With the 2025 NFL Draft just around the corner, the experts are starting to agree on one thing about the Detroit Lions — they’re going back to the trenches. We looked at 40 mock drafts this week, and every single one had the Lions grabbing either an offensive or defensive lineman in the first round.
The offensive line is a popular target. Alabama’s Tyler Booker keeps popping up — he’s a strong, nasty guard who’d slot in at right guard, replacing Kevin Zeitler. Texas’ Kelvin Banks is another interesting name. He played tackle in college but might kick inside in the pros, offering some flexibility. NDSU’s Grey Zabel and Oregon’s Josh Conerly are also names to watch, especially with Taylor Decker getting older. And Ohio State’s Donovan Jackson has a solid case too — he’s physical, athletic, and could add more juice to an already elite O-line.
On the defensive side, Michigan’s Kenneth Grant might be a hometown favorite. He’s a space-eating nose tackle who could take some pressure off Aidan Hutchinson. Oregon’s Derrick Harmon is also gaining steam — especially after visiting Allen Park recently. He’s got versatility and could be a solid piece for depth, given the injury concerns at the position.
Then there’s the edge rushers. Georgia’s Mykel Williams and Texas A&M’s Shemar Stewart are intriguing, but maybe more raw. Mike Green from Marshall led the country in sacks last season, so he’s hard to ignore. Donovan Ezeiruaku out of Boston College is a name that keeps coming up — he’s one of the more polished pass rushers in this draft and would be a great partner for Hutchinson. Nic Scourton and James Pearce are still hanging around in projections, but Pearce in particular comes with some character question marks that might make the Lions pass.
At this point, it’s clear Detroit wants to beef up their lines — whether that’s to protect Jared Goff or help Hutchinson wreck games. Which side of the ball they choose might just come down to who’s still on the board when pick No. 28 rolls around.
Two Weeks Out, Mock Drafts Point Lions in One Clear Direction
