2025 NFL Draft: Detroit Lions Could Be Eyeing Late-Round Receiver Steal
The Detroit Lions enter the 2025 NFL Draft with fewer glaring holes than they’ve had in recent memory. After a season that saw them secure back-to-back playoff appearances and finally notch a postseason win under head coach Dan Campbell and GM Brad Holmes, the Lions now face the welcome challenge of refining rather than rebuilding. With stars at key positions and strong leadership on both sides of the ball, Detroit is looking to use this draft to add depth, athleticism, and perhaps take a few calculated risks. One area that could be addressed with a value pick is wide receiver—specifically, the Lions could be targeting a late-round receiver steal to bolster an already dangerous offense.
Amon-Ra St. Brown remains one of the most productive and consistent receivers in the league. He’s the heartbeat of Detroit’s passing attack and a clear fan favorite. Opposite him, Jameson Williams has shown flashes of elite speed and separation ability, though consistency and health remain question marks. Josh Reynolds is gone, and while Donovan Peoples-Jones and Kalif Raymond provide depth, neither is a long-term WR2 answer. As a result, adding another young, explosive wideout to the mix could be a savvy move, especially if done in the later rounds, where the Lions have historically found gems under Holmes.
The 2025 receiver class lacks the top-heavy star power of previous years but makes up for it with depth. There’s a real chance that a handful of receivers taken on Day 3 could outperform some of their more heralded peers. Detroit’s front office is well aware of this, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see them try to unearth another Amon-Ra-type player in the fifth, sixth, or even seventh round.
One name that continues to emerge in these discussions is Rice’s Luke McCaffrey. A converted quarterback and the younger brother of 49ers star Christian McCaffrey, Luke’s football IQ, route-running polish, and toughness have turned heads in scouting circles. Despite playing for a mid-major program, McCaffrey was highly productive and consistently found ways to get open against a variety of coverages. At 6-foot-2 and 200 pounds, he brings a balanced frame and a tenacious mentality to every route. He might not test off the charts, but his understanding of spacing, soft hands, and ability to contribute on special teams could make him an ideal late-round target for the Lions.
Another potential sleeper is Arizona’s Jacob Cowing. Though undersized, Cowing has elite short-area quickness and proved to be one of the most dynamic slot receivers in the Pac-12. He led the conference in receptions for two straight years and was often the focal point of defensive gameplans. Cowing’s agility and vision make him a threat after the catch, something Detroit covets in its offensive playmakers. The Lions have shown a willingness to take chances on undersized players if they have elite traits elsewhere, and Cowing fits that mold.
Then there’s Jalon Calhoun out of Duke. Calhoun’s production doesn’t jump off the page, but his tape reveals a fluid, savvy route runner who understands how to manipulate defenders. What sets him apart is his ability to find soft spots in zone coverage and make difficult catches in traffic. In Detroit’s scheme, which rewards timing and precision, a player like Calhoun could thrive, especially if given time to develop behind the starters.
It’s also worth keeping an eye on Malachi Fields from Virginia. Standing at 6-foot-4 and weighing 220 pounds, Fields brings a different skill set—he’s a big-bodied possession receiver who wins contested catches and is difficult to bring down after the catch. He lacks top-end speed, which is why he’s projected to go late, but in red-zone situations or third-and-short packages, Fields could be a valuable chess piece. Jared Goff has always thrived with dependable chain-movers, and Fields could fill that niche.
Of course, the Lions’ interest in a late-round receiver isn’t just about depth or rotational pieces. There’s always the possibility of developing a future starter, someone who can grow into a larger role while contributing on special teams or in specific offensive packages. Detroit has had success developing mid-to-late round talent across the roster—from linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez to safety Kerby Joseph—and they believe in their coaching staff’s ability to elevate overlooked prospects.
Beyond the draft, the Lions’ wide receiver room is in transition. St. Brown is due for a massive contract extension, and while Williams has first-round pedigree, it remains to be seen if he can handle WR1 duties should the need arise. The potential loss of Raymond or Peoples-Jones to free agency in future seasons only makes it more important for Detroit to get younger and deeper at the position. Bringing in a late-round receiver now would serve both immediate and long-term purposes.
The Lions also value culture fit, and any player selected—especially in the later rounds—must reflect the grit and buy-in that Campbell preaches. That’s part of what made St. Brown such a steal in 2021. He came in with a chip on his shoulder, took nothing for granted, and worked his way into a starting role through sheer effort and preparation. That’s the prototype Detroit will be looking for again.
From a strategic standpoint, adding a late-round receiver also aligns with the team’s broader draft philosophy. The Lions are unlikely to spend early-round capital on a pass catcher, especially with needs on the defensive line and in the secondary still lingering. Offensive line depth and possibly another tight end may also be prioritized ahead of receiver. That means any additions at the position are more likely to come in Rounds 5-7 or as undrafted free agents.
Historically, those late rounds have been kind to Detroit under Holmes. The team’s 2023 draft haul included sixth-rounder Colby Sorsdal, who saw early snaps on the offensive line, and seventh-round pick Antoine Green, another wide receiver who made the roster and contributed on special teams. In 2021, Amon-Ra St. Brown was a fourth-round pick, and he now ranks among the NFL’s elite slot receivers. These picks might not generate headline buzz, but they often end up being the backbone of a well-constructed team.
This year’s receiver class could provide even more opportunities for that kind of value. The Lions’ front office has been active in scouting smaller programs and frequently brings in players for visits who don’t top national boards. That suggests a continued commitment to due diligence and an eye for untapped potential. If there’s a small-school receiver putting up gaudy numbers and dominating in one-on-one drills, chances are the Lions know about him—and they’re watching closely.
In many ways, the late-round wide receiver hunt represents everything the current Detroit regime is about. It’s about maximizing return on investment, finding guys who fit the system and culture, and trusting the development process. It’s about believing in your coaching staff to elevate a player’s ceiling. Most importantly, it’s about thinking one or two moves ahead—recognizing that while today’s sixth-round receiver may only play on special teams, tomorrow he might be catching passes in a playoff game.
That foresight, coupled with a bit of risk-taking and a strong understanding of positional value, is how smart teams separate themselves in the draft. Detroit has done just that over the last few seasons, and there’s no reason to think they’ll stop now. With a deep but undervalued receiver class at their disposal, the Lions have a golden opportunity to strike again late in the draft.
Come draft weekend, don’t be surprised if a relatively unknown name gets called on Day 3 and soon finds himself turning heads at training camp in Allen Park. Because in Detroit, the stars may get the spotlight, but it’s the grinders—the overlooked, the undervalued, and the hungry—who help carry this franchise forward. And somewhere in that long list of 2025 receiver prospects, there’s likely a name that fits the Lions’ mold perfectly.
