Seven Roars: Detroit Lions Unleash Promising Talents in the 2025 NFL Draft

The Detroit Lions entered the 2025 NFL Draft with clear intentions: fortify both sides of the line of scrimmage, add explosive playmakers, and continue building a roster capable of sustained contention. General Manager Brad Holmes, known for his keen eye for talent and aggressive maneuvering, executed a draft that has many analysts buzzing with optimism. While only time will truly tell the impact of these selections, there are seven players from the Lions’ 2025 class who appear poised to become significant contributors and potential winners for the Motor City franchise.

The Lions kicked off their draft by addressing the defensive interior with their first-round selection, Tyleik Williams, a dominant defensive tackle from Ohio State. At 6-foot-3 and 334 pounds, Williams possesses the prototypical size and strength to be an immediate force against the run. His film showcases an ability to consistently disrupt opposing offensive lines, eat up double teams, and penetrate the backfield. While his pass-rushing upside is still developing, his raw power and athleticism for his size suggest that with NFL coaching, he could become a three-down player. In a division featuring strong running games, Williams’ presence will be invaluable in shoring up the Lions’ run defense, an area they looked to improve. His addition also has the potential to free up Aidan Hutchinson and other edge rushers by commanding attention inside. Williams’ high motor and reported film study habits align perfectly with the culture that Head Coach Dan Campbell has instilled in Detroit, making him a strong candidate to make an early impact.

In the second round, the Lions turned their attention to the offensive line, selecting Tate Ratledge, a powerful guard from the University of Georgia. Standing at an imposing 6-foot-6 and possessing a thick build, Ratledge is a mauler in the running game. He excels at creating running lanes with his strength and ability to move defenders off the ball. He also demonstrates good agility for his size, allowing him to pull and get to the second level effectively. With the departure of veteran Kevin Zeitler in free agency, the guard position was a clear need, and Ratledge steps in as a player with the potential to compete for a starting role immediately. His toughness and versatility, having played through an ankle injury during his senior season, are traits that the Lions’ coaching staff will undoubtedly appreciate. Ratledge’s addition ensures the continued strength and depth of an offensive line that has become a hallmark of the Lions’ recent success.

The Lions made a bold move in the third round, trading up to secure the services of Isaac TeSlaa, a wide receiver from Arkansas. This pick raised some eyebrows due to the draft capital involved, but the Lions clearly see immense potential in the 6-foot-4, 214-pound athlete. TeSlaa possesses a rare combination of size, speed, and smooth route-running ability. He’s a hands catcher with a large catch radius, making him a difficult matchup for smaller cornerbacks. While his production at Arkansas might not jump off the page, his athletic traits and flashes of brilliance on film suggest that he could blossom into a significant downfield threat in the Lions’ offense. His willingness to block and contribute on special teams further adds to his value. In an offense that already boasts Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams, TeSlaa offers a different dimension and the potential to become a versatile weapon for quarterback Jared Goff.

Continuing to bolster the offensive line depth, the Lions selected Miles Frazier, an offensive guard from LSU, in the fifth round. Frazier was considered by some analysts to be a potential top-100 pick, making his availability in the fifth round a valuable pickup for Detroit. He’s a physical and athletic lineman with experience playing both guard and tackle, offering valuable versatility. His addition provides competition and depth on the interior of the offensive line and could potentially make him a starter in the future. With the Lions valuing a strong and deep offensive line, Frazier fits the bill as a player with both a high floor and intriguing upside.

In the sixth round, the Lions finally addressed their need for edge rushers by selecting Ahmed Hassanein from Boise State. Hassanein’s story is particularly compelling, having only started playing football in 2019 after immigrating from Egypt. Despite his relatively short football career, his production at Boise State was undeniable, racking up 22 sacks and 32 tackles for loss over the past two seasons. While he is still raw in some aspects of his game, his motor, athleticism, and knack for getting to the quarterback are traits that cannot be taught. Under the tutelage of the Lions’ coaching staff, Hassanein has the potential to develop into a disruptive pass rusher and provide much-needed depth on the edge. His passion for the game and willingness to learn make him a high-upside pick in the later rounds.

The Lions added to their secondary in the seventh round by selecting Dan Jackson, a safety from the University of Georgia. Jackson began his career as a walk-on and worked his way into a significant role for the Bulldogs’ defense, contributing to two national championship-winning teams. He’s a physical and athletic safety known for his hard-hitting style and ability to contribute on special teams. While the Lions have a strong safety duo in Kerby Joseph and Brian Branch, Jackson provides valuable depth and special teams prowess. His experience in a winning program and his tenacity make him a valuable addition to the roster.

Rounding out their draft, the Lions selected another player from Georgia in the seventh round, wide receiver Dominic Lovett. Lovett possesses intriguing speed and has been a productive receiver in college. While he has battled some issues with drops, the Lions clearly see potential in his ability to stretch the field and contribute as a special teams player. His addition provides further depth to the wide receiver room and offers a developmental prospect with upside.

Overall, the Detroit Lions’ 2025 NFL Draft appears to be a resounding success. They addressed key needs on both the offensive and defensive lines with high-potential players, added an explosive playmaker at wide receiver, and found intriguing developmental prospects in the later rounds. These seven players, Tyleik Williams, Tate Ratledge, Isaac TeSlaa, Miles Frazier, Ahmed Hassanein, Dan Jackson, and Dominic Lovett, each bring unique skills and potential to the team. While their ultimate success in the NFL remains to be seen, the initial returns suggest that the Lions have added a talented and tenacious group of players who fit the culture and vision of the organization. The roar of the Lions in 2025 might just be louder than ever.