By Sunday 
With the 2025 NFL Draft just a day away, Detroit prepares to fill key roster gaps with precision and purpose.
The clock is ticking. Draft night is nearly upon us, and for the Detroit Lions, the stakes are higher than ever. After an inspired season and a promising roster, Detroit finds itself on the cusp of greatness—but there’s work left to do.
The front office has been clear: the mission is to add youth, build depth, and find versatile players who can elevate this team from playoff contender to Super Bowl threat. With five pressing needs still lingering, the 2025 draft could define Detroit’s trajectory for years to come.
The Unfinished Business at Edge Rusher
Let’s not sugarcoat it—edge rusher remains Detroit’s most glaring hole.
Aidan Hutchinson is a star. But he can’t do it alone. Despite playing just five games last season, he led the team in sacks by 3.5 and tied for third in pressures. That says a lot—most of it bad—for Detroit’s pass rush.
Losing Za’Darius Smith in free agency hurt. Re-signing Marcus Davenport helps… sort of. He fits the scheme, yes. But when a player has suited up for only six games across two seasons, you can’t bet your season on him.
Thankfully, this draft class is loaded. Ben Raven of MLive mocked Donovan Ezeiruaku to the Lions at No. 28—a pick that would energize the fanbase. Other names worth watching include Nic Scourton (Texas A&M) and Mykel Williams (Georgia), both of whom could be steals late in the first round.
Wide Receiver: Youth Injection Needed
The Lions aren’t hurting at wideout. But they aren’t safe either.
Jameson Williams still has two years on his rookie deal, and while Kalif Raymond and Tim Patrick offer veteran stability, the future needs fresh legs. A young vertical threat could stretch defenses and take pressure off Amon-Ra St. Brown.
GM Brad Holmes summed it up: “It’s probably more of those guys that are veteran free agents that are available after the draft… But yeah, just to add one, just to continue to add youth.”
Names like Emeka Egbuka and Luther Burden III could sneak into that late first-round conversation. Holmes and Dan Campbell don’t need to swing big at WR, but they do need to swing smart.
Guarding the Trenches: Offensive Line Help
Kevin Zeitler is gone. Graham Glasgow remains, and Christian Mahogany showed flashes. But that’s not enough for a franchise that prides itself on dominating the line of scrimmage.
The Lions love saying “the offensive line is the whole thing.” If that’s true, then adding an interior lineman isn’t optional—it’s critical.
Keep an eye on Alabama’s Tyler Booker—a potential first-round slide could make him a high-value pick. And if the Lions wait until later rounds, versatile talents like Grey Zabel (NDSU) or Willie Lampkin (UNC) might offer long-term returns.
Plugging the Middle: Defensive Line Depth
Alim McNeill’s ACL injury puts Detroit in a tricky spot heading into the season. With Mekhi Wingo also sidelined, the Lions are missing two rotational pillars on the inside.
Free agent Roy Lopez was a smart addition, and Josh Paschal is shifting inward. But the need for another run-stuffing, pocket-collapsing interior lineman remains real.
This draft class is deep on the defensive line, and the Lions could land a quality rotational piece even in the third or fourth round. If a top name falls? Don’t be surprised if Detroit pounces.
Safety Net: Insurance Behind the Stars
There’s no doubt Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph are elite.
Joseph led the league with 10 interceptions last season. Branch is a swiss-army knife—able to play anywhere in the secondary and make it look effortless.
But depth? That’s thin.
Ifeatu Melifonwu’s exit opens the door for a new hybrid player who can play safety, nickel, and contribute on special teams. Erick Hallett and Loren Strickland are around, but the Lions could use more firepower here.
Names to monitor: Jaylen Reed (Penn State), Sebastian Castro (Iowa), and Upton Stout (Western Kentucky)—players who can step up in a pinch and grow into key roles.
Final Thoughts
Detroit has a real shot at greatness. The foundation is solid, the coaching is inspired, and the culture is shifting.
But to take the next step, the Lions must draft wisely—balancing premium needs with long-term planning. Whether it’s reloading the edge, boosting the interior, or finding the next hidden gem at receiver or safety, the goals are clear: inject youth, deepen the roster, and embrace versatility.
One more night, Lions fans. Then the future is on the clock.