Rumor Alert: A Run on Defensive Linemen Could Throw Off the Lions’ Draft Plans
With the 2025 NFL Draft just around the corner, the rumor mill is running wild, and ESPN’s Dan Graziano just threw out a big one that could shake up the Detroit Lions’ first-round plans. According to Graziano, the early part of Round 1 could see a bunch of teams grabbing defensive linemen, with a lot of edge rushers and pass-rushing defensive tackles going off the board. That could leave other positions like quarterback, wide receiver, and cornerback getting pushed to the backburner.
The Lions, though, don’t tend to draft based on need alone, especially under GM Brad Holmes, who has been clear about not chasing needs just to fill spots. But let’s be real defensive line is one of the spots that could use an upgrade on this stacked roster. In fact, when Lions fans were polled on where the team should focus in the first round, 49% pointed to the D-line.
Here’s the silver lining, though: if teams jump on defensive linemen early, it could mean that other positions, like receiver or offensive lineman, might fall to Detroit. Remember last year when a ton of offensive players went early, and the Lions were able to move up and grab one of the top cornerbacks in the class, Terrion Arnold? A similar situation could unfold this year with defensive linemen, which would open up other valuable picks for the Lions.
So while some fans might start to panic if there’s a rush on defensive linemen, Holmes is the kind of GM who won’t hesitate to grab a high-quality player, no matter the position. The Lions are in a good spot to add depth where they need it, and if a top-tier prospect falls into their lap, they’re not going to let it slip away.
