Discussion on Draft Day: Where Should the Detroit Lions Select in the NFL Draft’s First Round?
As the NFL Draft draws closer, teams are starting to solidify their plans for the future. For some, it’s about adding a franchise quarterback or a game-changing wide receiver. For others, it’s about filling in key roster holes and continuing to build a championship contender. For the Detroit Lions, who have been in rebuilding mode for several years now, the 2025 NFL Draft offers a unique opportunity to continue the momentum they have gained in recent seasons. With their first-round pick, the Lions could go in several directions, making this decision one of the most important of the franchise’s recent history.
Coming off an impressive season where they showed significant improvement under head coach Dan Campbell, the Lions have a solid foundation. With exciting young players like Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, and a dynamic backfield featuring Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery, the Lions have a promising future. However, as with any team looking to take the next step, they still have several needs to address, and the draft presents a pivotal opportunity to fill those gaps.
This article will break down the Detroit Lions’ roster needs, potential draft targets, and the key areas where they should look to strengthen their team in the 2025 NFL Draft’s first round. By examining their current roster, recent performance, and areas of weakness, we’ll discuss where the Lions should select and who could be the ideal fit for their first-round pick.
The Detroit Lions’ Current Roster and Needs
The Detroit Lions enter the 2025 NFL Draft with a relatively strong roster that has the potential to compete in the NFC North and beyond. However, there are still several areas where the team could improve in order to become a true playoff contender. Let’s take a look at their current roster and analyze the key positions that need attention.
Offensive Line
The Lions’ offensive line is one of the strongest in the NFL. Featuring stalwarts like Frank Ragnow at center and Penei Sewell at right tackle, Detroit has an excellent foundation up front. However, the team could look to bolster depth at guard or left tackle. With Jared Goff as the team’s quarterback, maintaining a strong offensive line will be key to his success, particularly in the face of strong pass rushes. A top-tier offensive lineman could provide an immediate boost, particularly for depth purposes or to upgrade a position like left guard or right guard.
Defensive Line
The defensive line is another area where the Lions could stand to improve. While they have some solid contributors, including Aidan Hutchinson, who had a fantastic rookie season, the Lions could use additional help in both the pass rush and run defense. A dynamic interior lineman who can push the pocket or an edge rusher to complement Hutchinson would be a great addition. Detroit’s defensive line has shown flashes of potential but lacks the consistency needed to consistently disrupt opposing quarterbacks and stop the run.
Cornerback
Cornerback is perhaps the most glaring need for the Lions. While the team has made strides in improving their secondary, they still lack a true lockdown corner who can consistently shut down opposing wide receivers. With several high-powered offenses in the NFC North and the NFL at large, the Lions need a cornerback who can help shut down the passing game and offer more consistency in coverage. Adding a top-tier cornerback in the first round could go a long way in improving Detroit’s defense.
Wide Receiver
The Lions have one of the best wide receivers in the league in Amon-Ra St. Brown, and with the addition of Jameson Williams, their wide receiver corps has a lot of potential. However, the team could use more depth and a true No. 2 option to take pressure off of St. Brown. With teams focusing on containing St. Brown, having a second wide receiver who can stretch the field and make big plays would elevate Detroit’s offense and give Jared Goff another weapon.
Linebacker
Linebacker is an area where the Lions have some solid pieces, but there is room for improvement. While they have made strides in recent years, they could use an upgrade in coverage and run defense. Adding a versatile linebacker who can be a force in both phases of the game would help solidify their defense and allow the team to be more flexible with defensive schemes. A linebacker who can cover tight ends and running backs while also filling gaps against the run would be a valuable asset to the Lions’ defense.
Where Should the Detroit Lions Select in the 2025 NFL Draft’s First Round?
Given the areas of need on the roster, there are several directions the Lions could go in the first round of the draft. While selecting the best available player is always a tempting option, the Lions need to be strategic in choosing a player who will make the most immediate impact and help the team in its pursuit of playoff contention. Let’s explore a few options for Detroit’s first-round pick.
Option 1: Cornerback
The most immediate need for the Lions appears to be at cornerback. Despite having some promising young talent in their secondary, Detroit lacks a true No. 1 corner who can lock down the opposing team’s best receiver. In today’s NFL, having a top-tier cornerback is essential for success, especially with the proliferation of dynamic wide receivers in the league.
One potential target for the Lions could be Kool-Aid McKinstry from Alabama. McKinstry is considered one of the best cornerbacks in this year’s draft, with excellent coverage skills, speed, and an ability to disrupt passing lanes. His ability to cover both outside receivers and play in the slot makes him a versatile asset who could immediately step into the starting lineup and provide the Lions with a true lockdown corner. Pairing McKinstry with the talented Amani Oruwariye and Jeffrey Okudah could give the Lions one of the most formidable secondaries in the NFC.
Option 2: Defensive Line (Edge Rusher)
Another area where the Lions need help is on the defensive line. While Aidan Hutchinson has been a bright spot for Detroit’s pass rush, the Lions could use another edge rusher to complement him and create more consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks. This is especially important in the NFC North, where teams like the Green Bay Packers and Minnesota Vikings feature strong offensive lines.
A potential target for the Lions is Jared Verse, an edge rusher from Florida State. Verse has quickly become one of the top pass rushers in this draft class due to his explosive first step and ability to disrupt the quarterback. Adding him to a line that already features Hutchinson and a solid interior group could give the Lions one of the most fearsome pass-rushing units in the NFL. With a strong pass rush, the Lions would be able to put more pressure on opposing quarterbacks and give their secondary the time it needs to make plays.
Option 3: Wide Receiver
While the Lions have a solid duo of wide receivers in Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams, they could benefit from adding another weapon to stretch the field and provide Jared Goff with more options in the passing game. A dynamic No. 2 receiver could help take pressure off St. Brown, allowing the offense to be even more potent.
Marvin Harrison Jr., the standout wide receiver from Ohio State, is one of the most hyped prospects in this draft class. Harrison has all the tools to be an elite wide receiver in the NFL, with excellent route-running, hands, and the ability to make plays after the catch. Pairing Harrison with St. Brown and Williams would give Goff one of the most talented receiving corps in the NFL. The addition of a No. 2 receiver like Harrison could take the Lions’ offense to the next level and make them one of the most explosive units in the league.
Option 4: Linebacker
Linebacker is another position where the Lions could look to improve, particularly if they want to increase the versatility and athleticism of their defense. A top-tier linebacker could help solidify the defense against both the run and the pass, particularly in coverage situations.
Jack Campbell from Iowa is one of the top linebacker prospects in this year’s draft. Campbell is a versatile player who can cover tight ends and running backs in the passing game while also being a force against the run. His ability to make plays in the open field and read plays quickly makes him an ideal fit for the Lions’ defense. Adding Campbell would give Detroit a linebacker who can make an immediate impact and provide a much-needed boost to their defensive front.
