As the Detroit Lions prepare for the 2025 NFL Draft, the team’s strategy and the selection of key players will be crucial in their ongoing rebuild under head coach Dan Campbell. The Lions have made significant strides in recent seasons, and their future appears bright with a dynamic offense and a steadily improving defense. However, like every team, there are areas where the roster can still improve to elevate Detroit into a perennial Super Bowl contender.
Given the draft’s importance in shaping the team’s future, Detroit’s first two picks in the 2025 draft will play a significant role in determining the direction the franchise takes. The Lions will be looking to add high-impact players who can make an immediate difference while also strengthening the team for sustained success.
Below, we’ll analyze some of the most pressing needs for the Lions and the ideal first two picks they could make in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Key Team Needs for the Lions
- Defensive Line/Pass Rush Despite having standout players like Aidan Hutchinson, the Lions’ defense still lacks consistent pressure on the quarterback. The defensive line needs another disruptive edge rusher, or a powerful interior presence, to complement Hutchinson and elevate Detroit’s pass rush. Improving the pass rush would not only improve the team’s defense but also help their secondary by giving them more time to cover receivers.
- Secondary (Cornerback & Safety) The Lions’ secondary, while improved in recent years, remains an area of concern. The team has young corners, but it still lacks a true number-one shutdown corner. Additionally, safety play can sometimes be inconsistent. Adding a lockdown corner and a safety who can patrol the back end of the defense would go a long way in improving the defense’s ability to deal with high-powered offenses.
- Wide Receiver Although the Lions boast a strong wide receiver corps with players like Amon-Ra St. Brown, the team could still use more depth and explosiveness at the position. Another big-play receiver who can stretch the field and complement the existing talent would make Jared Goff’s job easier and give the offense more versatility.
- Linebacker Detroit’s linebacker unit has been a work in progress, with some players showing promise, but a clear standout hasn’t yet emerged. The Lions need a true playmaker at linebacker, especially one who can cover tight ends and running backs in space while also contributing against the run.
- Offensive Line Depth Detroit’s offensive line is one of the best in the league, but injury concerns can always arise in a physical sport. Adding depth to the offensive line is crucial for the Lions to maintain their high level of play in both the running game and in protection for Jared Goff.
Ideal First Two Picks in the 2025 NFL Draft
Given the Lions’ current roster and needs, their ideal first two picks in the 2025 NFL Draft should focus on bolstering the defense while also adding another weapon to the offense. These picks will ideally target a combination of pass rush help, secondary improvement, and an explosive offensive weapon. Below are two players who would be great fits for the Lions.
1. First Pick: DT/Edge Rusher – Jared Verse (Florida State)
The Lions’ first pick should focus on adding a dominant pass rusher, and Jared Verse from Florida State is the ideal choice. Verse is a versatile defensive lineman who has the ability to play both as an edge rusher and as an interior lineman, making him a perfect fit for the Lions’ defense.
Why Jared Verse?
- Pass Rush Ability: Verse is an explosive athlete with great speed off the edge. His quickness allows him to disrupt the quarterback’s timing, and he has a variety of pass-rush moves to get around blockers. This makes him an excellent complement to Aidan Hutchinson, as the two could form a dynamic duo that wreaks havoc on opposing quarterbacks.
- Versatility: Verse’s ability to line up both inside and outside allows defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn to move him around, keeping opposing offensive lines guessing. Whether rushing from the edge or playing as a 3-technique on the interior, Verse has the tools to be an impactful player in multiple positions along the defensive front.
- Run Defense: In addition to his pass-rush skills, Verse is also an effective player against the run. His length and strength allow him to disengage from blockers and set the edge, preventing running backs from breaking free to the outside. His ability to contribute in both facets of the game makes him a well-rounded player that would instantly improve Detroit’s defensive line.
- Potential Fit in Detroit: The Lions have a good foundation on the defensive line, but adding another impact player to rotate in with Hutchinson, Isaiah Buggs, and Levi Onwuzurike would make their pass rush one of the most fearsome in the league. Verse can step in and make an immediate impact, giving the Lions a more disruptive defensive front that could take them to the next level.
2. Second Pick: CB – Kool-Aid McKinstry (Alabama)
With the second pick, the Lions should target a cornerback, and Kool-Aid McKinstry from Alabama is a perfect choice. McKinstry has the talent and physical traits to be an elite cornerback at the next level, and his ability to shut down wide receivers would fill one of the Lions’ biggest needs.
Why Kool-Aid McKinstry?
- Elite Coverage Skills: McKinstry is known for his sticky coverage, often shadowing top receivers and limiting their production. His ability to mirror routes and make plays on the ball is exceptional. With his height, length, and speed, McKinstry can keep up with the NFL’s fastest and most skilled receivers.
- Ball Skills: One of McKinstry’s standout traits is his ability to track the ball in the air. He’s shown excellent hands and awareness when the ball is thrown his way, which would help Detroit create turnovers and capitalize on defensive opportunities. His ability to get his hands on the ball regularly would make the Lions’ secondary much more dangerous.
- Physicality and Tackling: McKinstry is not afraid to come up and support the run, adding an extra layer of versatility to his skill set. His physicality in run support, combined with his elite coverage skills, makes him a well-rounded cornerback who could be a game-changer for Detroit’s secondary.
- Fit with the Lions: Detroit’s secondary has been a mixed bag, and while they have young corners like Jeff Okudah and Jerry Jacobs, none have yet emerged as a true shutdown corner. McKinstry could be the final piece the Lions need to develop a more complete defense. Pairing him with a healthy and improving Tracy Walker at safety would give the Lions a dangerous secondary capable of matching up against the NFL’s best offenses.
Why These Two Picks Make Sense for the Lions
By selecting Jared Verse and Kool-Aid McKinstry with their first two picks, the Lions address two of their most glaring needs: improving their pass rush and shoring up their secondary. These selections would provide immediate impact while also setting the foundation for long-term success.
- Improved Pass Rush: Adding a player like Jared Verse would make a massive difference in Detroit’s ability to pressure the quarterback. While Aidan Hutchinson has the potential to be one of the NFL’s top edge rushers, having another talented player like Verse would give the Lions a dynamic duo off the edge. This would force offenses to account for two elite pass rushers, leading to more opportunities for the defense to create turnovers and disrupt the opposing quarterback.
- Secondary Improvement: Kool-Aid McKinstry would immediately upgrade the Lions’ secondary. His ability to cover top-tier wide receivers and create turnovers would give the Lions a much-needed boost in the passing game. Detroit’s defense has been inconsistent in recent years, and adding a player with McKinstry’s skill set would improve the team’s ability to shut down the opposition’s passing attack.
- Complementary Picks: The combination of Verse and McKinstry provides a nice balance for the Lions. While Verse addresses the need for a strong pass rush, McKinstry provides the coverage skills necessary to shut down passing lanes and create opportunities for turnovers. Together, these two picks would give Detroit a more well-rounded and formidable defense.
