson, Josh Paschal, and potentially Za’Darius Smith would give Detroit more firepower to generate pressure.
Ballentine’s mock draft also suggests the Lions could use their newly acquired No. 69 pick to add Texas A&M defensive lineman Shemar Turner. At 6’4” and 300 pounds, Turner has the versatility to contribute immediately and could serve as a replacement for Levi Onwuzurike. His lateral quickness and explosive first step make him an intriguing option for Detroit’s defensive line rotation.
The Lions have already made moves to strengthen their defensive front this offseason, hiring Kacy Rodgers as their new defensive line coach. Rodgers, who previously coached with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, has a strong track record of developing pass rushers. Head coach Dan Campbell has expressed confidence in Rodgers’ ability to get the most out of the Lions’ defensive line, which could be a key factor in any new additions through the draft.
With the draft approaching, all eyes will be on how Detroit navigates their selections and whether they make a move to gain more picks while strengthening their defense.
Detroit Lions Predicted to Target Hutchinson-Like Prospect in Draft Trade
