By Adeniyi Precious 
With free agency slowing down, NFL mock drafts are shifting into high gear. For the Detroit Lions, predictions are all over the place since their roster is already in solid shape. General Manager Brad Holmes prioritizes value over immediate needs, so analysts have linked 17 different prospects to Detroit in recent mock drafts. Here’s a breakdown of the top names being connected to the Lions.
—
Offensive Skill Players: Wide Receivers in the Mix
Luther Burden III (Missouri) – A dynamic playmaker whose 2024 stats don’t tell the full story. He’s got sky-high potential.
Emeka Egbuka (Ohio State) – A versatile receiver who could thrive in multiple roles, though his style is similar to Amon-Ra St. Brown.
Both players are talented, but with Detroit likely focusing on the trenches, wide receiver may not be the priority.
—
Offensive Line: Keeping the Trenches Strong
Kelvin Banks (Texas) – A top-tier lineman who could start at right guard and eventually move to left tackle.
Tyler Booker (Alabama) – A powerful interior lineman who fits the Lions’ physical play style.
Grey Zabel (North Dakota State) – A versatile lineman who could eventually take over at center.
Donovan Jackson (Ohio State) – A tough, battle-tested lineman with the ability to play multiple positions.
With veteran guard Kevin Zeitler gone, these prospects make a lot of sense for Detroit’s first-round pick.
—
Defensive Line: Adding More Power Up Front
Walter Nolen (Mississippi) – A dominant run-stopper who could make Detroit’s defensive line even scarier.
Derrick Harmon (Oregon) – A disruptive force who could strengthen the pass rush from the interior.
Detroit has depth at defensive tackle, but adding another playmaker wouldn’t hurt.
—
Edge Rushers: Finding Hutchinson’s Partner
Mykel Williams (Georgia) – A freak athlete with untapped potential.
Mike Green (Marshall) – Led the nation in sacks (17) and is a fast riser in draft projections.
Shemar Stewart (Texas A&M) – A raw talent with massive upside.
Donovan Ezeiruaku (Boston College) – A versatile pass-rusher who could complement Aidan Hutchinson.
Nic Scourton (Texas A&M) – A powerful edge rusher who fits Detroit’s scheme perfectly.
James Pearce (Tennessee) – An explosive pass-rusher, but his run defense needs work.
The Lions could use another edge rusher to create a dominant duo with Hutchinson.
—
Other Positions to Watch
Linebacker: Jihaad Campbell (Alabama) is a top prospect, but Detroit is already deep at the position.
Cornerback: Shavon Revel Jr. (East Carolina) and Trey Amos (Mississippi) are intriguing names, though Detroit may look for secondary help later in the draft.
—
Final Thoughts
The Lions have plenty of options, but the focus is likely on the offensive or defensive line. While adding a skill player like Burden or Egbuka would be exciting, expect Detroit to prioritize the trenches. With so many talented prospects available, the Lions’ first-round pick could go in several directions.
Who do you think Detroit should draft?