7 winners from the Detroit Lions’ 2025 NFL Draft

While some players are at risk of losing a starting role or a roster spot, this post-draft period also highlights how beneficial the NFL Draft was for others. The Lions only had so many draft picks to play with, meaning not every position was addressed. The draft is impactful not only due to the moves that were made, but also the moves that were not made.

Which Lions players benefitted from the 2025 draft class?

Jameson Williams, WR
We can officially put to bed any rumors about a Jameson Williams trade this year. When the Lions brought in prospect Matthew Golden for a pre-draft visit, speculation quickly arose from a section of the fanbase that Williams could be potential trade piece. The Lions quickly and promptly shut down those rumors with both actions and words.

Brad Holmes reinforced his belief in Jameson Williams and smothered any notion that a Williams trade was in the works. The Lions backed up those claims by exercising Williams’ fifth-year option just a day later. While the Lions added a pair of receivers in the NFL Draft, neither of them are in the mold of Williams. Isaac TeSlaa was a big slot receiver in college that could transition into an X receiver, while Dominic Lovett is a special teamer and depth slot option.

I cannot guarantee he will be in Detroit long-term, but for now, let us appreciate his talent. Onward to training camp.

Trevor Nowaske and Anthony Pittman, LB
Speaking of training camp, it could be an interesting time for two depth linebacker options. Trevor Nowaske and Anthony Pittman are competing for a limited number of linebacker openings on this roster, and given that they bring a similar skillset, they could be hard pressed to both make the roster.

However, the draft did prove somewhat beneficial for both of them. Not only did the Lions not draft a linebacker, as of this writing, they have not signed a undrafted free agent either—the entire linebacking corps is composed of experienced players. The reason why this benefits Nowaske and Pittman is for their roles on defense and special teams. On defense, both players can be utilized as SAM linebackers, a role with limited depth on the Lions roster right now. The leader of that group is Derrick Barnes, but nobody besides Nowaske and Pittman have played that role in an extended capacity. When you factor in their special teams abilities, that could put them ahead of a player like Ezekiel Turner on the depth chart. If Malcolm Rodriguez starts the season on the Physically Unable to Perform list, that could mean another open spot as well.

I do not know if both players will make the roster, but things are shaping up nicely for at least one of them to survive cutdown day.

Hendon Hooker, QB
Was this offseason a vote of confidence for Hendon Hooker? Since being drafted, Hooker has rarely had an opportunity to showcase his talent. His preseason appearances were brief and, frankly, modest at best. His regular season snaps were limited to handoffs and blowout mop-up duty. When the Lions brought back Teddy Bridgewater, it was the veteran getting the backup nod in a pivotal playoff game.

At the conclusion of the draft, the Lions walked away without a rookie. The depth chart behind Jared Goff is just Hooker and free agent Kyle Allen. However, Allen was signed to a minimal contract (one year, $1.27 million), which hardly paints him as a frontrunner for QB2. In an era when backup quarterbacks are being paid multiple millions, the lack of a big signing or trade signals that Hooker should be the leading candidate for backup without question. The onus is on the Lions to make another move or for Allen to exceed expectations. Until then, we should try to renew our excitement about Hooker.

Craig Reynolds, RB
Another position hardly addressed by the Lions was running back. No free agents or draft picks arrived in Detroit this offseason, with only undrafted rookies Kye Robichaux and Anthony Tyus joining the fray. Entering this offseason, I thought Craig Reynolds was a safe bet to make the roster, but there was always a chance that a move or two could push him off the roster bubble. A fifth- or sixth-round rookie would have threatened his spot, given that Jahmyr Gibbs, David Montgomery, and Sione Vaki are firmly entrenched on the roster.

Instead, Reynolds should feel quite comfortable. The Lions value his special teams ability, and he has been beyond serviceable as a depth running back option. It would take an outstanding training camp from Robichaux or Tyus to dethrone him, and even then, I think you could justify keeping five backs.

Mekhi Wingo, DT
While the Lions were certainly in the draft market for a defensive tackle, they selected one with the exact opposite skillset from Mekhi Wingo. First rounder Tyleik Williams is a mountainous run stuffer, a sharp contrast from Wingo’s pass rushing pop. Though the tackle group gets more crowded with the addition of Williams and free agent Ray Lopez, I think Wingo’s roster status hinges entirely on his recovery from meniscus surgery. If he is healthy and ready to contribute, there are not many players on the roster with his ceiling as an interior pass rusher. As we saw in the previous Super Bowl, having interior pressure can monumentally help out a defense.

Levi Onwuzurike is ahead of Wingo on the depth chart, but for an organization that loves to rotate their front seven as much as the Lions, that could still leave ample opportunities. Wingo was playing upwards of 30 snaps a game as a rookie, and I think he could grow into a reliable interior specialist. The Lions had plenty of defensive tackle options in free agency or the draft that would have threatened Wingo’s roster spot. Instead, he remains a unique talent on the team.

Jared Goff, QB
The Lions had questions about their starting guards, so they drafted two talented prospects. The Lions have at least four candidates for the starting guard spot, meaning that whoever wins each spot will have earned it. The Lions had questions about their wide receiver depth, so they drafted two talented prospects. The receiving corps added an intriguing athlete piece in the form of TeSlaa, and Lovett will be given ample opportunity to carve himself a role as well. If you are quarterback Jared Goff, how can you not be happy about these developments? The last thing that the Lions wanted to do was not replenish the arsenal around Goff. The protection up front has gotten a shot in the arm, and the pass catchers have more depth that the previous few seasons.

Detroit did not need to overhaul their offense, even with the departure of coordinator Ben Johnson. Sticking with the core pieces they had and adding complementary pieces around them are how this offense will maintain their elite status.