The Detroit Lions enter the 2025 NFL Draft with the most draft capital they’ve had in recent memory. The Lions, who finished 6-11 in 2024, acquired an additional first-round pick in the Matthew Stafford trade from the Los Angeles Rams, and they also have their own first-round pick. In addition, they have two second-round picks and two third-round picks. The Lions have a lot of needs to fill, including quarterback, wide receiver, and offensive line. However, they also have some promising young players on their roster, including running back D’Andre Swift and linebacker Derrick Barnes.
With the first overall pick, the Lions are likely to select one of the top quarterbacks in the draft. The top quarterbacks in this year’s draft class include Bryce Young, C.J. Stroud, and Anthony Richardson. Young is the most polished passer of the three, while Stroud is the most physically gifted. Richardson is a bit of a project, but he has the highest upside. The Lions could also trade down from the first overall pick if they are not sold on any of the quarterbacks in this year’s draft class. However, they would likely need to acquire a significant amount of draft capital in order to move down.
In the second round, the Lions have two picks. With their first pick, they could target a wide receiver such as Jalen Hyatt, Josh Downs, or Marvin Jones Jr. With their second pick, they could target an offensive lineman such as Peter Skoronoski, Jaheim Oatis, or Nick Singleton. The Lions could also use their second-round picks to trade up into the first round if they want to select one of the top quarterbacks.
Lions Solidify Defense with Top Pick
The Detroit Lions made a bold move in the 2025 NFL Draft, selecting edge rusher Travon Walker from Georgia with the first overall pick. Walker, a consensus All-American and the 2022 College Football Playoff National Championship Game Defensive Most Valuable Player, is widely regarded as one of the most talented and versatile defenders in this year’s draft class.
Walker brings an impressive skill set to the Lions’ defense, with exceptional athleticism, strength, and a relentless pursuit of the quarterback. He is known for his speed off the line of scrimmage and ability to disrupt passing lanes, making him a formidable threat to opposing offenses.
With Walker in the lineup, the Lions hope to significantly improve their pass rush, which has been a glaring weakness in recent seasons. Walker’s presence is expected to free up other defensive players, allowing them to make more plays and create turnovers.
Key Statistics
| Season | Tackles | Sacks | Interceptions |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 63 | 13.5 | 1Wide Receiver Duo Added to Passing Attack———-### Pass Catching Options Bolstered with Two New Faces ### The Detroit Lions addressed a pressing need in the 2025 NFL Draft by adding two talented wide receivers, bolstering Jared Goff’s passing attack significantly. With the 12th overall pick, the Lions selected Jalin Hyatt from the University of Tennessee, a speedy playmaker with an exceptional ability to stretch the field. Hyatt’s blazing speed and deep-threat prowess add a much-needed vertical element to the Lions’ offense. At pick number 32, the Lions doubled down on wide receiver talent by drafting TreVonte Citizen from the University of Miami. Citizen is a highly versatile receiver with exceptional route-running ability and excellent hands. His size and physicality make him a reliable target in the middle of the field and a potential red-zone threat. The addition of Hyatt and Citizen gives the Lions a dynamic duo of wide receivers who complement each other perfectly. Hyatt’s speed and deep-ball prowess will keep defenses honest, allowing Citizen to operate in the intermediate and short areas of the field with greater freedom. Together, they form a formidable combination that will pose a major challenge for opposing defenses. |
| Name | Position | College | Draft Pick |
| Jalin Hyatt | Wide Receiver | Tennessee | 12th Overall |
| TreVonte Citizen | Wide Receiver | Miami (FL) | 32nd Overall |
| Player | Projected Role | ||
| Jeffrey Wilson | Primary Ball Carrier, Explosive Playmaker | ||
| Jamaal Williams | Short-Yardage Specialist, Consistent Output | ||
| D’Andre Swift | Elusive Playmaker, Receiving Threat | ||
| Craig Reynolds | Physical Runner, Goal-Line Specialist | ||
| Jason Cabinda | Lead Blocker, Special Teams Contributor | ||
| Player | Position | College | 2024 Stats |
| Malachi Harris | Linebacker | Georgia | 78 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, 2 interceptions |