Detroit Lions 7-Round Mock Draft: Following Brad Holmes’ Script for a Great Haul

The Detroit Lions are on the brink of a new era, with the team striving to climb back into the upper echelon of the NFC. As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, the Lions are presented with a pivotal opportunity to further bolster their roster and lay the foundation for long-term success. With general manager Brad Holmes at the helm, the Lions are positioned to make intelligent, strategic picks that align with their needs and the team’s overall vision for the future.

Holmes has already made a name for himself in Detroit as someone who understands the importance of the draft and consistently finds valuable contributors. In his short tenure with the Lions, Holmes has excelled at identifying talent through both high-profile and low-profile selections. His approach is methodical, patient, and based on finding the best player available while addressing key positions of need. As the Lions approach the 2025 draft, Holmes will continue to follow that script in hopes of improving a roster that’s primed for success.

Round 1: DT Jalen Carter (Georgia)

The Detroit Lions have a potent offense, but the defense has been a work in progress over the past few years. Heading into the 2025 season, the Lions are in desperate need of a disruptive presence on the defensive line. Enter Jalen Carter, one of the top defensive tackle prospects to come out of Georgia in recent years.

Carter’s ability to dominate at the line of scrimmage is unparalleled in this draft class. Standing 6’3″ and weighing around 310 pounds, he has the size and strength to overpower blockers, and his quickness and athleticism allow him to collapse the pocket and disrupt the quarterback. In his time at Georgia, Carter proved to be a game-wrecker, registering multiple sacks and tackles for loss. He has the versatility to play in multiple defensive schemes and could instantly become the centerpiece of Detroit’s defensive front.

By selecting Carter, Holmes would give the Lions a player who can create pressure from the interior, allowing the edge rushers more opportunities to thrive. Additionally, Carter’s presence would go a long way in helping Detroit’s run defense, a facet of the game that has plagued the team for years. His motor, ability to play through double teams, and leadership on the field make him an ideal fit for a Lions team looking to improve its defensive consistency.

Round 2: CB Kelee Ringo (Georgia)

The secondary is another area where the Lions need an upgrade. With cornerbacks like Jeff Okudah and Cam Sutton in place, Detroit’s cornerback group is steadily improving. However, a true No. 1 cornerback would go a long way in elevating the Lions’ defense to another level. Kelee Ringo is that player.

Ringo has the size (6’2″, 205 pounds), speed, and ball skills to be a No. 1 cornerback at the NFL level. He has the ability to press receivers at the line of scrimmage and match their speed down the field. His experience at Georgia, where he helped the Bulldogs win a national title, will serve him well in the NFL. He’s not just a great athlete, but he also has the intelligence to read offenses and react to different situations. Ringo’s physicality and awareness in both man and zone coverage make him a dynamic force in the secondary.

Adding a player of Ringo’s caliber would provide the Lions with a true shutdown corner to complement their existing cornerbacks. His presence could elevate Detroit’s defense and help contain some of the more dangerous passing attacks within the NFC North.

Round 3: WR Quentin Johnston (TCU)

Detroit’s offense has been one of the more explosive units in the NFL over the past couple of seasons, but there’s still room to grow. One area where the Lions could use an upgrade is at wide receiver, especially with some of their veteran options potentially on the decline. Enter Quentin Johnston, a physical and dynamic wide receiver out of TCU.

Standing at 6’4″ and weighing 210 pounds, Johnston is a big-bodied receiver with the ability to win contested catches and stretch the field. His top-end speed is excellent for a player of his size, and he’s proven to be a constant threat for big plays. In addition to his deep threat capabilities, Johnston has the route-running ability to be effective in the short to intermediate range as well. He can break tackles after the catch and has the physicality to battle through defenders.

Johnston would complement the Lions’ current receiving corps perfectly. With Amon-Ra St. Brown providing reliable possession work and Jameson Williams capable of stretching the field, Johnston would give Detroit another big-play threat, creating a dynamic trio for Jared Goff to work with. The addition of Johnston would also provide Goff with a physical target he can rely on in high-pressure situations, particularly in the red zone.

Round 4: OT Blake Freeland (BYU)

While the Lions have solidified their offensive line over the years, they still need depth at the tackle positions. Blake Freeland, an athletic and durable offensive tackle from BYU, would be a perfect addition in the fourth round.

Freeland stands 6’8″ and weighs 305 pounds, and his impressive athleticism for his size makes him an intriguing prospect. He has the ability to dominate in the run game with his physicality but also has the agility to handle speed rushers off the edge. Freeland’s quick feet and long arms allow him to mirror defenders, making him effective as both a left and right tackle.

As a developmental prospect, Freeland could come in and provide depth behind Detroit’s starting tackles while being groomed to eventually start. His upside is considerable, and his ability to play in both pass protection and as a run blocker gives the Lions options in both the short- and long-term.

Round 5: LB Isaiah Foskey (Notre Dame)

The Lions have made significant strides on defense but still have weaknesses to address, particularly at linebacker. Adding a versatile player like Isaiah Foskey, a linebacker from Notre Dame, would go a long way in fortifying the middle of the defense.

Foskey is a dynamic linebacker with excellent sideline-to-sideline range and the ability to make plays in both the passing and running games. Standing 6’4″ and weighing 255 pounds, Foskey has the size and athleticism to take on blockers and shed them to make plays behind the line of scrimmage. His ability to read the offense and make quick decisions has made him one of the top linebacker prospects in this draft class.

With Detroit looking for more versatility at the linebacker position, Foskey’s skill set would make him an immediate contributor on all three downs. His instincts and ability to cover both tight ends and running backs in the passing game would give the Lions a weapon in coverage while providing added support against the run.

Round 6: S Jordan Battle (Alabama)

Although the Lions have made major improvements to their secondary, they still need help at safety. Jordan Battle from Alabama would be a great fit in the sixth round. Battle has a high football IQ and has played in high-stakes situations throughout his career. He’s a smart, physical safety who has the ability to read quarterbacks and make plays on the ball. Battle’s ability to play both deep and in the box gives him versatility in coverage, and his willingness to come up and help against the run makes him an ideal fit in Detroit’s defense.

Battle’s leadership and ability to make plays in crucial moments make him a player who could make an immediate impact for the Lions as a rotational safety. He has great instincts and could eventually develop into a full-time starter, especially as the Lions continue to improve their overall defensive scheme.

Round 7: RB Evan Hull (Northwestern)

As the draft rounds wind down, the Lions should take a flier on running back Evan Hull from Northwestern. Hull has a balanced skill set, capable of contributing in both the run and passing games. He’s a tough, durable back with good vision and patience, and he can break tackles and churn out yards after contact. Hull’s ability to catch passes out of the backfield would make him a valuable asset in Detroit’s high-powered offense, where offensive coordinator Ben Johnson likes to utilize the running back position in the passing game.

Adding Hull would give the Lions more depth at running back behind David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs, and he could be a useful piece as a change-of-pace back or as a special teams contributor. His versatility and hard-nosed running style make him a perfect late-round pick to round out Detroit’s draft class.

The Detroit Lions are on the rise, and with Brad Holmes at the helm, they’re well-positioned to make the most of their opportunities in the 2025 NFL Draft. By focusing on positions of need—such as defensive tackle, cornerback, wide receiver, offensive line, linebacker, safety, and running back—the Lions can significantly improve their roster and lay the foundation for sustained success in the coming years. If Holmes follows this mock draft’s script, the Lions will come away with a great haul that makes them even more competitive in the NFC North and beyond.