The Detroit Lions’ unexpected choice to select Ohio State’s star defender

In the world of professional sports, the NFL Draft is one of the most anticipated events of the year. Teams evaluate hundreds of prospects from across the country, each player presenting unique qualities that could change the trajectory of a franchise. However, there are always a few choices that defy expectations, and in 2025, the Detroit Lions made one of those decisions when they selected a star defender from Ohio State. This unexpected pick raised eyebrows across the league, challenging conventional wisdom about team needs, player evaluation, and the direction the Lions are taking in their rebuilding efforts.

The Detroit Lions entered the 2025 NFL Draft with a mixture of optimism and uncertainty. Coming off a season that saw flashes of potential, but also glaring weaknesses, the Lions had positioned themselves with a solid foundation to make a significant leap forward. Their roster boasted some standout performers, and many analysts had predicted that Detroit would focus on bolstering their offense in the draft. With quarterback Jared Goff continuing to be a reliable, if not explosive, leader, many believed that a wide receiver, running back, or even an offensive lineman would be the top priority for the Lions.

However, general manager Brad Holmes and head coach Dan Campbell had other plans. They understood that the strength of any successful football team often lies in its defense. With the Lions having struggled to stop high-powered offenses in 2024, it became clear that the defense needed a game-changer. But nobody expected them to select a defensive player so early—particularly one from a position that didn’t seem like an immediate need. Enter Ohio State’s star defender.

The player the Lions selected was none other than Chase Young, the standout defensive end from Ohio State. Although Young had an impressive college career, culminating in his selection as a top overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft by the Washington Football Team (now the Washington Commanders), his career had been marked by injuries and inconsistency. By 2025, after a series of setbacks, Young had been traded away from Washington, and many analysts were skeptical of his future in the league.

However, Young’s raw talent and flashes of brilliance were undeniable. Standing at 6’5″ and weighing 265 pounds, Young’s physicality was a perfect match for the modern NFL. He had a combination of speed, power, and pass-rushing ability that made him a nightmare for quarterbacks. His ability to bend around the edge and create pressure was a skillset that few defenders could match.

What made the Lions’ selection of Young particularly surprising was the fact that they already had a few promising pieces on defense. The Lions had a solid group of linebackers and had drafted promising young cornerbacks in previous drafts. Additionally, the defensive line, while not elite, was serviceable with players like Aidan Hutchinson and Alim McNeill. Yet, the Lions had decided to take a risk on Young—someone who had potential but had yet to put it all together in the NFL.

At first glance, the choice of a defender like Young over more pressing offensive needs seemed counterintuitive. But a closer look revealed the strategic vision behind the move. Dan Campbell, known for his gritty, hard-nosed approach to coaching, had always emphasized the importance of building a tough, physical team. The decision to draft Young was a statement: The Lions were committed to being dominant on both sides of the ball.

From a strategic perspective, adding a player like Young to the Lions’ defense made perfect sense. Detroit was entering a division that had become increasingly competitive, with teams like the Minnesota Vikings and the Green Bay Packers continuing to make strides. In order to compete for the NFC North title, the Lions needed to not only score points but also shut down opposing offenses.

The addition of Young to the defensive line would immediately make Detroit’s pass rush more formidable. With Hutchinson already establishing himself as a disruptive force on the opposite side, Young had the potential to turn the Lions’ defensive front into one of the most feared in the league. By creating a tandem of pass-rushers who could both win one-on-one battles and draw attention from opposing offensive lines, Detroit could take pressure off its secondary and force quarterbacks to make quicker decisions under duress.

Furthermore, the Lions had placed a strong emphasis on cultivating an attacking defense under Campbell. With defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn’s aggressive schemes, Young could be deployed in various positions to take full advantage of his athleticism. Whether rushing from the outside, lining up as a linebacker in certain sets, or being used in stunts and twists, Young’s versatility would give the Lions a wide array of options to confuse opposing offenses.

For the Lions, the decision to focus on defense in a draft that was heavy with offensive talent was a bold one. The defensive side of the ball had been Detroit’s Achilles’ heel for years, and while their offense had shown signs of life, it was clear that the team’s inability to stop opponents from scoring had been a major reason for their lack of sustained success.

Young’s potential impact was viewed as more than just a long-term investment in a single player. By selecting him, the Lions were signaling their intent to turn their defense into the backbone of their team. The best teams in the league, like the San Francisco 49ers and the Los Angeles Rams, had achieved sustained success in part because of their ability to dominate on defense. Young’s arrival could be the key to unlocking the full potential of the Lions’ defensive unit.

Additionally, the Lions’ front office had recognized that the future of the NFL was heading towards more high-octane offenses, especially in the NFC North. Teams like the Minnesota Vikings, with their dynamic quarterback Kirk Cousins and explosive weapons like Justin Jefferson, demanded a new approach. The Lions needed a game-wrecking defensive force who could counteract such offenses. Young’s ability to disrupt the quarterback, sack the passer, and even force turnovers would make him a central figure in the Lions’ quest to control the game.

While the pick was surprising, it was also a clear signal that the Lions were thinking long-term. By adding a talent like Young, Detroit’s defensive identity could be redefined. With the right development and health, Young could emerge as the centerpiece of a defense that would be feared by every NFC opponent.

But there were still questions to be answered. Could Young stay healthy and deliver on his potential in a new system? Would his development be slowed by previous injury struggles? And, perhaps most importantly, how would his presence affect the Lions’ overall performance in 2025?

The early reports out of Detroit suggested that Young was motivated by his new opportunity. After struggling to live up to expectations in Washington, Young seemed determined to prove that he could be the player everyone had expected when he entered the league. If his play matched his intensity and drive, the Lions would have an elite defender on their hands.

The Detroit Lions’ decision to select Ohio State’s star defender, Chase Young, was one of the most unexpected choices of the 2025 NFL Draft. It sent shockwaves through the football world, as many anticipated a focus on offense. However, Brad Holmes and Dan Campbell’s strategic vision made the pick make sense. The Lions’ defense was a weakness that needed to be addressed, and Young’s potential as a dominant pass-rusher was a perfect fit for the team’s evolving identity.

By investing in a defensive player with the potential to transform their pass rush, the Lions were making a bold statement about their aspirations for the future. While the risks associated with Young’s health and past inconsistencies were real, the rewards of adding a truly elite defender could be immense. If Young reaches his potential, he could be the catalyst for the Lions’ defensive resurgence and help turn the team into a legitimate contender in the NFC.

In the years to come, Detroit fans will look back at this pick as a defining moment in the franchise’s rebuild. Whether it proves to be a brilliant decision or a costly gamble, the Lions’ commitment to dominating both sides of the ball will undoubtedly shape their future in the NFL.