The Detroit Lions entered the 2025 NFL Draft using the excessive of back-to-back playoff appearances. After all, in addition they had clear priorities to deal with in the event that they needed to take care of their momentum. Positive, the Lions have constructed one of many league’s most bodily rosters below Dan Campbell and Brad Holmes. Nonetheless, holes remained that wanted pressing consideration. This was very true alongside the defensive position, offensive inside, and within the secondary. Detroit’s draft technique in the end centered on shoring up these areas. That stated, their aggressive strikes and some shocking picks raised eyebrows. Did they do sufficient to remain within the NFC’s elite tier?
Lions’ 2025 NFL Draft Wants
The Lions’ largest draft wants have been crystal clear heading into the weekend. With vetran cross rusher Marcus Davenport projected to start out reverse Aidan Hutchinson, discovering one other edge risk was paramount. Detroit additionally wanted a future starter at proper guard to bolster their signature smashmouth id. Past that, there have been depth considerations at key spots. This was significantly true at security, the defensive inside, and vast receiver. The Lions didn’t essentially have to search out speedy superstars. Nonetheless, they wanted contributors who might both compete instantly or turn into core items by 2026.
Right here we’ll attempt to hand out grades for each choose that the Detroit Lions made within the current 2025 NFL Draft.
Spherical 1, No. 28: Tyleik Williams, DT, Ohio State
Grade: B
Detroit’s defensive position depth was ravaged final season. This was very true when accidents uncovered how skinny the unit was past Hutchinson and Alim McNeill. Tyleik Williams brings severe energy and pocket-pushing capacity from the inside. These are traits the Lions have lacked. His quickness at his dimension (round 320 kilos) makes him a disruptive presence on passing downs. Nonetheless, with obvious wants at edge rusher and vast receiver, bypassing these positions in favor of an inside defender could be a chance. Nonetheless, the Lions are betting that strengthening the trenches will permit the protection to manage video games the way in which Campbell envisions.
Spherical 2, No. 57: Tate Ratledge, G, Georgia
Grade: A-
Detroit’s entrance workplace has constantly nailed offensive line picks. Bruising, high-IQ guard Tate Ratledge might be the newest success story. He initiatives as a plug-and-play starter at proper guard. He’s powerful, technically sound, and suits the Lions’ nasty, finish-the-play mentality. Assuming he’ll keep wholesome, Ratledge cannot solely begin in Week 1 however might change into a long-term pillar subsequent to Penei Sewell and Frank Ragnow.
Spherical 3, No. 70: Isaac TeSlaa, WR, Arkansas
Grade: C+
This was the Lions’ largest head-scratcher. Buying and selling two 2026 Day 2 picks to maneuver up for TeSlaa was a hefty worth. Keep in mind that this guys is an older prospect with out elite pace or separation capacity. On the flip aspect, he’s a giant, aggressive goal who can win contested catches. Nonetheless, Detroit wanted extra dynamic traits at receiver. Maybe the Lions envision him as a red-zone and possession weapon to enhance Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams. Even then, this felt like a big attain that may not yield speedy dividends.
Spherical 5, No. 171: Miles Frazier, G, LSU
Grade: B
Doubling down on the offensive line wasn’t a nasty concept. Miles Frazier brings dimension, versatility, and developmental upside. Sure, he’ll probably sit behind Ratledge and veteran Graham Glasgow in 2025. That stated, he might change into a starter by 2026. He’s a worthwhile undertaking choose at this stage of the draft.
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Spherical 6, No. 196: Ahmed Hassanein, EDGE, Boise State
Grade: B+
Lastly, Detroit took a swing at their pass-rush want. Ahmed Hassanein is uncooked, however the instruments are there. He’s an explosive, relentless rusher who suits the Lions’ tradition of competitiveness and grit. Anticipate him to carve out a job on particular groups initially whereas refining his pass-rush repertoire behind Hutchinson and Davenport.
Spherical 7, No. 230: Dan Jackson, S, Georgia
Grade: B
Dan Jackson brings much-needed athleticism and toughness to Detroit’s security group. He’s a sensible, disciplined defender who can contribute instantly on particular groups. Positive, he may not undertaking as a future beginning security. Nonetheless, his vitality and management shall be belongings within the locker room and in sub-packages.
Spherical 7, No. 244: Dominic Lovett, WR, Georgia
Grade: B-
The Lions’ skinny receiving corps wanted our bodies. Enter Dominic Lovett, who gives a special ability set from TeSlaa. He’s faster, shiftier, and may function out of the slot. Sure, he’s undersized and inconsistent. Nonetheless, Lovett offers the Lions a low-risk, doubtlessly high-reward choice to compete for snaps and add one other layer of depth.
Last Lions Draft Grade: B-
The Lions added toughness and depth within the trenches, stayed true to their id, and crammed essential wants. Nonetheless, their aggressive trade-up for TeSlaa—who doesn’t have clear starter upside—drags the general grade down barely. Detroit continues to draft gamers who match their tradition, and if Williams and Ratledge flip into year-one contributors, this class will age properly. The margin for error is slimmer when a workforce is making an attempt to take care of contender standing, however the Lions held their floor and guess on physicality carrying the day.