Lions’ Top 5 Needs Heading into the 2025 NFL Draft
With the draft just a day away, it’s crunch time for the Detroit Lions and they’ve still got a few holes to fill. Let’s break down the five biggest needs they should be thinking about when they’re on the clock.
1. Edge Rusher
This one’s still priority number one. Aidan Hutchinson needs help, plain and simple. He can’t be the only guy breaking the pocket. The Lions let Za’Darius Smith go and only brought back Marcus Davenport who’s played a total of six games in two years. That’s risky.
Names to watch? Boston College’s Donovan Ezeiruaku (a popular mock pick at No. 28), Texas A&M’s Nic Scourton, and Georgia’s Mykel Williams.
2. Wide Receiver
Dan Campbell and Brad Holmes both agree: the WR room needs some young blood. Jameson Williams’ future in Detroit is uncertain, and while guys like Kalif Raymond and Tim Patrick are solid, the Lions could use another deep threat on a rookie deal.
First-round options might be a bit pricey this year, but Emeka Egbuka and Luther Burden III could be solid value picks.
3. Offensive Guard
Kevin Zeitler’s off to the Titans, leaving a gap in the interior line. Graham Glasgow is still around, and Christian Mahogany showed flashes, but nothing’s guaranteed. If the O-line is going to stay elite, they need more help inside.
Alabama’s Tyler Booker could be a surprise late-first-round option. Later-round guys like Georgia’s Tate Ratledge or UNC’s Willie Lampkin could also be solid pickups.
4. Interior Defensive Line
Alim McNeill might miss time with an ACL injury, and Mekhi Wingo could be out too. Roy Lopez came in through free agency, and the team plans to use Josh Paschal inside more but they still need more depth.
This year’s draft class is stacked with D-line talent, so there’s a chance the Lions grab someone good if the right guy falls.
5. Safety
Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph might be one of the best safety duos in the league already, but depth is thin. Losing Ifeatu Melifonwu hurt, and though they have a couple younger safeties in Erick Hallett and Loren Strickland, they’re not proven.
A mid- or late-round pickup who can play safety, nickel, and special teams would be smart. Names like Jaylen Reed (Penn State), Sebastian Castro (Iowa), and Upton Stout (WKU) make sense.
Lions’ Final Shopping List: Top Draft Needs Before the 2025 NFL Draft Kicks Off
