Lions Roar: 10 Prospects to Ignite Detroit’s First Round

The Detroit Lions, a team on the ascent under the guidance of Dan Campbell and Brad Holmes, find themselves in an enviable position heading into the 2025 NFL Draft. After a remarkable 15-2 season that saw them clinch the NFC North title and secure the top seed in the playoffs, the Lions are no longer plucky underdogs. They are contenders, and with that status comes the pressure to sustain and elevate their success. Despite the sting of a premature playoff exit, the foundation is strong, built upon a potent offense and a defense that showed flashes of brilliance. However, to truly solidify their Super Bowl aspirations, the Lions must capitalize on their draft capital, particularly their first-round pick, to address key areas and inject further talent into their roster.

The departures of key coaching staff members, with former Offensive Coordinator Ben Johnson now leading the Chicago Bears and Defensive Coordinator Aaron Glenn taking the helm of the New York Jets, necessitate a seamless transition and continued improvement on both sides of the ball. While John Morton steps in as the new offensive coordinator and Kelvin Sheppard takes over defensive play-calling, the infusion of top-tier talent through the draft remains paramount. General Manager Brad Holmes has demonstrated a keen eye for identifying players who fit the team’s culture and address their needs, and this upcoming draft presents another opportunity to add a difference-maker in the first round.

Examining the Lions’ roster, several areas could benefit from an influx of first-round talent. The interior offensive line lost a stalwart in Kevin Zeitler, creating a potential need for a powerful and reliable guard. While Graham Glasgow provides veteran presence, adding a young, high-upside player could fortify this crucial unit for the long term. On the defensive side, despite the presence of Aidan Hutchinson, who is recovering from a leg injury, the Lions could certainly use another impactful edge rusher to consistently pressure opposing quarterbacks. The interior defensive line also presents an area for potential upgrade, especially with Alim McNeill also recovering from an ACL tear and several defensive tackles entering contract years. Furthermore, the availability of Jameson Williams has been inconsistent, suggesting that adding another dynamic playmaker at wide receiver could provide Jared Goff with more reliable targets.

Considering these needs and the landscape of the 2025 NFL Draft class, here are ten players the Detroit Lions could realistically target in the first round to further fuel their championship aspirations:

1. Mykel Williams, Edge, Georgia: A consensus top edge rusher in the class, Williams possesses the explosive athleticism and prototypical build that the Lions covet. His ability to win with speed and power would provide an immediate upgrade to the pass rush opposite Hutchinson, creating a formidable duo that opposing offensive lines would struggle to contain. New Defensive Coordinator Kelvin Sheppard could unlock even more of Williams’ potential.

2. Donovan Ezeiruaku, Edge, Boston College: Coming off a dominant season with significant sack and tackle-for-loss numbers, Ezeiruaku offers a blend of pass-rushing prowess and disruptive ability. His relentless motor and knack for getting to the quarterback would be a welcome addition to the Lions’ defensive front, providing valuable depth and potential starting ability.

3. Jalon Walker, Linebacker/Edge, Georgia: Walker’s versatility to play both on and off the ball makes him an intriguing prospect for the Lions. His athleticism and pass-rushing upside, combined with his ability to contribute in coverage, would offer defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard flexibility in his schemes. Walker’s high character and leadership qualities would also align with the Lions’ team culture.

4. Shemar Stewart, Edge, Texas A&M: A former five-star recruit with exceptional athletic traits, Stewart possesses the raw talent to develop into a dominant pass rusher in the NFL. While his college production may not fully reflect his potential, the Lions’ coaching staff, particularly under Sheppard, could harness his physical gifts and mold him into a consistent force off the edge.

5. Tyler Booker, Interior Offensive Line, Alabama: Booker’s powerful presence and versatility along the offensive line make him a strong candidate to fill the void left by Zeitler. Having played both guard spots at Alabama, he offers the flexibility to slot into the right guard position and maintain the high level of play the Lions have come to expect from their offensive line. His physicality aligns perfectly with the team’s identity.

6. Grey Zabel, Offensive Line, North Dakota State: Zabel’s impressive performance throughout the pre-draft process, including a standout showing at the Senior Bowl, has solidified his status as a potential first-round pick. His toughness, sturdy blocking ability, and versatility to play multiple positions along the offensive line would be a valuable asset to the Lions.

7. Derrick Harmon, Defensive Tackle, Oregon: With Alim McNeill recovering from injury and several interior defensive linemen on expiring contracts, Harmon’s disruptive ability and potential to pressure the quarterback from the defensive tackle spot could be appealing to the Lions. His athleticism for his size would complement Hutchinson’s pass-rushing ability.

8. Josh Conerly Jr., Offensive Tackle, Oregon: While the Lions boast two strong tackles in Taylor Decker and Penei Sewell, Conerly’s athleticism and potential at the position could provide valuable depth and future security. His adaptability and love for the game would fit the Lions’ mold, and he could develop into a long-term starter.

9. Maxwell Hairston, Cornerback, Kentucky: The Lions have made additions to their cornerback room, but adding a talented player like Hairston could further bolster the secondary. His athleticism and ball-hawking skills would provide much-needed playmaking ability on the back end of the defense. A healthy Hairston could be a key piece in a more improved Lions defense.

10. Jalon Walker, Linebacker, Georgia: (Note: While Walker was previously mentioned as an Edge/LB, his potential as a pure linebacker also makes him a viable first-round target.) If the Lions opt to address the linebacker position, Walker’s athleticism, coverage ability, and potential as a blitzer make him an attractive option. His versatility could allow him to contribute in various defensive packages.

Ultimately, the Detroit Lions’ approach in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft will depend on how the board falls and the specific priorities identified by Brad Holmes and the coaching staff. However, these ten players represent a range of high-potential prospects who could address key needs and contribute to the Lions’ continued quest to become a Super Bowl contender. With a strong roster already in place and a clear vision for the future, the Lions are poised to make a significant addition with their first-round pick, further amplifying the roar in the Motor City.