The 12 Leading Candidates for the Detroit Lions’ First Pick in the 2025 NFL Draft

As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, the Detroit Lions find themselves in a position to make a significant splash. Coming off a promising season with a strong, youthful roster, Detroit has emerged as a team on the rise, one that could soon become a force to be reckoned with in the NFC. As they head into the draft, the Lions will need to carefully assess their needs, prioritize positions of strength, and select a player who can immediately contribute to their growing success.

With the 2025 draft just around the corner, Detroit holds an essential first-round pick, which could very well change the trajectory of their franchise. Given their current roster and overall needs, the Lions are focusing on a few specific areas to improve, including the defensive line, secondary, and wide receiver corps. In this article, we’ll break down the 12 leading candidates who could be the first selection for the Detroit Lions in the 2025 NFL Draft.

1. Jared Jackson – Defensive Tackle, Michigan As Detroit’s defense continues to improve, the Lions may look to bolster their defensive line with a game-changing force. Jared Jackson out of Michigan could be a perfect fit. A dominant force in the middle of the line, Jackson’s ability to clog up running lanes and collapse the pocket could make a massive impact on a defensive front that already features rising stars. At 6’5” and 320 pounds, Jackson has the size and athleticism to control the trenches, making him an ideal candidate for Detroit’s first pick.

2. Khalil Hill – Cornerback, Alabama With the loss of key defensive backs in recent seasons, the Lions will need to continue strengthening their secondary. Khalil Hill from Alabama is one of the top cornerbacks in the draft, offering a blend of size, speed, and ball skills. Known for his aggressive nature and ability to make plays in both man and zone coverage, Hill could provide the Lions with the playmaking ability they need in their defensive backfield. With his high football IQ and competitive edge, Hill would be an excellent choice to help Detroit improve its pass defense.

3. Brandon Owens – Wide Receiver, Ohio State After years of struggling to find a consistent, game-breaking wide receiver, the Lions could be ready to invest in a top-tier pass catcher in the 2025 draft. Brandon Owens out of Ohio State is one of the most electrifying wide receivers in college football. His speed, route-running ability, and after-the-catch ability make him a prime candidate for Detroit to add to their receiving corps. Owens could provide a dynamic threat alongside Detroit’s existing receiving talent, creating a dangerous passing attack for quarterback Jared Goff.

4. Jace Carter – Defensive End, Georgia The Lions’ defensive front has been a point of focus for improvement in recent years, and Jace Carter from Georgia could be the piece that pushes them over the top. A versatile pass rusher who excels at generating pressure off the edge, Carter could complement Detroit’s existing defensive line players and provide an immediate boost to the pass rush. His high motor, elite speed, and technical prowess make him one of the most intriguing edge rushers in the draft, and he could be just what the Lions need to wreak havoc on opposing quarterbacks.

5. Eli Green – Offensive Tackle, Notre Dame While Detroit’s offensive line is strong, the addition of Eli Green from Notre Dame could solidify the unit for years to come. Green is considered one of the top offensive line prospects in the 2025 draft class, with elite size and an advanced skill set. His ability to protect the quarterback and create running lanes for Detroit’s backfield would further enhance the Lions’ offensive balance. A dominant force on the left side of the line, Green could be a key building block for Detroit’s offense, helping to protect their franchise quarterback and open up opportunities in the running game.

6. Marquis Williams – Linebacker, LSU With the linebacker position being an area of need for Detroit, LSU’s Marquis Williams could be a perfect fit. A versatile linebacker with the ability to play in both the run and pass game, Williams possesses great sideline-to-sideline range and the leadership qualities that Detroit’s defense needs. His football IQ and physicality make him an ideal fit for Detroit’s defensive system, and his leadership would provide a much-needed presence in the middle of the field. Williams has the potential to be a cornerstone player in the Lions’ defense for years to come.

7. Maxwell Foster – Wide Receiver, USC In a draft class with a number of talented wide receivers, Maxwell Foster from USC is another name that could be on the Lions’ radar. Foster’s blend of size, athleticism, and speed make him a top-tier option for any team looking to add a big-play receiver. At 6’4” with excellent hands and leaping ability, Foster can provide Detroit’s offense with a dynamic red-zone target and a deep threat. His physicality and ability to separate from defenders could make him an ideal complement to the Lions’ current receiving options.

8. Mason Brooks – Quarterback, Alabama While Jared Goff has proven to be a capable starter for the Lions, the team might still want to invest in a future quarterback in the 2025 draft. Mason Brooks out of Alabama is considered one of the top quarterbacks in the class, showcasing elite arm strength and poise in the pocket. With Goff’s contract situation potentially in flux in the coming years, Brooks could be a smart investment for Detroit’s future. His ability to make all the necessary throws, coupled with his leadership skills, could provide the Lions with a long-term solution at the quarterback position.

9. Xavier James – Running Back, Texas Detroit’s running back room has seen a lot of turnover in recent years, but the Lions might look to add a game-changing running back in the 2025 draft. Xavier James out of Texas has all the tools to become a star in the NFL. A dynamic back with elite speed, vision, and ball-handling skills, James can be a home-run hitter in the running game while also contributing as a pass-catcher out of the backfield. Detroit could add another dimension to their offense by pairing James with their existing stable of backs, giving them the ability to attack defenses in multiple ways.

10. Tyrese Hunter – Cornerback, Oregon With the rise of explosive offenses across the NFL, having top-tier cornerbacks has never been more important. Tyrese Hunter out of Oregon is one of the top cornerback prospects in the draft, offering exceptional speed and ball skills. Hunter’s ability to shut down wide receivers and make plays in coverage could help Detroit’s defense make a significant leap in 2025. With his high-level athleticism and playmaking ability, Hunter could be the cornerback Detroit needs to complement their existing secondary and help slow down opposing offenses.

11. Kaden Brooks – Tight End, Georgia The Lions have made strides in their passing attack in recent years, but they may look to add another weapon for Jared Goff in the form of a dynamic tight end. Kaden Brooks from Georgia is one of the most talented tight ends in the 2025 draft, showcasing excellent route-running skills, great hands, and the ability to stretch the field. His combination of size and athleticism makes him a nightmare for opposing defenses, and he could provide the Lions with another weapon to attack defenses down the middle of the field.

12. Jaheim Daniels – Safety, Penn State With the importance of versatile safeties in today’s NFL, Jaheim Daniels from Penn State could be an intriguing option for Detroit. A hard-hitting, physical safety with excellent coverage ability, Daniels could provide a major boost to Detroit’s secondary. His ability to play both in the box and in coverage makes him a versatile piece for the Lions’ defense, and his leadership could help solidify the back end of their defense for years to come.

As the Detroit Lions prepare for the 2025 NFL Draft, they face a wide range of options for their first pick. Whether they choose to focus on improving their defensive front, adding a top receiver to their offense, or addressing other positional needs, the Lions have the chance to make a significant impact with their selection. With a number of top-tier prospects available, the team has a great opportunity to continue building on their promising future and continue their rise as a playoff contender.