There’s been a lot of talk this spring about the 2025 NFL Draft class — and not all of it is glowing. Multiple analysts are calling it a down year when it comes to elite talent, which puts teams like the Detroit Lions in a tricky spot. Sitting at pick 28, Detroit might not have access to any true “blue-chip” players unless they make a move.
That’s where things get interesting.
GM Brad Holmes is known for being aggressive when it counts, and with the Lions’ roster already in solid shape, they’re in a rare position: they don’t need quantity — they need quality. Holmes even hinted last week that trading up is definitely on the table.
“We just need really good football players,” Holmes said. “Sometimes that means staying patient, and other times it means going to get your guy.”
But how far up is too far? In 2022, the Lions jumped 20 spots to get Jameson Williams. Last year, they moved up five spots for Terrion Arnold. If Detroit spots one of the last true top-tier prospects still on the board — whether it’s a defensive lineman like Mykel Williams or a plug-and-play guard like Tyler Booker — they could make another move.
The big question is what price they’re willing to pay.
On the latest episode of the Midweek Mailbag podcast, the Pride of Detroit crew tackled that very issue. They broke down which prospects would be worth a trade-up, what kind of draft capital it might cost, and how the talent drop-off at key positions like edge rusher and interior line could impact the Lions’ strategy.
With a solid roster and a front office that doesn’t shy away from bold decisions, don’t be surprised if Detroit makes a move to grab a high-impact player before the talent pool starts to thin out.
Should the Lions Trade Up? Brad Holmes Hints at Bold Draft Move
