2025 NFL Draft Preview: 5 Interior Offensive Linemen the Detroit Lions Should Have on Their Radar

As the 2025 NFL Draft inches closer, the Detroit Lions find themselves in an enviable position—on the cusp of consistent playoff contention with one of the most complete rosters in football. Yet, as we’ve learned time and again in the NFL, great teams don’t just sit still—they reload. And while the Lions have made great strides under GM Brad Holmes and head coach Dan Campbell, one area they may need to reinforce sooner rather than later is the interior of the offensive line.

While Detroit boasts one of the league’s best units overall—anchored by standout tackles Penei Sewell and Taylor Decker, and center Frank Ragnow—depth and future planning are always necessary. Jonah Jackson’s contract situation remains a storyline, and both guard spots could see transition depending on health and cap considerations. So as Holmes and the scouting department begin focusing on 2025 prospects, the interior offensive line will likely be on the radar.

Here’s a look at five interior offensive linemen in the 2025 draft class who could catch the Lions’ attention as potential additions next spring:

1. Cooper Beebe – Kansas State

A multi-year starter and one of the most technically sound linemen in college football, Cooper Beebe brings versatility, experience, and toughness—everything the Lions’ staff values. He has spent time at both guard and tackle, but he projects as a plug-and-play interior lineman at the next level, likely at left guard, where Detroit may need help depending on Jonah Jackson’s future.

Beebe is known for his football IQ, clean hand usage, and elite anchor. While he’s not the most athletic lineman in the class, he rarely gets overpowered and has shown consistent improvement in pass protection. His gritty, no-nonsense style and team-first attitude make him a natural fit in Detroit’s culture. He doesn’t bring elite upside, but he’s one of the safest bets in the 2025 draft to become a long-term starter. That kind of reliability is gold for a team like Detroit that’s looking to sustain success in the trenches.

2. Donovan Jackson – Ohio State

Ohio State has become a factory for high-level offensive linemen, and Donovan Jackson is next in line. At 6-foot-4, 320 pounds, Jackson has ideal size for an NFL guard and combines power with surprising agility. He’s physical in the run game and has the explosiveness to pull and get to the second level—traits that align perfectly with the Lions’ run-heavy scheme.

What separates Jackson is his ceiling. He has all the tools to become a Pro Bowl-level interior lineman and has shown flashes of dominant play against top-tier Big Ten competition. His footwork and hand placement are still developing, but his raw tools and athleticism make him one of the most intriguing prospects in the class.

Detroit loves linemen who finish blocks, play with edge, and bring consistent intensity—Jackson checks all those boxes. He could be a long-term answer at left or right guard and would add another blue-chip player to an already-strong offensive line.

3. Sedrick Van Pran – Georgia

If the Lions are thinking ahead to a post-Frank Ragnow future or just want to add a top-tier backup who can eventually take over at center, Sedrick Van Pran is the name to know. A three-year starter at Georgia, Van Pran is one of the most battle-tested linemen in the country, having anchored the Bulldogs’ offensive line during their national championship runs.

What makes Van Pran stand out is his consistency and leadership. He’s rarely out of position, calls protections like a seasoned veteran, and brings a level of poise that’s rare for college centers. He’s slightly undersized compared to some of his peers, but his leverage, technique, and football smarts more than compensate.

If Detroit is looking to fortify its depth at center or potentially prepare for life after Ragnow down the road, Van Pran would be a high-value addition. He also has some experience at guard, which gives him added versatility—something the Lions’ staff has prioritized in recent drafts.

4. Christian Mahogany – Boston College

Coming off a strong return from a 2023 knee injury, Christian Mahogany reminded everyone in 2024 why he was so highly regarded coming out of the ACC. At 6-foot-3 and 330 pounds, he brings a punishing style to the interior offensive line, with excellent drive in the run game and the strength to hold up against bull rushers in pass protection.

Mahogany plays like a Dan Campbell prototype—tough, mean, and relentless. He’s the kind of lineman who loves to finish blocks, get under defenders’ pads, and set the tone up front. He would give the Lions a physical presence at right guard and fits well into a power-based run scheme.

The questions with Mahogany mostly center on long-term durability and his lateral quickness against twitchy interior defenders. But when healthy, he’s as good as any guard in the country. His high floor and physical style could earn him a second-round grade, and he’s exactly the kind of mauler Detroit could look to add if they want to further fortify their offensive identity.

5. Tate Ratledge – Georgia

Georgia may have two of the top interior offensive linemen in this draft class, and Tate Ratledge is the one more likely to interest Detroit if they’re seeking a right guard with upside. At 6-foot-6, Ratledge has exceptional length for an interior lineman and brings heavy hands and raw power to the table.

What stands out with Ratledge is his ability to lock on in one-on-one situations and finish defenders. He plays with good balance and leverage for a taller interior lineman and has gradually improved his footwork in pass protection. In Georgia’s multiple run schemes, he’s shown the ability to pull and block in space, traits that would be useful in Detroit’s offense.

There’s still some technical refinement needed—he can get caught lunging and has some stiffness in pass sets—but the upside is real. If the Lions want to take a swing on a high-upside developmental starter on Day 2 or 3, Ratledge could be their guy.

Final Thoughts

Detroit’s offensive line has been one of the key ingredients in their rise from the bottom of the NFC to legitimate playoff contention. But in the NFL, smart franchises are always thinking one step ahead. Whether it’s preparing for contract decisions, managing injuries, or simply building for the future, interior offensive line depth and talent must be maintained.

Brad Holmes has done an excellent job drafting trench players with the right mindset and skill set for what Dan Campbell and the coaching staff demand. The 2025 NFL Draft offers another opportunity to build on that strength.

Cooper Beebe and Donovan Jackson offer immediate starter potential and plug-and-play reliability. Sedrick Van Pran could be the long-term center-in-waiting, while Christian Mahogany and Tate Ratledge bring powerful, scheme-fit options to bolster the guard spots. All five are strong fits for Detroit’s philosophy, and depending on how the 2024 season and free agency unfold, one or more of them could hear their name called by the Lions next April.

For a team built from the inside out, the 2025 draft could be another critical chapter in Detroit’s climb back to NFL prominence—and it might just start with the guys in the trenches.