Ideal Position for Each Detroit Lions 2025 Draft Pick: A Path to Strengthen the Roster

As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, the Detroit Lions are facing a critical juncture in their pursuit of sustained success. The team has made significant strides in recent seasons, with head coach Dan Campbell leading the franchise to its first playoff appearance in several years. Now, with a young, promising core of players, the Lions are looking to take the next step in their quest for a Super Bowl title. A crucial part of that journey lies in the upcoming draft, where general manager Brad Holmes and his staff will have the opportunity to build upon the team’s strengths and address its remaining weaknesses.

For the Lions, the key to success in the 2025 draft will be making strategic picks that complement their existing roster while also addressing positions that require immediate upgrades. The team enters the draft with several key needs, including bolstering its defensive front, adding depth at wide receiver, and improving the offensive line. Below is a breakdown of the ideal position for each of the Detroit Lions’ draft picks in the 2025 NFL Draft, based on the team’s current roster needs and long-term objectives.

First-Round Pick (Top 10)

Ideal Position: Edge Rusher or Cornerback

The Lions have several areas of need to address in the first round, but none are as pressing as their defensive line and secondary. Detroit has made progress on defense in recent years, but the team still lacks a true game-wrecking pass rusher who can consistently pressure opposing quarterbacks. In a division that features high-powered offenses, including the Minnesota Vikings and Green Bay Packers, the Lions need to upgrade their pass-rushing ability.

There are several edge rusher prospects in this draft class who could be immediate starters for Detroit. A player like J.J. McCaffrey, an explosive edge rusher from Alabama, could provide the Lions with a dynamic pass rusher who has the ability to disrupt games from day one. Alternatively, the team may opt for a cornerback like Khalil Thomas from Ohio State, who would immediately strengthen the secondary and provide a long-term solution to the Lions’ cornerback woes.

In either case, Detroit’s first-round pick needs to be used on a player who can make an immediate impact on defense. Whether it’s a disruptor on the edge or a lockdown corner, the Lions need to address their defensive vulnerabilities in a big way early in the draft.

Second-Round Pick (No. 40 Overall)

Ideal Position: Wide Receiver or Defensive Tackle

With their second-round pick, the Lions will look to add depth to either their receiving corps or defensive line. Detroit has a solid group of wide receivers, but there’s a clear need for a dynamic playmaker who can stretch the field and complement their existing talent. A wide receiver with speed and ability to separate could be an invaluable asset to quarterback Jared Goff as the offense continues to develop.

Someone like Devin Williams from USC, who has the ability to make explosive plays downfield, could be a perfect fit for the Lions. Williams possesses elite athleticism, exceptional route-running skills, and the ability to track the ball in the air, making him an ideal complement to Detroit’s existing receiving corps.

On the flip side, if the Lions want to strengthen their defensive line, a defensive tackle like Xavier Davis from Michigan State could make a lot of sense. Davis is a powerful interior lineman who excels at both stopping the run and pressuring the quarterback. Adding another force in the middle of the defensive line could help Detroit’s defense take the next step, especially with the team’s commitment to improving the front seven.

Third-Round Pick (No. 72 Overall)

Ideal Position: Offensive Line or Linebacker

With the third-round pick, the Lions should consider bolstering their offensive line or linebacker corps. While the offensive line is one of the stronger units on the roster, it’s always wise to add depth and find players who can develop into future starters. The Lions have solid starters in Penei Sewell and Jonah Jackson, but injuries can always play a factor, and the team could benefit from bringing in a versatile lineman who can fill in at multiple positions.

A prospect like Sam Harlan from Texas Tech could be a valuable addition. Harlan is an athletic offensive tackle who excels in both pass protection and run blocking. His ability to play both tackle and guard would provide the Lions with an extra layer of depth on the offensive line, helping to protect Goff and create lanes for the running game.

Alternatively, linebacker remains an area of need for the Lions. While they’ve made progress at the position, Detroit could use a player who can anchor the middle of the defense and cover ground sideline to sideline. A linebacker like Owen Young from Penn State could provide the team with an upgrade at the position, offering strong leadership and solid tackling skills.

Fourth-Round Pick (No. 108 Overall)

Ideal Position: Running Back or Safety

In the fourth round, the Lions may look to address their backfield or secondary. While they have a solid running back group with Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery, adding another dynamic player in the backfield could improve the offense’s versatility. A player like Ethan Harris from Oklahoma, who has elite vision, speed, and the ability to break tackles, could complement the Lions’ running game and give them a valuable weapon in both the running and passing game.

Alternatively, Detroit could target safety help in the fourth round. While the Lions have solid options at safety, they could use another ball-hawking player to help create turnovers and solidify their defense. A player like Luke Bryant from Georgia Tech, who has a knack for making plays on the ball and covering deep routes, could be a great addition to Detroit’s secondary.

Fifth-Round Pick (No. 145 Overall)

Ideal Position: Tight End or Wide Receiver

By the fifth round, the Lions may look to add depth at tight end or wide receiver. While they have a solid group of pass catchers, there’s always room for another big-bodied weapon who can provide mismatches in the passing game. A tight end like Caleb Morrison from Florida, who has excellent hands and the ability to make plays after the catch, could give Goff another reliable target in the red zone.

Alternatively, the Lions may decide to add another receiver in this round, especially if they missed out on a wideout earlier in the draft. A player like Jeremy Fields from Missouri, who has exceptional route running and the ability to make plays in the open field, could be a great fit for Detroit’s offense.

Sixth-Round Pick (No. 185 Overall)

Ideal Position: Defensive Back or Offensive Line

In the sixth round, the Lions could look to add depth to either their secondary or offensive line. A defensive back like DeMarquis Jones from Arkansas, who has great instincts and ball skills, could be an excellent developmental prospect for Detroit. Jones would have the opportunity to learn behind the team’s current starters and contribute as a backup with the potential to grow into a more significant role in the future.

On the offensive side of the ball, a player like Vince Johnson from Alabama, a developmental offensive tackle, could provide depth and flexibility. While he may not be an immediate starter, Johnson has the tools to develop into a solid backup lineman and contribute in the future.

Seventh-Round Pick (No. 220 Overall)

Ideal Position: Kicker or Punter

With their final pick of the draft, the Lions could opt to address their special teams unit. While Detroit’s current kicker and punter are serviceable, adding competition at these positions is never a bad idea. A kicker like Zach Thompson from Northern Illinois, who has a strong leg and accuracy, could push for a roster spot and give the Lions options at a critical position.

Alternatively, the team could go with a punter like Alan Morris from Syracuse, known for his powerful leg and ability to pin opponents deep in their own territory. With the seventh-round pick, the Lions can afford to take a flier on a special teams player who may turn out to be a hidden gem.

The Detroit Lions have a promising future, but the 2025 NFL Draft represents an opportunity to solidify their roster and set the team up for long-term success. By addressing key positions such as edge rusher, wide receiver, defensive tackle, and offensive line, the Lions can continue to build a championship-caliber squad. With Brad Holmes at the helm and a solid scouting department behind him, Detroit has the tools to make the most of its 2025 draft picks and lay the foundation for an exciting new chapter in the franchise’s history.