Lions Eyeing Future Strength: Ten Intriguing Prospects at Pick 28
As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, the Detroit Lions find themselves in an enviable position. Coming off a remarkable 15-2 season and securing the NFC North title, the team’s roster boasts a young and talented core. General Manager Brad Holmes has built a strong foundation through shrewd drafting, and with the 28th overall pick, the opportunity to further solidify their Super Bowl aspirations is firmly within reach. While the Lions don’t have glaring needs, identifying players who can contribute early and develop into key pieces for the future remains paramount. This late in the first round, the sweet spot for finding high-upside players with specific skill sets aligns perfectly with Detroit’s strategic approach. Here are ten prospects who could realistically be available at pick 28 and would make compelling sense for the Detroit Lions.
One prospect who stands out due to his versatility and physicality is Grey Zabel, an offensive lineman from North Dakota State. Zabel, a dominant left tackle in college, has experience at right tackle and both guard positions, even dabbling at center during the pre-draft process. This adaptability would be a significant asset for the Lions, who recently lost veteran guard Kevin Zeitler in free agency. While their starting offensive line remains largely intact with Pro Bowler Taylor Decker and All-Pro Penei Sewell at tackle, along with Jonah Jackson at left guard and Frank Ragnow at center, Zabel could provide immediate depth and potential future starting ability at either guard spot. His toughness and prowess as a run blocker align perfectly with Detroit’s offensive identity, paving the way for their dynamic running back duo of Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery.
Switching to the defensive side of the ball, Shemar Stewart, an edge defender from Texas A&M, presents an intriguing option. Possessing the ideal frame and athletic traits that NFL teams covet on the edge, Stewart has demonstrated disruptive potential despite modest sack numbers. Leading the Aggies in pressures last season suggests that the sack production could be on the verge of a breakout. Pairing Stewart opposite Aidan Hutchinson, one of the league’s premier pass rushers, could unlock his full potential. Learning from Hutchinson and benefiting from the attention opposing offenses must pay to him could create favorable one-on-one opportunities for Stewart to flourish. Addressing the need for a consistent complement to Hutchinson is a key priority for the Lions, and Stewart’s upside makes him a compelling choice.
Another defensive lineman who could be on the Lions’ radar is Derrick Harmon, a disruptive defensive tackle from Oregon. After transferring from Michigan State, Harmon exploded onto the scene for the Ducks in 2024, leading all FBS interior defensive linemen with an astounding 55 pressures. This statistic alone highlights his ability to collapse the pocket and disrupt opposing quarterbacks. Adding 45 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, and 5.0 sacks further underscores his impact. While Alim McNeill has emerged as a cornerstone of the Lions’ defensive line, adding another interior pass-rushing threat like Harmon would make their defensive front even more formidable. His athleticism and proven ability to generate pressure would be a welcome addition to defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard’s scheme.
On the second level of the defense, Jihaad Campbell, a linebacker from Alabama, could be an attractive target. Possessing a blend of athleticism and physicality, Campbell has the versatility to play multiple linebacker roles. As the Lions look to potentially add depth and future starters at the linebacker position with Alex Anzalone and Malcolm Rodriguez entering the final year of their contracts, Campbell’s skillset would be a valuable addition. His ability to contribute in coverage and against the run would provide flexibility for the Lions’ defense.
Turning back to the offense, Matthew Golden, a wide receiver from Texas, offers an element of explosive speed that could elevate the Lions’ passing game. Clocking a blistering 4.29-second 40-yard dash, Golden is a true deep threat who averaged over 20 yards per catch in ten games last season. While the Lions return their top four receivers from last year, adding a young, speedy talent like Golden would provide a different dimension to their offense and address the long-term future of the wide receiver room. His ability as a kickoff returner adds another layer of value, potentially filling a need on special teams.
Another intriguing defensive prospect is Mykel Williams, an edge defender from Georgia. Used across the Bulldogs’ defensive front, showcasing his versatility, Williams possesses impressive length, bend, and long arms. His consistent production over the past three seasons on a dominant Georgia defense, recording 67 tackles, 21.5 tackles for loss, and 14.0 sacks, speaks to his ability to impact the game. Similar to Stewart, Williams could benefit immensely from playing alongside and learning from Hutchinson, potentially developing into a high-impact pass rusher for the Lions.
Shifting back to the offensive line, Donovan Jackson, an interior offensive lineman from Ohio State, presents another compelling option. A three-year starter for the Buckeyes, Jackson has experience at both left guard and left tackle, offering valuable versatility. While some teams may view him as a tackle, his ability to play guard could be particularly appealing to the Lions as they look to reinforce their interior offensive line. Jackson’s athleticism and strength, coupled with his extensive playing experience, would make him a strong contender to compete for a starting guard spot.
On the offensive tackle front, Josh Conerly Jr. from Oregon could be a developmental prospect with significant upside. While the Lions boast a formidable tackle duo in Sewell and Decker, Decker will be entering his age-32 season, and swing tackle Dan Skipper is also on the wrong side of 30. Conerly anchored an Oregon offensive line that was a finalist for the Joe Moore Award and demonstrated exceptional pass-blocking prowess, allowing just one sack in nearly 500 pass-rush reps. While he may not be an immediate starter, Conerly could develop into a future cornerstone at tackle for the Lions.
Rounding out the defensive line prospects is Walter Nolen, an interior defensive lineman from Ole Miss. Combining impressive size, strength, and quickness, Nolen has the potential to be a disruptive force in the middle of the defensive line. His ability to penetrate the line of scrimmage and disrupt plays is evident in his 14.0 tackles for loss last season, which ranked among the top three for FBS defensive tackles. Adding 6.5 sacks and three batted passes further highlights his impact potential. Pairing Nolen with McNeill could create a formidable interior defensive line duo for the Lions.
Finally, a wildcard prospect who could pique the Lions’ interest is Tyler Warren, a versatile tight end from Penn State. While Sam LaPorta has solidified himself as a premier receiving tight end, adding depth and a player with a different skillset could be beneficial. Warren’s size and physicality make him a strong blocker, and he demonstrated his versatility by even taking snaps at Wildcat quarterback. While not a traditional receiving threat, Warren’s ability to contribute in the running game and provide another physical presence could complement LaPorta’s skillset and add another dimension to the Lions’ offense.
Ultimately, the Detroit Lions have the luxury of selecting the best player available at pick 28 who fits their culture and addresses potential long-term needs. Whether they opt for an offensive lineman to maintain their dominant front, an edge rusher to complement Hutchinson, or a dynamic playmaker on offense, the ten prospects outlined above represent a range of talented players who could make an immediate impact and contribute to the Lions’ continued ascent towards Super Bowl contention. The 2025 NFL Draft promises to be another crucial step in the Detroit Lions’ journey, and their selection at pick 28 will be closely watched as they aim to build a lasting championship-caliber team.
