By Mummy Grace 
The 2025 Senior Bowl is in the books, and the NFL Draft buzz is in full swing. After some standout performances in Mobile, Alabama, draft experts are adjusting their predictions—and the Detroit Lions are making moves in the first round.
According to Justin Melo from The Draft Network, the Lions are projected to take Ole Miss EDGE rusher Princely Umanmielen with the 28th overall pick. His draft stock has skyrocketed after an impressive Senior Bowl week, where he measured in at 264 pounds with a massive wingspan of over 34 inches.
Why Umanmielen is a Perfect Fit for Detroit
The Lions’ pass rush was a weak spot last season, especially when injuries to Aidan Hutchinson and Alim McNeill exposed a serious lack of depth. With Hutchinson expected to be back at full strength in 2025, adding a powerful pass rusher like Umanmielen could give Detroit’s defense a major boost.
Umanmielen’s mix of strength and explosiveness makes him a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks. His performance at the Senior Bowl only reinforced his status as one of the top EDGE prospects, and his blend of size and speed could make him an immediate impact player for the Lions.
What This Means for the Lions’ Defense
Pairing Umanmielen with Hutchinson could transform the Lions’ defensive line into a real powerhouse. Detroit’s defense has shown flashes of potential, and adding a player of Umanmielen’s caliber might be the missing piece that takes them to the next level.
The draft is still months away, but after his Senior Bowl showing, Umanmielen is definitely on Detroit’s radar. If they pull the trigger on him, the Lions could be setting up their defense for long-term success. Keep an eye on this one—he could be a game-changer in 2025.