By Sunday 
Detroit Gains Valuable Draft Asset Following Coaching Departure
The Detroit Lions have officially secured an additional selection in the 2025 NFL Draft, receiving a compensatory third-round pick following the departure of former defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn.
How the Lions Earned the Pick
Glenn, who took over as head coach of the New York Jets this offseason, was a key factor in Detroit’s evolving defense over recent seasons. Under the NFL’s Rooney Rule amendments, teams that lose minority assistant coaches to head-coaching positions receive two compensatory third-round picks—one in each of the next two drafts.
This means Detroit will receive another compensatory selection in 2026 as part of the league’s effort to incentivize the development of diverse coaching talent.
Understanding the Compensatory Pick Formula
Compensatory draft picks are awarded at the end of the third round and are determined by a formula that considers free agency signings and losses from the previous offseason. While Glenn’s departure alone secured one compensatory pick for the Lions, their overall free agency activity affected their potential to earn additional selections.
Detroit lost three key free agents—C.J. Gardner-Johnson, Jonah Jackson, and Josh Reynolds—but offset those departures by signing four significant players: Marcus Davenport, Amik Robertson, Kevin Zeitler, and DJ Reader. Notably, the signing of Robertson negated the possibility of an extra compensatory pick.
Lions’ 2025 Draft Outlook
With the compensatory selection now added, Detroit holds seven total picks in the upcoming draft:
- Round 1, Pick 28
- Round 2, Pick 60
- Round 3, Pick 102 (Compensatory Pick)
- Round 4, Pick 130
- Round 6, Pick 196
- Round 7, Pick 224
- Round 7, Pick 228
Impact on Detroit’s Draft Strategy
This third-round pick provides the Lions with extra flexibility in addressing key needs, whether they target defensive depth, offensive line reinforcement, or additional playmakers. With Green Bay set to host the 2025 NFL Draft from April 24-26, Detroit’s front office will be strategizing how to maximize this additional asset.
By securing this compensatory pick, the Lions benefit not only from Glenn’s contributions to the team but also from a system that rewards organizations for cultivating coaching talent.