Lions 7-Round 2025 Mock Draft: Focusing on Adding to the Homegrown Core of a Super Bowl Contender

The Detroit Lions are entering a crucial phase of their team-building process. After years of rebuilding, the franchise is now positioned as a legitimate contender in the NFC, with a potent offense led by Jared Goff and a defense that is rapidly improving under the guidance of head coach Dan Campbell and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn. As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, the Lions’ primary focus should be on enhancing their roster with players who can contribute to a Super Bowl run while continuing to develop their homegrown core. With this draft, Detroit has the opportunity to further solidify their foundation, making sure they not only contend in the immediate future but also create sustained success for years to come.

Detroit’s rise to Super Bowl contender status has been underpinned by a solid combination of savvy free-agent acquisitions, skilled drafting, and player development. The Lions have embraced a culture that values grit, toughness, and versatility—qualities that align perfectly with Campbell’s vision for the team. The foundation of their roster is strong, particularly with key pieces like Aidan Hutchinson, Jameson Williams, and Penei Sewell leading the way. However, even a contender needs to continue to build depth and talent across the roster to ensure sustained success and push through the competitive gauntlet of the NFC.

This mock draft focuses on bolstering the Lions’ already impressive roster by adding dynamic players who can immediately contribute in key areas. Detroit’s primary objectives should include improving their defensive line, adding more playmaking ability on offense, and further bolstering their secondary.

Round 1: DT Jalen Carter, Georgia

With the No. 10 overall pick, the Lions have a chance to secure one of the most dominant defensive players in college football in Jalen Carter. The Georgia product is widely regarded as one of the most disruptive defensive tackles in recent years. Detroit has seen significant improvement on the defensive line, especially with Aidan Hutchinson’s presence on the edge, but adding a player like Carter would provide the Lions with an interior force capable of collapsing the pocket and freeing up other pass rushers.

Carter’s blend of power, quickness, and technique would complement Hutchinson’s edge rush, making life much more difficult for opposing quarterbacks. The Lions’ defensive front could go from a solid unit to one of the most formidable in the league with the addition of Carter. His ability to control the line of scrimmage and disrupt the passing game would also make life easier for the linebackers and secondary, which is vital for Detroit’s continued success.

As a homegrown talent who could help lead Detroit’s defense for years to come, Carter fits the mold of the type of player Campbell and the front office are looking for. Pairing him with Hutchinson creates a fearsome defensive front that would make the Lions’ defense one of the top units in the NFC.

Round 2: CB Kelee Ringo, Georgia

As much as the Lions have focused on strengthening their defensive line in recent drafts, the secondary still needs reinforcements. With the 42nd overall pick, Detroit should look to add a physical cornerback like Kelee Ringo out of Georgia. The Lions’ secondary has improved, but adding a player of Ringo’s caliber would give them the versatility and depth they need to compete against the elite quarterbacks and wide receivers in the NFC.

Ringo is a long, athletic cornerback with the ability to match up against both big, physical receivers and quicker, speedier wideouts. His size and speed make him a valuable asset in both man and zone coverage. The addition of Ringo would allow the Lions to be more aggressive in their defensive schemes, knowing they have a cornerback who can lock down an opponent’s top receiver. With a strong defensive front and an upgraded secondary, the Lions could be one of the toughest defenses to break through in the NFL.

Ringo’s ball skills and ability to make plays on the ball would be an excellent complement to the Lions’ existing cornerback corps, and with his potential to be a true No. 1 corner, he could be a foundational piece of Detroit’s defense for years.

Round 3: WR Xavier Worthy, Texas

While the Lions have made strides on offense with Goff’s development and the emergence of stars like Williams, their receiving corps could still use another playmaker to stretch the field. In the third round, Detroit should consider selecting Xavier Worthy, a dynamic wide receiver out of Texas who could provide an instant impact in the Lions’ high-powered offense.

Worthy is a burner with elite speed and excellent route-running ability, giving Goff another deep threat to pair with Williams. His ability to take the top off the defense would open up more opportunities for Detroit’s offense, creating space for their running backs and allowing Amon-Ra St. Brown to work underneath. With Worthy’s speed, the Lions’ passing attack would become even more difficult to defend, creating an explosive unit capable of putting up points in bunches.

Additionally, Worthy’s ability to contribute in the return game would provide extra value, making him a versatile weapon for the Lions’ offense and special teams. With his explosive playmaking ability, Worthy fits Detroit’s offensive philosophy and provides an element of unpredictability that defenses would struggle to contain.

Round 4: OT J.C. Latham, Alabama

Although Detroit’s offensive line is one of the best in the NFL, there is always room to add depth, especially in the trenches. With the 112th overall pick, the Lions should look to add another talented offensive tackle in J.C. Latham from Alabama. Latham, who has played both left and right tackle for the Crimson Tide, is a physically imposing prospect with great athleticism and blocking technique.

Adding Latham to the roster would give Detroit another piece of depth to help protect Goff and provide more stability up front. His versatility to play on both sides of the line is a valuable asset, especially given the physical nature of the NFC North. If Latham develops into the player he’s capable of being, he could eventually step into a starting role, offering Detroit even more flexibility and security along the offensive line.

The Lions’ offensive line is one of the most important reasons for their offensive success, and adding a talent like Latham would only help reinforce that strength, ensuring Goff stays upright and the running game continues to thrive.

Round 5: RB Jahmyr Gibbs, Alabama

Detroit’s offense has leaned heavily on the running back committee, and although they have talented players like David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs’ former teammate, J.K. Dobbins, adding another dynamic running back would give the offense even more versatility. With the 152nd overall pick, the Lions could target a player like Alabama’s Jahmyr Gibbs.

Gibbs is an explosive running back with the ability to break off big plays as both a rusher and a receiver out of the backfield. He could be used in a variety of ways, providing the Lions with a valuable weapon in the passing game and a spark plug in the running game. Adding Gibbs to the backfield would give the Lions a homegrown option who could become a key part of their offense in both short-yardage and third-down situations.

His ability to make defenders miss in space and contribute as a receiver would provide Goff with an additional reliable outlet, further enhancing the Lions’ already potent offensive attack.

Round 6: TE Brock Bowers, Georgia

The tight end position has been an area of need for Detroit, and with their final pick in the draft, the Lions could find a diamond in the rough in Georgia’s Brock Bowers. Bowers has excellent size, hands, and athleticism, and could develop into a reliable target for Goff in the passing game. Although he may need some time to adjust to the NFL, Bowers’ physical traits and upside make him a valuable long-term investment.

Bowers would add another weapon to Detroit’s passing game, helping to balance the offense and create mismatches with his size and athleticism. With the Lions’ current roster, Bowers could step in and contribute immediately as a red-zone threat while continuing to develop as a well-rounded tight end.

Round 7: S James Williams, Miami

In the seventh round, the Lions could look to add depth to their secondary by selecting James Williams, a safety from Miami. Williams has the ability to contribute both in coverage and in the box, providing the Lions with another versatile piece to their defense. While the safety position is already solid with Tracy Walker and Kirby Joseph, adding a player like Williams would give Detroit more options and depth, particularly on special teams.

Williams could learn from the veterans in the secondary while developing into a future starter. His versatility and physicality would add to Detroit’s growing defense, ensuring they have the depth needed to compete at the highest level.

The 2025 NFL Draft presents an excellent opportunity for the Detroit Lions to continue building on their success and further solidify their roster as a Super Bowl contender. By focusing on adding to their homegrown core, Detroit can strengthen key areas of their team, particularly the defensive line, secondary, and offense. With the right selections, the Lions could be well-positioned to contend for championships in the coming years, continuing their rise as one of the most dangerous teams in the NFC.