By Blessing 
After the first couple of weeks of free agency, the Detroit Lions find themselves in a strong position for the 2025 season. Their biggest pressing need right now is upgrading their second edge rusher spot. Beyond that, they might consider adding depth at right guard after losing Kevin Zeitler in free agency. However, Christian Mahogany could be the frontrunner for that role after showing promise in a few starts last season. With so few immediate gaps to fill in this year’s NFL Draft, Detroit has the luxury of planning ahead and addressing potential future needs.
The Lions have built a young, talented core, which means they don’t have many glaring long-term concerns. That said, Bleacher Report’s Alex Ballentine has identified one position where they should start thinking about the future. According to Ballentine, Detroit would be wise to find a successor for veteran linebacker Alex Anzalone in this year’s draft.
Anzalone has been a key piece of the Lions’ defense over the past four seasons, providing leadership and consistency. During the 2022 and 2023 seasons, he recorded 254 tackles, 14 tackles for loss, 12 passes defended, and 27 pressures. Last season, he served as a team captain but missed a significant portion of the year due to injury. Despite that, when he was on the field, he was heavily involved, playing 91% of available snaps and making 63 tackles in 10 games. However, he turns 31 in September, and his contract runs out after the 2025 season. Given that timeline, the Lions could start preparing for his potential departure by selecting a linebacker in this year’s draft.
Ballentine has suggested a couple of names Detroit should keep an eye on: Oklahoma’s Danny Stutsman and Clemson’s Barrett Carter. Stutsman had an outstanding 2024 season, earning consensus All-American honors while surpassing 100 tackles for the third consecutive year. Carter, meanwhile, was named First Team All-ACC after recording 82 tackles, including 11 for loss. Both players are currently projected to be drafted late on Day 2 or early on Day 3, making them solid options for Detroit to add depth and secure the future of their front seven.
With few immediate concerns, the Lions have a chance to make a smart, forward-thinking pick in this year’s draft—one that could set them up for continued success beyond 2025.