The Detroit Lions’ top picks in the NFL Draft are Jonah Savaiinaea and Jayden Higgins.
The Detroit Lions have established a reputation for making bold moves in the NFL Draft, and their selections in recent years reflect their desire to build a team that competes at the highest level. In the 2025 NFL Draft, the Lions made two significant picks that have captured the attention of both fans and analysts alike: Jonah Savaiinaea and Jayden Higgins. Both players bring a unique set of skills to the team, and their selections reflect the direction the Lions are taking as they continue to build a competitive roster.
Jonah Savaiinaea, a massive offensive lineman, was selected by the Lions with high hopes that he can become a cornerstone piece of their offensive line. Savaiinaea’s size and strength have been the focal points of his game, and Detroit sees him as a player who can anchor their line for years to come. He played his college football at one of the most competitive programs, where his dominant performances in the trenches made him one of the most talked-about offensive line prospects in recent memory. What stands out about Savaiinaea is not just his physical tools but his high football IQ and his ability to adapt to the speed and complexity of the game at the next level.
At 6’6″ and 330 pounds, Savaiinaea is an imposing figure on the field. His size alone gives him the potential to dominate opposing defensive linemen, but it’s his technique and his ability to engage defenders with precision that has set him apart from many of his peers. Throughout his college career, he was known for his discipline in pass protection, his ability to control defenders with his hands, and his impressive mobility despite his large frame. The Lions are counting on Savaiinaea to solidify their offensive line, which has been a point of focus for them in recent seasons. With a quarterback like Jared Goff, who thrives in a clean pocket, providing him with adequate protection is critical to the team’s success.
Savaiinaea’s selection is part of the Lions’ larger plan to build a physical, dominant offensive line that can help both the running game and the passing game flourish. Detroit has invested in this unit over the years, but bringing in a talent like Savaiinaea elevates the level of play. If he can adjust to the NFL quickly, his presence could give the Lions one of the most formidable front fives in the league. As the team looks to take the next step in their development, a key piece to this puzzle is ensuring that the offensive line is stout and capable of withstanding the pressure that elite defenses bring. Savaiinaea has the potential to be a foundational player who helps create a balanced offensive attack, which is essential for success in today’s NFL.
On the other hand, Jayden Higgins represents the future of the Lions’ receiving corps. Higgins, a wide receiver with exceptional speed, route running, and playmaking ability, was another pick that had Lions fans buzzing. A standout performer at his college, Higgins has consistently been a deep threat and a player who can stretch the field with his speed and precise routes. He has the ability to make defenders miss in the open field and turn short receptions into long gains, which is a valuable asset in today’s high-paced offensive systems.
Higgins is a player who thrives in one-on-one situations. He’s known for his ability to get open deep down the field, using his sharp, sudden cuts to beat defenders. His 40-yard dash time at the combine was one of the fastest among wide receivers, and that speed translates well to his ability to burn defenders on go routes and post patterns. However, Higgins’ game isn’t just about deep routes. He’s a versatile player who can line up both on the outside and in the slot, making him a matchup nightmare for defenses. His ability to win in the intermediate passing game, coupled with his deep-ball prowess, gives the Lions a versatile weapon that can threaten defenses in multiple ways.
While Higgins’ deep speed is his most prominent trait, it is his understanding of the nuances of route running that makes him a well-rounded receiver. He knows how to separate at the top of his routes and is capable of creating enough space to make a catch, even against tight coverage. His ability to track and adjust to throws from his quarterback is also noteworthy. As the Lions continue to refine their passing game under the leadership of Jared Goff, having a player like Higgins on the roster could open up new dimensions to the offense. He could stretch the field in ways that could help improve the play of other receivers and tight ends on the team, potentially leading to more explosive plays.
For the Lions, Higgins represents a crucial investment in their future offensive plans. While they already have talented players in their receiving group, the addition of Higgins adds another dynamic player who can keep defenses honest and create mismatches. It’s clear that the Lions are committed to improving their offensive weapons, and Higgins could be the missing piece that helps take their passing game to the next level. Pairing him with players like Amon-Ra St. Brown gives the Lions the opportunity to build a balanced attack that can threaten teams both vertically and horizontally across the field.
The addition of these two players, Savaiinaea and Higgins, signals that the Lions are building with an eye toward long-term success. While many NFL teams may focus on short-term needs or high-profile positions such as quarterback or edge rusher, Detroit’s focus on strengthening both the offensive line and receiving corps shows a balanced approach. By building from the inside out and investing in both the line of scrimmage and skill positions, the Lions are setting themselves up for sustained competitiveness in the NFC North and beyond.
The 2025 NFL Draft picks of Savaiinaea and Higgins also fit within the context of the team’s recent efforts to build a culture of toughness and explosiveness. Under the leadership of head coach Dan Campbell, the Lions have taken on a tough, hard-nosed identity, and their draft selections reflect this philosophy. Savaiinaea is the kind of player who embodies Campbell’s vision for a strong, physical brand of football, while Higgins provides the kind of explosive, game-changing plays that can give the Lions the edge they need in tight matchups.
With the NFC North becoming an increasingly competitive division, the Lions are positioning themselves to be a force to be reckoned with. The selection of players like Savaiinaea and Higgins is part of a larger strategy to build a well-rounded team capable of contending in all areas of the game. The Lions know that to truly succeed, they need to have a foundation that can hold up in the trenches while also providing explosive playmakers on the outside. Savaiinaea and Higgins are both integral pieces of this larger puzzle.
One of the most exciting aspects of the Lions’ draft strategy is the potential for synergy between their picks. If Savaiinaea can come in and anchor the offensive line, Goff will have the time he needs to get the ball to Higgins, who can then make big plays down the field. This kind of synergy is essential for a successful offense, and it could help the Lions take a major step forward in 2025. The combination of a strong offensive line and dynamic weapons on the outside could give Detroit one of the more balanced and potent offenses in the league.
Looking ahead, the Lions will need to continue to develop their young players and ensure that they are ready to contribute at a high level. The immediate future for Savaiinaea and Higgins is likely to include a period of adjustment as they adapt to the speed and complexity of the NFL. However, both players have the physical tools and football intelligence to succeed, and the Lions have the coaching staff and infrastructure in place to help them develop into key contributors.
The draft picks of Jonah Savaiinaea and Jayden Higgins are not just about filling immediate needs but about building a foundation for future success. Savaiinaea’s ability to dominate in the trenches and Higgins’ ability to stretch the field give the Lions two vital pieces to their offensive puzzle. These selections also reflect the Lions’ commitment to building a balanced, competitive team that can compete for championships in the years to come. As the team continues to grow, the contributions of these two players will be critical in shaping the future of the Detroit Lions and their pursuit of success in the NFL.
