Detroit Lions 2025 NFL Draft: A Gamble in the First Round?
The Detroit Lions entered the 2025 NFL Draft with palpable excitement and clear needs, hoping to build upon their recent successes and solidify their status as a true contender in the NFC. With the 28th overall pick, General Manager Brad Holmes opted for defensive tackle Tyleik Williams from Ohio State, a selection that has been met with a spectrum of reactions from analysts and fans alike. 1 While Williams possesses intriguing potential as a run defender, the pick has raised eyebrows considering other potential avenues to address more pressing needs, particularly on the edge of the defensive line.
Williams, a massive presence at 6’3″ and weighing over 330 pounds, established himself as a disruptive force in the interior of the Buckeyes’ defensive line. His strengths lie in his ability to eat up space, command double teams, and disrupt running lanes with his impressive strength and surprising agility for his size. Over the past two seasons, Williams accumulated a combined 18 tackles for loss, showcasing his capacity to penetrate and make plays behind the line of scrimmage. These attributes undoubtedly appealed to a Lions team that has been striving to bolster its run defense.
However, the selection of Williams at pick 28 comes with its share of question marks. The modern NFL places a significant premium on pass rush, and while Williams has flashed some potential in this area, his production at Ohio State was modest, totaling just 2.5 sacks and one quarterback hit in his final season. Scouts note that while he has the power to condense the pocket, his pass-rushing repertoire is still developing, and he can be inconsistent due to a high pad level.
Several analysts pointed out that the Lions could have potentially addressed their need for an edge rusher at this juncture. With Aidan Hutchinson established as a premier pass rusher, the opposite side of the defensive line remains a significant area for improvement. The 2025 draft class was considered deep in edge talent, and some felt that a more explosive and proven pass-rushing prospect might have been a more impactful selection for a team aiming to compete at the highest level.
Furthermore, some draft experts had Williams graded slightly lower, suggesting that he might have been available later in the draft. While acknowledging his talent, concerns about his relatively limited pass-rushing upside and the availability of other highly-regarded prospects contributed to mixed reviews on the pick.
The Lions’ draft strategy under Brad Holmes has generally been lauded for its focus on acquiring high-character players with positional versatility and long-term potential. Williams certainly appears to fit the mold in terms of character and possesses the raw tools to develop into a valuable contributor. The hope within the organization will be that defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn and the coaching staff can unlock Williams’ potential as a pass rusher and maximize his impact beyond just run defense.
It’s also worth noting the Lions’ other moves in the draft. While the focus here is on the first-round selection, the overall success of their draft will depend on the contributions they receive from their subsequent picks. Addressing needs at other positions, such as cornerback, offensive line depth, and potentially another receiving target, will be crucial in determining the overall grade of their 2025 draft class.
Ultimately, the grade for the Tyleik Williams selection will be determined by his performance on the field. If he develops into a consistent disruptor in both the running and passing games, the Lions’ gamble in the first round could pay off handsomely. However, if his pass-rushing limitations persist and other available edge rushers prove to be more impactful, this pick will likely be viewed with more skepticism.
The Detroit Lions, under the leadership of Dan Campbell and Brad Holmes, have instilled a culture of toughness and resilience. Their decision to invest a first-round pick in a player with Williams’ physical attributes suggests a continued commitment to building a strong and physical defensive front. Whether this pick proves to be a cornerstone of their defense or a missed opportunity remains to be seen, but it has undoubtedly injected a dose of intrigue and debate into the early returns of the 2025 NFL Draft. The coming seasons will provide the definitive answer to whether the mixed marks for this first-round selection evolve into a resounding success or a lingering question mark.