By Moses Joshua 
As Detroit’s playoff margins shrink, the future comes into sharper focus — and Friday night’s College Football Playoff opener offers a scouting goldmine.
With the Detroit Lions staring down a season that could end abruptly, one truth is becoming impossible to ignore: depth matters, and depth is built in April. Brad Holmes and his scouting staff already live in draft rooms year-round, but the spotlight intensifies when elite prospects collide on the biggest stages.
Friday night’s Alabama–Oklahoma showdown isn’t just must-watch college football — it’s a live audition for players who could shape Detroit’s next roster iteration. Here are five names Lions fans should be locked in on from kickoff to final whistle.
The Trenches Tell the Story
Kadyn Proctor, OL — Alabama
If you’re looking for a prototype Lions offensive lineman, Kadyn Proctor checks almost every box.
Proctor has the athletic profile, age curve, and polish that front offices covet. He’s currently graded as the No. 5 offensive tackle by Pro Football Focus and was recently named a consensus All-American. On PFF’s Big Board, he’s sitting as the third-best tackle in the class — a notable spot in what many scouts consider a thinner tackle crop.
What really jumps off the page? Proctor turns 21 in June.
That youth matters. Even among draft prospects, he’s exceptionally young, meaning his ceiling may still be climbing. With Detroit always thinking long-term along the offensive line, Proctor represents both immediate stability and future upside.
R Mason Thomas, EDGE — Oklahoma
This is the matchup that could steal the entire night.
R Mason Thomas versus Kadyn Proctor is trench warfare at its finest — and one Detroit will be watching closely. Thomas has racked up 6.5 sacks and 9.5 tackles for loss despite missing three games this season, following up a dominant 2024 campaign where he posted nine sacks and 12.5 tackles for loss.
Fresh legs. Explosive burst. Proven production.
The last time Thomas faced Alabama, he delivered “1.5 tackles for loss and one sack” in a 24–3 Sooners win. If he repeats — or tops — that performance, first-round buzz will only grow louder.
Detroit would love to pair another elite edge presence with Aidan Hutchinson, and Thomas fits the mold, especially with his age on his side. He turns 22 just before the 2026 regular season.
Defensive Answers for Detroit’s Future
Deontae Lawson, LB — Alabama
Lawson may not have the elite athletic testing numbers that push prospects into Round 1, but his résumé is undeniable.
He enters Friday night with 75 tackles on the season and 269 tackles across 50 career games, along with 17.5 tackles for loss, five sacks, and an interception. His instincts and coverage ability stand out, particularly in space.
With Alex Anzalone not currently under contract for next season — despite his desire to remain in Detroit — the Lions could be forced to consider younger, cost-controlled options. Lawson profiles as a strong Day 2 candidate who fits Detroit’s emphasis on football IQ and reliability.
Keon Sabb, S — Alabama
This is a name Lions fans may already recognize.
The former Michigan safety now plays a versatile, Brian Branch–style role for Alabama, thriving as a coverage “robber” and physical presence in the secondary. Sabb has five interceptions and 12 pass breakups over the last three seasons, paired with 112 career tackles.
With both Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph dealing with leg injuries this year, long-term depth at safety is no longer theoretical — it’s necessary. Bleacher Report even compared Sabb directly to Joseph in a recent scouting report.
Expect Sabb to be everywhere Friday night.
A Familiar Face on the Perimeter
Deion Burks, WR — Oklahoma
Burks’ name might ring a bell. The former Purdue receiver spent three seasons in the Big Ten before transferring to Oklahoma, and his calling card remains his route-running and separation ability.
While Burks hasn’t eclipsed 612 receiving yards in a single season, his 144 career catches and polish as a technician make him intriguing. If Detroit decides to let Kalif Raymond walk in free agency, Burks could slide into a WR4 role behind Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, and Isaac TeSlaa.
Production questions remain, and his lack of return-game upside may temper interest — but the skill set is undeniable.
Final Word
The Lions’ playoff fate may still be undecided, but their draft future is already unfolding.
Friday night’s Alabama–Oklahoma clash offers a rare convergence of youth, star power, and positional relevance for Detroit. Whether it’s trench dominance, defensive versatility, or future skill-position depth, this game is packed with answers Brad Holmes may need sooner than later.
Kickoff is set for 8 p.m. EST — and Lions fans should be watching with a draft board in mind.