By Blessing 
Lions 7-Round Mock Draft: Filling Holes and Planning Ahead After First Free Agency Wave
With the first wave of 2025 NFL free agency in the rearview mirror, it’s a perfect time to reassess where the Detroit Lions stand—and what might come next. While other teams made headline-grabbing splashes, the Lions took a more measured approach. Outside of bringing in veteran cornerback D.J. Reed, Detroit stayed relatively quiet on the open market.
A few familiar faces have already moved on—Kevin Zeitler, Carlton Davis, and Ifeatu Melifonwu have all signed elsewhere. Meanwhile, Levi Onwuzurike re-upped with the team, helping maintain some continuity on the defensive front. As things stand, the Lions’ immediate roster needs have started to take better shape, though there’s still time to add more talent before the offseason wraps.
With that in mind, we fired up Pro Football Focus’ Mock Draft Simulator to explore a full seven-round mock draft for Detroit, keeping in mind the team’s current roster landscape and future outlook.
Round 1, Pick 28: Grey Zabel, OL, North Dakota State
The board didn’t fall ideally for Detroit in the first round—especially when it came to addressing their biggest need on the edge. Instead, the Lions pivoted to the trenches with a versatile offensive lineman in Grey Zabel. The North Dakota State standout made a strong impression at the NFL Combine, easing concerns about his FCS background.
Zabel started his college career as a tackle—most recently anchoring the left side—but he’s played every position on the line. That versatility makes him an intriguing fit for Detroit, where he’s projected to slide inside to guard. He’s the kind of plug-and-play prospect who could compete for a starting role from Day 1.
Round 2, Pick 60: Shemar Stewart, DL, Texas A&M
Don’t let Shemar Stewart’s stats fool you—he’s far more impactful than the numbers suggest. While his production at Texas A&M (31 tackles, 1.5 sacks last season) may seem modest, his physical traits are off the charts: 6-foot-6, 290 pounds, with an 83.5-inch wingspan and 34.25-inch arms.
Stewart raised his draft stock at the Senior Bowl, where one NFL scout told ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler that he “stamped himself as the best player” there. Though labeled an edge rusher, Stewart’s versatility allows him to line up just about anywhere along the defensive front—something the Lions love in their linemen. He could be the type of hybrid player they once envisioned in Josh Paschal, or the player Onwuzurike finally became last year.
Round 3, Pick 102: Ashton Gillotte, EDGE, Louisville
The Lions took advantage of a deep edge rusher class by waiting until Round 3 to find their guy—and they got a good one in Ashton Gillotte. At 6-foot-3 and 264 pounds, the Louisville pass rusher checks many of the boxes the Lions look for physically.
As Jeff Risdon of Lions Wire pointed out, Gillotte brings a powerful, hard-nosed approach—“a crush-the-can type” of edge defender that Detroit covets. He may not have elite length or burst, but he’s consistent, high-motor, and tough—qualities that will endear him to this coaching staff.
His sack numbers dropped last season (from 11 in 2023 to 4.5), despite nearly identical pressure totals (57 vs. 58). It’s another reminder that sacks can be fluky. His PFF pass rush grade, meanwhile, was even better this past season.
Round 4, Pick 130: Pat Bryant, WR, Illinois
The Lions brought back Tim Patrick on a one-year deal after he filled in admirably in the “X” receiver role. But with Patrick turning 32 soon—and considering his injury history—the team needs a longer-term option.
Enter Pat Bryant, a 6-foot-2, 204-pound receiver from Illinois who had a breakout final season: 984 yards, 10 touchdowns, and a school-record 18.2 yards per catch. He also impressed during Senior Bowl week, and the Lions reportedly met with him during the Combine—a sign of genuine interest.
Though his Combine testing was mixed (4.61 40-yard dash, 37.5-inch vertical), his tape shows a physical receiver with strong ball skills. Bryant could be groomed as Patrick’s successor while offering valuable depth in 2025.
Round 6, Pick 196: Caleb Ransaw, S, Tulane
Detroit’s top safety duo—Kerby Joseph and Brian Branch—is one of the league’s best. Still, the departure of Melifonwu leaves a role open, especially for a hybrid safety/box player. Caleb Ransaw, who played at Tulane (and previously Troy), could be that guy.
He boasts elite athletic testing numbers (4.33 40-yard dash, 40-inch vertical), though his on-field production sometimes lagged behind that potential. As PFF noted, “His best NFL position may be as a downhill safety, where he wouldn’t be tasked with covering quick slot receivers and could instead maximize his tackling ability.”
That sounds a lot like the role Melifonwu played. Ransaw’s versatility and physicality give him a real shot to make the roster and contribute in sub-packages or special teams.
Round 7, Pick 228: Dylan Fairchild, OG, Georgia
Dylan Fairchild is the kind of developmental lineman Detroit loves to bring in late. A two-year starter at left guard for Georgia, he comes from a top-tier program and regularly faced elite SEC competition.
His aggressive style jumps off the tape. Some scouts have noted that it can lead to technical lapses, but coaches usually prefer to dial back a player’s aggression than try to instill it. Fairchild excels in pass protection but needs to build more functional strength to take on NFL-level interior defenders.
Even if the Lions add another veteran guard later in free agency, Fairchild gives them a strong insurance policy—and possibly a future starter down the line.
Round 7, Pick 244: Oronde Gadsden II, TE, Syracuse
Detroit’s tight end room is solid at the top, with Sam LaPorta and Brock Wright holding down the main spots. But the team declined to tender Shane Zylstra, and the recent signing of Kenny Yeboah doesn’t rule out adding another pass-catching option.
That’s where Oronde Gadsden II comes in. At 6-foot-5, 236 pounds, the Syracuse product is more receiver than traditional tight end. In two of his last three college seasons, he topped 60 catches, 930 yards, and six touchdowns. Blocking isn’t his strong suit, but with some coaching, that part of his game could develop.
As a third tight end who offers a unique mismatch in the passing game, Gadsden could be a sneaky late-round addition.
Final Thoughts:
This mock draft reflects a balanced approach—blending short-term needs with long-term planning. While the first wave of free agency didn’t yield many fireworks, Detroit’s front office is clearly thinking beyond 2025. With versatile linemen, athletic defenders, and high-upside pass catchers, this class could quietly become another strong foundation piece for the Lions’ continued rise.