Odds of First Position Selected by Lions in 2025 NFL Draft
As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, the Detroit Lions find themselves in a pivotal position to continue building a team that can compete for championships in the near future. With their first-round pick in hand and a team that has shown promise under head coach Dan Campbell, the question arises: which position will the Lions prioritize with their first selection? While many factors come into play, including team needs, draft prospects, and trade possibilities, analyzing the odds of Detroit selecting a specific position reveals a fascinating snapshot of their future direction.
In the modern NFL, team building is a delicate balance between addressing immediate needs and investing in long-term potential. The Lions, under the leadership of general manager Brad Holmes, have done an admirable job of rebuilding their roster through a combination of solid draft picks, smart trades, and free-agent acquisitions. Heading into the 2025 draft, the Lions’ roster has seen significant improvement, particularly on the offensive side of the ball, but key areas still require attention if they are to challenge for NFC supremacy.
Historically, the Lions have been a team with a long list of needs, and their selections in past drafts have reflected that. But as the franchise matures under its current leadership, the first pick in 2025 will likely be driven by a mixture of opportunity and necessity. With this in mind, let’s break down the odds of the Lions selecting a player from various positions in the first round.
The Lions have the 6th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, a position that provides flexibility while also placing them in the thick of the action. They are not in the top 3, where top-tier quarterbacks are likely to be selected, but they are also far from being out of contention for a blue-chip player. The 6th pick represents an opportunity to add an immediate starter who can contribute to the team’s success.
At the top of the list for many observers is the need for the Lions to address their defense. Detroit’s defense has struggled at times, especially against the pass. Although the Lions have added key pieces to their secondary and defensive line in recent years, the unit still has holes that need to be filled. As a result, defensive players, especially those on the edge or in the secondary, are seen as logical candidates for Detroit’s first pick.
The defensive line is a critical area of concern for the Lions, particularly in terms of generating a consistent pass rush. While Aidan Hutchinson, the 2022 2nd overall pick, has shown flashes of brilliance, Detroit would benefit from adding another pass rusher to complement him. The 2025 draft class is expected to feature several standout edge rushers, some of whom could be available when the Lions are on the clock at number six. Players like Texas A&M’s standout defensive lineman and other pass-rushing prospects could be top contenders for the Lions’ first selection.
Adding a dynamic edge rusher to their defense could make a major difference for the Lions, especially considering the level of competition in the NFC North. A high-impact rusher could disrupt quarterbacks and help the defense get off the field more effectively, thus allowing the offense more opportunities to score. Given that the Lions’ defense was one of the weaker units in the league last season, adding an explosive talent on the edge would be a logical and immediate upgrade.
Another area of concern for the Lions is their secondary, specifically the cornerback position. While the Lions have made some strides in the secondary, they still lack a true lockdown corner to challenge some of the NFC’s top wide receivers. As the Lions face off against prolific passing offenses in the NFC, particularly in their division, a cornerback with elite skills could be the answer. Given the depth of the 2025 draft class at cornerback, this position also remains a viable option for the Lions, especially if one of the top cornerbacks, such as the standout prospect from Oregon, is available when Detroit is on the clock.
The Lions’ offense has been relatively solid in recent seasons, with quarterback Jared Goff playing at a high level and the team boasting a solid group of skill position players. However, the offensive line remains an area where the Lions could further strengthen their roster. The addition of another offensive lineman, particularly a tackle, could improve Detroit’s ability to protect Goff and open running lanes for their talented backfield. If the Lions are looking to add depth and security to their offensive line, selecting a top offensive tackle or guard might be a priority.
Offensive tackle is considered one of the most important positions in the NFL, as protecting the quarterback and ensuring a stable pocket is critical for offensive success. The Lions, while generally strong in this area, could look to add a premium talent at tackle, especially given that the 2025 draft class features some top-tier offensive linemen. Whether it’s a plug-and-play left tackle or a versatile lineman who can fill multiple spots on the line, offensive line may still be a priority position for Detroit in the first round.
Moreover, the running back position could also be on the Lions’ radar, given the team’s recent struggles to establish a consistent ground game. While Detroit has some solid options in the backfield, the 2025 draft class is expected to feature several elite running backs who could be game-changers. A top-tier running back could help balance the offense and take pressure off Goff, allowing the passing game to be more effective. If the Lions find themselves with a unique opportunity to grab a highly ranked running back at number six, it would not be a surprise.
Despite the offensive improvements Detroit has made in recent seasons, adding depth at wide receiver could also be a consideration, especially if they’re looking for a complementary weapon to pair with Amon-Ra St. Brown. The Lions’ passing attack has been solid but could become even more potent with a versatile, explosive receiver. The draft class is loaded with talented wideouts, and the Lions could take a chance on a top prospect if they feel that wide receiver is the most glaring need.
Of course, the unpredictability of the NFL Draft means that the Lions’ first pick could come from a variety of positions. Teams rarely select based solely on need, especially early in the draft, when the best player available often dictates the decision. Therefore, while the Lions will likely focus on bolstering their defense or offensive line, the possibility of selecting a wide receiver or running back is also very real if the best player on the board happens to come from those positions.
One of the most important elements of the Lions’ decision will be how they evaluate their current roster and what they believe is the best path to contention. If they feel that their defense is the key to taking the next step, expect them to focus on defensive players early in the draft. If the front office believes that adding to the offense will propel them further, an offensive player could be the pick.
Given the talent available in the 2025 draft class, it’s clear that the Lions will have several directions to go when they make their first pick. The odds are solid that they will prioritize defense, particularly a pass rusher or cornerback, but they cannot be ruled out from selecting an offensive lineman or skill player either. With a 6th overall pick in a draft rich with talent, the Lions are poised to continue their rebuild and take another major step forward toward becoming perennial contenders in the NFC. Whether they go defense, offense, or somewhere in between, the 2025 draft holds the key to the next phase of the Lions’ resurgence.
