Day 2 mocks for the 2025 NFL Draft: The Lions may prioritize secondary help and trenches
As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, teams are focusing on their current rosters, identifying needs, and formulating strategies to improve their squads for the future. For the Detroit Lions, a team on the rise with a solid foundation, the 2025 NFL Draft represents an opportunity to solidify their status as contenders in the NFC. With a roster that boasts some talented pieces, the Lions are in a favorable position to focus on a few key areas that will help elevate their overall game. Among these areas, secondary help and bolstering the trenches stand out as the two most critical for the team’s long-term success. This mock draft seeks to explore how the Lions could prioritize these positions to address immediate needs and build for the future.
The Lions have shown considerable progress in recent years, with a more competitive roster than in previous seasons. They have a strong quarterback in Jared Goff, who has demonstrated consistent play and maturity in the offense. Additionally, their running game, led by star back David Montgomery, has given the team a solid foundation for offensive balance. The Lions have also made strides on defense, particularly in their front seven, but one area where they could still improve is the secondary. In the trenches, the Lions have some solid pieces but still have a need for depth and talent, especially on the defensive line.
Heading into the 2025 NFL Draft, the Lions’ front office will be focused on improving the areas that need the most attention. The team’s recent success under head coach Dan Campbell has highlighted the importance of building a strong and dynamic roster. By addressing their weaknesses, particularly in the secondary and trenches, the Lions can further their evolution from a rebuilding team to a legitimate playoff contender.
The defensive secondary has been a problem for the Lions for some time. While the team has made efforts to improve their pass defense, the Lions’ secondary still lacks the elite playmakers who can consistently shut down the opposing passing game. Injuries and inconsistent play have hampered Detroit’s ability to maintain a formidable pass defense. Although cornerbacks like Jeff Okudah and Cam Sutton have shown promise, neither has yet reached the level of a true shutdown corner. Likewise, the safety position remains a concern, with the Lions struggling to find consistent and reliable playmakers on the back end.
In the trenches, the Lions are in need of both defensive and offensive line reinforcements. Detroit’s defensive line has played well but could use more depth and youth to help them contend with opposing offensive lines. With the development of young players like Aidan Hutchinson, who looks like a potential star, the Lions can continue to build around their defensive front, but they need more talent and versatility. The offensive line, though generally strong, could also use additional depth to maintain the line’s effectiveness, particularly in the long term as aging players like Taylor Decker could begin to decline in the coming seasons.
As we look ahead to the 2025 NFL Draft, we can break down how the Lions might target their needs with their selections. Given that secondary help and the trenches are their top priorities, the Lions will likely focus on those positions early and often.
The first round of the 2025 NFL Draft is critical for the Lions. Depending on their positioning, the Lions could either target a top-tier cornerback or defensive lineman. If Detroit picks early, they may have the opportunity to draft a game-changing cornerback or a dominant defensive lineman who could contribute immediately. At this stage in the draft, a player like Kelee Ringo, a cornerback from Georgia, would be a dream selection. Ringo has the size, speed, and athleticism to become a shutdown corner, a crucial piece for a team in need of an elite cover man. His physicality and ability to disrupt passes make him an ideal fit for the Lions’ defense, which has struggled to match up against high-powered passing attacks. Adding a corner like Ringo would allow the Lions to better compete against NFC North rivals with strong passing games, like the Minnesota Vikings and Green Bay Packers.
If Ringo is off the board or if the Lions decide to prioritize the defensive line, a player like Brock Bowers from Georgia, who has been a standout performer on the defensive line, could be an ideal fit. Bowers is a versatile edge rusher with a relentless motor and a high football IQ. His ability to pressure the quarterback and disrupt the opposing offense would significantly improve the Lions’ pass rush, which, despite the presence of Hutchinson, could benefit from more depth. Pairing Bowers with Hutchinson would create a fearsome duo on the edge, one that could terrorize quarterbacks in the NFC for years to come. In a division like the NFC North, where teams like the Chicago Bears and the Green Bay Packers have invested heavily in their offensive lines, having a potent pass rush will be crucial for Detroit’s defensive success.
While both secondary and trench players should be top targets for the Lions, they also have to consider depth for the future. The second round of the draft is an excellent opportunity for Detroit to add some additional pieces to their secondary or defensive line. The Lions could target a safety, like Caleb Downs from Alabama, to pair with the team’s current defensive backs. Downs is known for his ability to read the field and make plays on the ball, which would help improve the Lions’ pass defense. The safety position has long been a weak spot for Detroit, and Downs could help provide stability in that area, creating a well-rounded secondary.
Alternatively, the Lions could look for an offensive lineman who could add some depth and potentially replace an aging player down the road. A versatile interior offensive lineman, such as Joe Alt from Notre Dame, would provide the Lions with an immediate upgrade in depth. Alt can play multiple positions on the line and has the potential to develop into a starter at one of the guard positions, eventually providing more flexibility for Detroit’s offensive line. The Lions need to ensure that their offensive line remains one of the strengths of the team, and adding youth and talent to the group will allow them to continue to be effective in the running game and pass protection.
As the draft continues into the third and fourth rounds, the Lions will have opportunities to add more depth to both their secondary and the trenches. This is where the front office can find valuable contributors who could develop into solid starters or rotational players. The Lions should target cornerbacks and safeties who have the potential to develop into reliable contributors. For instance, players like Tyrique Stevenson, a cornerback from Miami, could provide immediate depth and, with coaching, develop into a future starter. Stevenson has good size, speed, and ball skills, all attributes that could complement the Lions’ current defensive backs.
On the defensive line, Detroit could target a defensive tackle like Siaki Ika from Baylor. Ika is a massive presence in the middle of the field and has the ability to disrupt plays in both the passing and running games. While he may not offer the same pass-rush ability as an edge rusher, Ika’s size and strength would make him a great addition to Detroit’s defensive line rotation. Having a player like Ika who can clog up the middle and demand double teams would free up players like Hutchinson to make plays on the edge, giving the Lions a more dynamic defensive front.
In the later rounds, the Lions can continue to add depth and versatility to their roster. This could include targeting offensive linemen, secondary players, or defensive linemen who could be groomed for future roles. At this point in the draft, the focus should be on finding developmental talent with high upside who can grow into a contributor in a few seasons. While the immediate impact of these picks might be less pronounced, the Lions’ ability to draft smartly in the later rounds will help secure the long-term success of the team.
The 2025 NFL Draft offers the Detroit Lions a chance to build on their progress and continue their ascent in the NFC. By prioritizing secondary help and the trenches, the Lions can address two of the most critical areas for sustained success in the NFL. Whether it’s a shutdown cornerback, a dominant defensive lineman, or additional depth along the offensive line, the Lions have multiple avenues to strengthen their team and position themselves for a competitive future. With smart draft decisions, the Lions can continue their upward trajectory and become a formidable force in the NFC.
