Detroit Lions NFL Draft 2025 pick tracker: Scouting reports fits and grades

The Detroit Lions have made significant strides in recent years under the leadership of general manager Brad Holmes and head coach Dan Campbell. As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, the Lions find themselves in an excellent position to continue building a competitive roster. The team’s recent draft success, particularly in 2023, has laid the foundation for a promising future, and the 2025 class presents an opportunity to solidify their roster further.

In this article, we will dive into the Detroit Lions’ 2025 NFL Draft picks, providing detailed scouting reports on key prospects, analyzing how they fit within the team’s needs, and offering grades for each selection.

The Detroit Lions have seven total picks in the 2025 NFL Draft. The Lions are entering the draft with a solid team foundation, and they’re likely to focus on positions that can make an immediate impact, especially in the trenches, secondary, and offensive line. Below is an overview of their picks for the upcoming draft:

• 1st Round (28th Overall)
• 2nd Round (60th Overall)
• 3rd Round (102nd Overall)
• 4th Round (130th Overall
• 6th Round (196th Overall)
• 7th Round (224th Overall)
• 7th Round (228th Overall)

With the need to further improve both their offensive and defensive units, the Lions will likely target these positions early in the draft to create a more balanced, deep, and competitive roster.

Tyler Booker is an exceptional offensive guard from the University of Alabama, known for his ability to dominate at the line of scrimmage. Booker has received high marks for his power, ability to engage defenders early, and consistency in both pass protection and run-blocking. He possesses quick hands, good awareness, and solid footwork, making him an immediate starter in any system that relies on a balanced offensive approach.

Booker stands out for his physicality, showing the ability to overpower defenders with his strength. He also plays with a high football IQ, recognizing blitz schemes and defensive stunts. Despite his impressive physical traits, Booker has been critiqued for his lateral movement at times, and he could stand to improve his ability to block against more agile defenders in the NFL.

For the Detroit Lions, Booker represents a perfect fit for their run-first, power-based offensive scheme. Detroit’s offense has thrived under head coach Dan Campbell, who emphasizes a tough, physical running game. Adding a player like Booker could be a game-changer, as he would provide stability to the offensive line, both in pass protection and in paving the way for the team’s running backs. Pairing Booker with other strong players on the offensive line like Penei Sewell and Frank Ragnow could significantly enhance the Lions’ ability to control the line of scrimmage.

Tyler Booker’s physicality, combined with his technical prowess, makes him an ideal choice for the Lions. His ability to immediately step in and be an anchor on the offensive line warrants a first-round grade.

Will Johnson, a cornerback from Michigan, has established himself as one of the top defensive backs in the 2025 draft class. At 6’2” and with an athletic build, Johnson possesses both the size and agility to cover a wide range of receivers in both man and zone coverage. His ball skills are exceptional; Johnson has shown the ability to track the ball in the air, break up passes, and create turnovers.

Though Johnson has the physical tools to be a first-round pick, his biggest question mark has been his consistency, especially when facing fast, elite wide receivers. He can occasionally struggle with tight man-to-man coverage, but his improvement over the past season, including his stellar play during Michigan’s College Football Playoff run, has helped him solidify his first-round status.

The Detroit Lions’ defense, under the guidance of defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn, has a need for high-level cornerback play. While the Lions have shown improvement in their secondary, adding a player like Will Johnson could elevate the unit further. His length and ability to play in both man and zone coverage would complement the current cornerback group. If paired with players like Jeff Okudah, Johnson could help stabilize a secondary that has struggled at times.

While Johnson has a lot of potential, his consistency will be key to determining his future success. Nonetheless, his ability to make an impact early on in Detroit’s defense makes him a strong first-round candidate.

Mike Green is a dynamic pass rusher from Marshall, with an explosive first step and an innate ability to collapse the pocket. He led the nation in sacks in 2024, showcasing his relentless motor and ability to generate pressure. Green’s athleticism and speed off the edge make him a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks, and his ability to convert speed to power is something that scouts are particularly fond of.

One area of concern for Green is his level of competition, as he played at a smaller school in the Conference USA. While his production was off the charts, some scouts question whether he will be able to handle the physicality and speed of NFL offensive tackles. However, his raw talent is undeniable, and he has all the tools to succeed at the next level.

For the Lions, adding a player like Mike Green would help solidify their pass rush, which has been a weakness in recent seasons. With Aidan Hutchinson anchoring one side of the defensive line, Green could be a dynamic counterpart on the opposite side, giving the Lions a formidable edge-rushing duo. Green’s addition would immediately improve the Lions’ ability to pressure the quarterback and stop the run, two areas where the defense has struggled.

Mike Green’s talent and fit in Detroit’s defensive scheme make him an ideal second-round pick. His potential to be a day-one contributor gives him high value in this draft

Derrick Harmon, an interior defensive lineman from Oregon, is known for his ability to disrupt plays in the trenches. He is a stout, powerful player who excels at collapsing the pocket and stopping the run. Harmon’s initial burst off the line of scrimmage is impressive, and he has a low center of gravity, allowing him to anchor against offensive linemen and clog up running lanes.

However, Harmon has been criticized for his lack of pass-rush moves. While he is strong at the point of attack, he can struggle to disengage from blockers and generate consistent pressure on the quarterback. Nevertheless, his ability to eat up space and clog running lanes would make him a valuable asset to any team’s defensive front.

The Detroit Lions have a need for depth on the defensive line, and Harmon provides just that. His strength and run-stopping ability make him a perfect fit for Detroit’s defense, where he could be used as a rotational piece to bolster their defensive line. Harmon would add depth behind players like Alim McNeill and Isaiah Buggs, and he could make an immediate impact in run defense.

Harmon’s run-stopping ability and strength make him a solid third-round pick. While he may not be an elite pass rusher, his ability to provide depth in the trenches earns him a respectable grade.

Donovan Jackson is a versatile offensive lineman who has played both guard and tackle during his time at Ohio State. His strength and solid footwork make him an intriguing prospect, and his experience in multiple positions along the line could prove valuable for a team in need of depth.

Jackson is a physical player with an edge to his game. However, he can struggle against quicker pass rushers, especially when he is asked to play tackle. His best fit may come as a guard in a run-heavy system, where he can use his power to dominate in the trenches.

The Lions are always looking for depth and versatility on the offensive line. Donovan Jackson’s ability to play multiple positions along the line makes him a valuable asset. He could be a developmental piece who provides depth in case of injury or as a rotational player.

Jackson’s versatility and strength make him an intriguing fourth-round selection, but he’ll need to improve his pass protection to see consistent playing time at the next level.

Maxwell Hairston, a cornerback from Kentucky, is a quick and agile defensive back with a knack for reading the quarterback’s eyes. While his ball skills aren’t as polished as some of the top corners in this class, Hairston’s speed and ability to stay with receivers make him a valuable asset as a developmental prospect.

Hairston struggles with consistency in coverage, but his athleticism gives him the potential to grow into a solid rotational cornerback. With proper coaching, he could become a depth piece in the NFL.

For the Lions, Hairston could provide depth at cornerback. Given the team’s current roster, Hairston may not see immediate playing time but could develop into a quality depth piece over time. He would add competition to the secondary and could prove to be a solid special teams contributor early in his career.

Hairston’s athleticism and potential make him a solid late-round pick, but he will need time to develop his skills at the next level.

Scouting Report:

Billy Bowman Jr. is a versatile safety who can play both deep coverage and in the box. His range and speed allow him to cover a lot of ground, and he has the ability to make plays on the ball. However, his size and physicality can be a concern when defending bigger, stronger receivers or tight ends.

Bowman has solid ball skills but struggles with consistency at times. He would benefit from further refinement in his technique, particularly in man-to-man coverage.

Bowman’s versatility is an asset to the Lions’ secondary. While he may not start immediately, he provides depth and gives defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn options in terms of coverage and blitzing schemes. Bowman could also contribute on special teams early in his career.

Bowman’s potential and ability to play multiple roles in the secondary make him an intriguing pick in the seventh round.

The Detroit Lions have had a productive offseason so far, and their selections in the 2025 NFL Draft continue to show that the team is committed to improving on both sides of the ball. With solid picks in the first few rounds, especially in the trenches and secondary, the Lions are poised to compete at a high level in the NFC North. Adding key pieces like Tyler Booker, Will Johnson, and Mike Green would allow the Lions to bolster their strengths and address weaknesses, making this a draft that could help propel them to greater success in the future.