Lions Roar into the Future: Kory Woods’ Mock Draft Delivers a Disruptive Force to Detroit’s Defense
The anticipation surrounding the 2025 NFL Draft is palpable, a swirling vortex of speculation, hope, and strategic maneuvering as teams finalize their boards and prepare to welcome the next generation of gridiron talent. For the Detroit Lions, a franchise on the ascent and hungry for sustained success, this draft represents a crucial opportunity to fortify their roster and address key needs. In his final mock draft, MLive’s Kory Woods projects the Lions to stay put at pick No. 28 and land a player who could immediately inject a dose of disruptive power into their defensive front: Michigan Wolverines defensive tackle, Kenneth Grant.
Woods’ projection aligns with a growing sentiment that the Lions, while possessing a formidable offense, could significantly benefit from bolstering their defensive line. General Manager Brad Holmes has shown a propensity for selecting players who embody toughness, high motor, and scheme versatility, and Grant appears to fit that mold perfectly. At a towering 6-foot-3 and weighing in at over 330 pounds, Grant is a physical specimen who commands attention in the trenches. His tape showcases a rare blend of size, strength, and surprising athleticism for a man of his stature. He possesses the raw power to anchor against the run, consistently eating up double teams and collapsing the pocket. However, what truly sets Grant apart is his ability to generate interior pressure, a facet that could elevate the Lions’ pass rush to another level.
The impact of a disruptive interior defensive lineman cannot be overstated. While edge rushers often garner the spotlight for their sack numbers, consistent pressure from the inside can be equally, if not more, impactful. It forces quarterbacks to move off their spot, disrupts timing, and creates opportunities for edge rushers to capitalize. Imagine Grant lining up alongside Aidan Hutchinson, a burgeoning star who led the Lions in sacks and quarterback pressures despite an injury-shortened 2024 season. The combination of Hutchinson’s relentless edge rush and Grant’s interior push could become a nightmare for opposing offensive lines.
Grant’s collegiate career at Michigan, culminating in a national championship, provides ample evidence of his disruptive capabilities. While his statistics might not jump off the page, his impact on games was often felt beyond the box score. He consistently drew multiple blockers, freeing up his teammates to make plays. His ability to penetrate the offensive line and create negative plays was a key component of the Wolverines’ dominant defense. Moreover, playing in a program known for its physicality and disciplined defense suggests that Grant possesses the requisite technique and football IQ to translate his skills to the NFL level.
The selection of Grant would also address a potential long-term need for the Lions. While Alim McNeill has established himself as a solid interior presence, adding a player of Grant’s potential would provide valuable depth and future security. It would allow the Lions to rotate their defensive tackles, keeping them fresh and maximizing their effectiveness throughout the course of a game and the season. This depth will be crucial in the demanding landscape of the NFL, where injuries are inevitable.
Of course, the draft is an inherently unpredictable process, and other players could certainly pique the Lions’ interest at pick No. 28. Some mock drafts have suggested the Lions might target an edge rusher to complement Hutchinson, a cornerback to further solidify their secondary, or even an offensive lineman to ensure the continued dominance of their front five. However, the opportunity to acquire a player with Grant’s unique blend of size, power, and disruptive potential might be too enticing for Holmes and the Lions’ brain trust to pass up, especially considering the value he could bring to their defense.
The Lions’ defense made significant strides in the 2024 season, contributing to the team’s impressive 15-2 record. However, the relentless pursuit of a championship requires continuous improvement, and injecting more talent and disruption into the defensive line is a logical step. Aidan Hutchinson’s emergence as a premier pass rusher has been a catalyst, and adding a force like Kenneth Grant alongside him could elevate the entire unit. The ability to consistently pressure the quarterback is a hallmark of elite defenses, and the potential pairing of Hutchinson and Grant offers the Lions a pathway to achieving that.
Beyond the immediate impact on the field, drafting a player like Grant also aligns with the cultural identity that Coach Dan Campbell has instilled in Detroit. Campbell emphasizes toughness, resilience, and a relentless effort, traits that are evident in Grant’s playing style. Bringing in players who embody these characteristics is crucial for building a sustainable winning culture.
The 2025 NFL Draft is just days away, and the anticipation in Detroit is reaching a fever pitch. While Kory Woods’ final mock draft provides an insightful projection, the actual selection at No. 28 will ultimately depend on how the board unfolds and the Lions’ final evaluations. However, the scenario of Kenneth Grant, a disruptive Michigan defender, landing in Detroit is a compelling one, offering the Lions a powerful addition to their defensive line and further fueling the optimism surrounding the team’s future. As the draft unfolds, Lions fans will be eagerly awaiting to see if Woods’ prediction comes to fruition and if the roar of a more formidable Detroit defense will soon echo through Ford Field. The selection of Grant would not only address a key need but also send a clear message that the Lions are serious about contending for a Super Bowl, building their team from the inside out with a focus on dominating the line of scrimmage.
