Lions 2025 NFL Draft big board: Top players to watch at edge, defensive tackle and more

Sports

add

The 2025 NFL Draft is days away, and it feels like the possibilities are endless for the Detroit Lions.

Could they trade up in a draft that feels lighter on impact talent? Could that force them to go an unconventional route? Could they trade out of the first round with a team targeting a quarterback? Or will they stand pat and let a good player fall to them?

Get your popcorn ready. We’ll find out in a couple of days. But first, one final Detroit Lions big board — featuring 50 prospects who could be targets on Day 1 or Day 2.

Day 1

Mykel Williams, Edge, Georgia

Williams, to me, feels like the most likely trade-up target if the Lions are willing to sacrifice some capital. He’s got power, length, size, can defend the run and set an edge and is viewed as a strong character fit/locker room addition. He’s also one of the youngest players in the class, and won’t turn 21 until June. It’s possible he won’t make it out of the top 12. However, if he slides to the teens, the Lions could strike — drafting the BPA on their board and a position of need simultaneously.

Shemar Stewart, Edge, Texas A&M

Stewart could be another trade-up candidate if he slides. He’s one of the most athletic edge rushers to ever come out of the draft, though his sack production leaves a bit to be desired. Still, he led Texas A&M with 39 pressures and was excellent at both the Senior Bowl and combine (a perfect 10.00 relative athletic score). He has size, speed, length and all the tools to develop into a dream fit next to Hutchinson — one who would be cheap for the next five seasons, as the Lions continue to hand out extensions.

Jihaad Campbell, LB, Alabama

Easily one of my favorite players in the draft. Campbell is what you’d get if you ask ChatGPT to build a modern NFL linebacker. He can run, cover, diagnose and even play some edge. Campbell could be long gone before No. 28, but if he’s there for some reason, or if the Lions want to trade up for him, it wouldn’t take long for him to justify the pick with his play.

Derrick Harmon, DT, Oregon

A Detroit native who’s a jack-of-all-trades DT, Harmon would be a lot of fun back in his hometown. The Lions brought him in for a 30 visit, so there’s some interest there. Holmes said the Lions are getting a bit “heavy” at DT, but Levi Onwuzurike and DJ Reader are entering the final year of their contracts, so they could solve a future problem with a move like this. There’s some buzz that Harmon’s medicals might be a concern, but when healthy, he’s a disruptive talent who’d be an excellent fit in Detroit.

Donovan Ezeiruaku, Edge, Boston College

Ezeiruaku might not be what the Lions typically go for size-wise, but he’s got 34-inch arms and a frame that could fill out over time, so the makings of a solid NFL run defender are there. If the Lions are looking for a young edge with a deep bag of moves to pair with Hutchinson, Ezeiruaku could be the target.

Grey Zabel, G/C, North Dakota State

Campbell said the Lions could look to draft a guard. One who makes a lot of sense is Zabel. He’d be the third guard in a competition that would also feature Graham Glasgow and Christian Mahogany for the two starting gigs. If he hits, he could be a long-term answer at center, while playing guard in the meantime. Think about what Philly did with Cam Jurgens.

Tyler Booker, G, Alabama

Booker looks like he could step in and be a high-level guard right away. His slow foot speed won’t be for everyone, especially in an offense that loves to pull its guards and get them in space, but he’s a mauler with violent tendencies and intentions. Have to think the Lions will love his mentality.

Will Johnson, CB, Michigan

Viewed as the consensus CB2 in this draft, Johnson hasn’t been able to work out much this offseason because of injuries and didn’t run the 40 at a private showcase he held for teams this month. If teams are confident in the film, Johnson is an easy top-15 prospect. But those concerns might knock him down a bit. Also hard to project a corner to Detroit after adding Terrion Arnold, Ennis Rakestraw Jr., D.J. Reed and Amik Robertson the last two years.

Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan

I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention Loveland at some point during the draft cycle. Tremendous player. Probably won’t be there at 28. He’s only a fit for the Lions if they want to create matchup nightmares in 12 personnel with him and Sam LaPorta, though. Or if they don’t want to give LaPorta $20 million in two years. I wouldn’t rule out the idea of a tight end on Day 2 or 3, though. There are a lot of them.

Josh Simmons, OT, Ohio State

The Lions might be good at tackle with Penei Sewell and Taylor Decker under contract and Giovanni Manu developing behind the scenes, but if they have Simmons ranked high on their board and he’s there at 28 because of medicals, this could be a scenario where they go BPA.

Kenneth Grant, DT, Michigan

If the Lions want more of a pure nose tackle, Grant fits the bill. With DJ Reader entering the final year of his contract, getting an athletic freak like Grant to pair with McNeill for the next five years could help the defensive line remain strong.

Malaki Starks, S, Georgia

Starks fits the mold of a high-IQ safety that teams will pass on because of positional value and regret later. We saw it with Brian Branch a few years ago. Would the Lions do it again?

Nick Emmanwori, S, South Carolina

A tremendous athlete who could play multiple spots in the secondary, there’s bound to be a team that falls in love with Emmanwori’s potential. However, the Lions are set at safety (barring a change of heart re: Kerby Joseph) and remain high on 2024 second-rounder Ennis Rakestraw Jr. and Amik Robertson at nickel.

Josh Conerly, T/G, Oregon

Durable with strong lateral quickness, Conerly would be another tackle option. He doesn’t have much guard experience, but perhaps he could learn in the NFL while projecting as a tackle long-term.

Kelvin Banks, G/T, Texas

He doesn’t have ideal tackle length, which makes him more of a guard at the next level. Some teams view him as both. But that wouldn’t be an issue in Detroit. Banks moves well and shows good footwork in pass sets. He’d be a fit.

Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona

If McMillan were somehow available at 28, he’d be worth considering. He’s the big-bodied X receiver they’ve been looking for and would fit the best player available mantra.

Matthew Golden, WR, Texas

A speedy wideout who ran a 4.29 at the combine, the Lions reportedly brought Golden in for a 30 visit. What does it mean? Maybe something, maybe nothing. We know the Lions want to get a younger at receiver. Another wrinkle: Jameson Williams’ future in Detroit. He could price himself out of Detroit’s budget with another 1,000-yard season, and Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer reported Monday that some in league circles believe Williams could be traded. Or maybe they invest in him and let a different member of the core walk. Regardless, that feels like more of a 2026 conversation.

Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State

A professional receiver who could likely step in and catch 75 passes as a rookie, Egbuka feels like another receiver in the mold of Amon-Ra St. Brown. Are two St. Browns better than one? Or would the Lions like a different skill set at the position? We’ll see, but Egbuka feels like one of the safer prospects in the class.

Note: Character/off-field concerns for Mike Green, James Pearce Jr. and Walter Nolen kept them off the board, though they’re legitimately talented players who would be easy to justify in the first based on talent alone. The Lions would just need to do their homework and try to determine what’s real.

Day 2

Donovan Jackson, G/T, Ohio State

Another guard/tackle option, Jackson made the move to left tackle before Ohio State’s playoff run and was a standout at the position. They don’t win a championship without him. That versatility and mentality will appeal to teams.

Nic Scourton, Edge, Texas A&M

Scourton is a powerful edge and among the youngest players in the class. He’s dropped nearly 30 pounds — down to about 257 — which is closer to his listed weight at Purdue, before he was asked to bulk up at Texas A&M. His tape is a bit inconsistent, but he’s got upside as a pocket crusher, can defend the run and is A-plus character-wise. At only 20 years old, a team can coach him into the best version of himself. I could see the Lions being higher on him than most, and wouldn’t rule him out in the first or as a trade-back candidate in the early second.

Tyleik Williams, DT, Ohio State

While there are better pure pass-rushing defensive tackles, Williams is among the best run-defenders in his class. He’s got quick and violent hands that allow him to shed blockers in a hurry and enough power and agility to maneuver his way out of double teams. Very nimble. Fun prospect to watch. Remarkably consistent.

Jayden Higgins, WR, Iowa State

Another big-bodied receiver, but one who might not require a first-round pick. Higgins can go up and get it and has 4.47 speed.

Luther Burden III, WR, Missouri

Questions about his route running and 2024 film (based on QB play) might cause him to wait until Day 2, but Burden is explosive with the ball in his hands and is still tapping into the potential that made him a top-10 prospect out of high school. Could be a matchup nightmare in the right system with proper coaching.

Landon Jackson, Edge, Arkansas

Jackson isn’t a quick-twitch pass-rusher, but he’s 6-foot-7, 280-pound edge who uses his power, IQ and hands to win. He’s a high-effort player who shows good awareness in the run game. He also recorded a 9.88 relative athletic score, which was among the best in the class at his position.

Jonah Savaiinaea, G/T, Arizona

Savaiinaea said he models his game after Penei Sewell, so how about drafting him to play with Sewell? The value of drafting one of these guard/tackle linemen like Savaiinaea is the versatility that comes with it. If you draft him, he could compete to start at guard with Glasgow and Mahogany, and if Decker or Sewell goes down, he could move to tackle. Depth will be everything for a Detroit team with few holes.

Carson Schwesinger, LB, UCLA

Not a true position of need, but a player who looks like he could start for a decade. He’s got a competitive mindset, can diagnose quickly, understands route concepts and has good size. A sneaky fit for Detroit, with Alex Anzalone in the final year of his contract.

Jordan Burch, Edge, Oregon

A classic pocket-pusher with power, Burch feels like a high-floor option in the second round who could offer positional versatility as a DT/edge.

Shavon Revel, CB, East Carolina

Revel was viewed as a top-10 prospect before a torn ACL ended his season in September. And yet, he’s still talented enough to be a first-rounder. He’s got excellent size at 6-foot-2 and terrific long speed to close ground on deep balls. He’s physical in man coverage and in the run game. Would the Lions make it work if he’s there at 60?

Xavier Watts, S, Notre Dame

If the Lions end up with Watts, it could be a sign that Joseph might not be a long-term option. He recorded 13 interceptions in the last two seasons. Arguably the best ballhawk in the class.

Shemar Turner, DT, Texas A&M

Here’s what a college coach said of Turner, per The Athletic’s Bruce Feldman: “He plays with such an edge. He’s a f—ing asshole. I like his position flex. He can bounce out there and play edge, can kick him to the 3 (technique), kick him to the nose. Watch the tape, he’s the best one from A&M. Holy s—, this fool is coming off the ball.”

That’ll play.

Jack Bech, WR, TCU

The player he’s most compared to is Puka Nacua. Make of that what you will.

J.T. Tuimoloau/Jack Sawyer, Edge, Ohio State

You know the drill. Ohio State has two high-floor edge rushers viewed as strong character fits who could be options for the Lions on Day 2. Tuimoloau is a better pass rusher, while Sawyer has a constant motor. Either one will help the defensive line they’re added to.

T.J. Sanders, DT, South Carolina

A twitchy, long DT who didn’t focus on football until his junior year of high school, it feels like Sanders’ best football is ahead of him. He’d be a fun addition to a defensive tackle room that has questions beyond the 2025 season.

Princely Umanmielen, Edge, Ole Miss

If the Lions are looking for a Day 2 option at edge, Umanmielen could be an answer. He had solid production in his final year at Ole Miss and those pass-rush skills should translate to the next level.

Darius Alexander, DT, Toledo

With a blend of power, length and body control, Alexander is a scheme-versatile DT with an NFL body. Still learning the nuances of the position at age 25, but Alexander had a good showing at the Senior Bowl and has starter upside on Day 2.

Oluwafemi Oladejo, Edge, UCLA

A raw prospect, but an intriguing one. Oladejo is a former linebacker who made the switch to edge in his final year at UCLA. It’s the sole reason we’re talking about him as a draft prospect right now. He looks the part at edge, showing a good feel for the run and converting speed to power. The lack of experience shows in his tape, and it’ll be on an NFL staff to continue refining his pass-rush moves, but he’s an elite competitor and a ball of clay ready to be molded with some pretty usable traits already at his disposal. Expect the Lions to give him a long look.

Josaiah Stewart, Edge, Michigan

The Lions have done a considerable amount of homework on Stewart. In fact, it seems like they’ve done their homework on a few speed rushers in this class, which makes sense considering, well, they don’t have a ton of speed. Stewart is among the higher-end options and should be available in the late second or early third round.

Ashton Gillotte, Edge, Louisville

A bit undersized for the position, Gillotte was extremely productive in college with 118 pressures over his final two years, accompanied by a nonstop motor. There are questions about his ceiling, but at the very least, he can be a strong subpackage rusher with the potential for more.

Miles Frazier, G, LSU

Average athleticism, but he’s another mauler at guard who could start on Day 1 and should be available on Day 2. Top 85 prospect on Brugler’s big board.

Marcus Mbow, G/T, Purdue

Fluid, athletic, mobile. There’s a lot to like about Mbow’s game. He could project to guard or tackle at the next level. The idea of him and Penei Sewell on the same side doing damage in the run game is silly.

Terrance Ferguson, TE, Oregon

Same conversation as earlier. Do the Lions need a tight end? No. Is this a deep group with a chance to create something special with LaPorta? Yes. Ferguson is good at just about everything.

Tate Ratledge/Dylan Fairchild/Jared Wilson, IOL, Georgia

We’re combining Georgia’s interior offensive linemen — all of whom could be Day 2 picks. All three would make sense if the Lions are looking to add interior help without using a high-end pick on one. Ratledge is a self-described “dirtbag.” Wilson looks like a 10-year starting center. Fairchild has a wrestling background and mauler mentality. Take your pick.

Kyle Williams, WR, Washington State

Williams is a favorite among the receiver group. He accelerates and gets out of his breaks quickly. He can start and stop on a dime. He has 4.4 speed and is a threat with the ball in his hands — especially in short area. A bit on the smaller side, but Williams has the tools to develop into a reliable WR2.

Elic Ayomanor, WR, Stanford

The Stanford product earned a 9.56 relative athletic score, thanks to a strong combine showing. He ran a 4.44 40 at 6-foot-2, 206 pounds. New Lions passing-game coordinator David Shaw recruited Ayomanor to Stanford and was in the room when Ayomanor met with the Lions at the combine. They’re doing their homework on receivers.

Jonas Sanker, S, Virginia

The Lions brought Sanker in for a 30 visit, so they could be in the market for safety help with Ifeatu Melifonwu off to the Dolphins. He would give them a high-level third safety in the event of an injury, or he could offer insurance if the Lions can’t get long-term deals done with Joseph or Branch. A strong tackler with very good closing speed. Fun prospect to watch.

Bradyn Swinson, Edge, LSU

Another Day 2 edge option is Swinson. A productive player at LSU. Wins in a ton of different ways. Great tape. Flying under the radar.

Tory Horton, WR, Colorado State

A productive receiver with 4.4 speed who scoffed at SEC NIL offers to stay at Colorado State, Horton is an intriguing prospect for a team that loves to run crossers with its receivers. He’s savvy in ways wide receivers should be and knows how to get open. Physical corners could offer some problems, but Horton offers a lot to like.

(Top photo of Shemar Stewart: Maria Lysaker / USA Today)

This news was originally published on this post .

Share on

email

Previous

trending_flat

Eagles 2025 NFL Draft big board: Players to watch at positions on offense and defense

Sports

Next

trending_flat

Bilesová stále váhá, zda bude usilovat o další olympijský start

Sports