2025 Detroit Lions Draft Picks: Preparing for the Future

Detroit Lions Draft Picks
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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

13.5

Wide 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

Running Back Committee Enhanced with New Addition

1. Jeffrey Wilson: Explosive and Versatile

Wilson provides a dynamic skillset to the backfield. His ability to burst through gaps with quickness and agility will add a new dimension to Detroit’s offense.

2. Jamaal Williams: Consistent and Reliable

Williams brings stability and experience to the group. His dependable presence and ability to churn out tough yards on short-yardage situations make him a valuable asset.

3. D’Andre Swift: Elusive and Shifty

Swift’s exceptional agility and acceleration make him a dangerous playmaker. His ability to create space and find holes makes him a key component of the offense.

4. Craig Reynolds: Physical and Hard-nosed

Reynolds is a physical runner who excels at breaking tackles and punishing defenders. His toughness and determination will add a gritty element to the Lions’ backfield.

5. Jason Cabinda: Versatile Fullback

Cabinda does not accumulate many carries but plays a crucial role as a lead blocker and special teamer. His physical presence and versatility make him a valuable asset.

6. Depth and Competition

The addition of Wilson and the re-signing of Williams bolster the Lions’ running back depth. The depth and competition in the backfield will push each player to improve, creating a healthy environment for growth.

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

Linebacker Talent Infused into the Team

The Detroit Lions are set to make a splash in the upcoming 2025 NFL Draft, with a particular focus on bolstering their linebacker corps. Several top-rated linebackers are projected to be available, providing the Lions with an opportunity to upgrade their defense significantly.

10. Malachi Harris, Georgia (6’2″, 225 lbs)

Malachi Harris is a versatile and athletic linebacker who excels in both run defense and pass coverage. He possesses an explosive first step, allowing him to quickly close on ball carriers and disrupt passing lanes. His size and strength make him a formidable presence in the middle of the defense, while his instincts and agility enable him to make plays all over the field. In 2024, Harris recorded 78 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, and 2 interceptions for Georgia, earning First-Team All-SEC honors.

Harris’s athleticism and versatility would be a valuable asset to the Lions’ defense. He could play weakside or middle linebacker, providing the team with both range and physicality. His ability to cover running backs and tight ends in man-to-man matchups would also be a major upgrade for the Lions.

Player	Position	College	2024 Stats
Malachi Harris	Linebacker	Georgia	78 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, 2 interceptions

2025 Detroit Lions Draft Picks

The Detroit Lions are projected to have nine draft picks in the 2025 NFL Draft. This includes:

1 first-round pick
2 second-round picks
3 third-round picks
3 fourth-round picks

The Lions’ draft position will be determined by their record in the 2024 season. However, based on their current roster and projected performance, they are likely to have a high draft pick in the first round.

The Lions have a number of needs that they could address with their draft picks. These include:

* Quarterback: The Lions have not had a franchise quarterback since Matthew Stafford left the team in 2021. They could use their first-round pick to select a quarterback who can lead them to success.
* Defensive line: The Lions’ defensive line has been a major weakness in recent years. They could use their second-round pick to select a defensive lineman who can help them generate pressure on the quarterback.
* Wide receiver: The Lions’ wide receiver corps is young and talented, but they could use another playmaker to help them score points. They could use their third-round pick to select a wide receiver who can stretch the field and make big plays.