TWENTYMAN’S MOCK DRAFT 4.0: The final selection – Detroit Lions
2025-04-23T11:03:45Z
Tim Twentyman predicts what the Detroit Lions will do in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft.
Senior Writer NFL Draft week is finally here, and this is my last attempt at predicting how Thursday night’s first round might play out with Mock Draft 4.0. As always, feel free to disagree. 1. Tennessee (3-14) Tennessee did their homework on all the top prospects in the class and taking a potential difference maker at quarterback makes the most sense for the Titans. Pick: QB Cam Ward, Miami. The most important position in football has to be addressed in Tennessee if they are going to compete with the top teams in the AFC. 2. Cleveland (3-14) I’ve had edge rusher Abdul Carter here in previous mock drafts but there seems to be momentum building for two-way star and Heisman Trophy winner taking his talents to Cleveland. Pick: WR/CB Travis Hunter, Colorado. The Browns could certainly use help on both sides of the football. They scored the fewest points in the NFL last season and tied for 27th in points allowed. 3. New York Giants (3-14) This reminds me a lot of the 2022 draft when Aidan Hutchinson fell to Detroit at No. 2. Don’t complicate things. Take arguably the best player in the draft at No. 3. Pick: Edge Abdul Carter, Penn State. Get the best pure pass rusher in the draft. Carter had 12.0 sacks and 24 tackles for loss this past season and would boost a Giants’ pass rush that already ranked in the Top 10 in sacks last year. 4. New England (4-13) Best available lines up with need here as the Patriots go tackle to protect the blindside of last year’s big investment — quarterback Drake Maye. Pick: OT Will Campbell, LSU. Arguably the top pure tackle prospect in the class, Campbell is a perfect fit in New England. 5. Jacksonville (4-13) The Jaguars ranked 28th in points allowed and 31st in total defense this past season. The best way to immediately improve a defense is upfront closest to the football. Pick: DT Mason Graham, Michigan. Graham is one of the top three players in the class, in my opinion, and is good as both an interior pass rusher and run stuffer. He didn’t wow at the Combine from a measurables perspective, but the tape doesn’t lie. The Jaguars need to resist adding an offensive weapon and continue to build the trenches, where games are won and lost. View photos from offseason workouts on Tuesday, April 22, 2025. Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta (87) during offseason workouts at the Meijer Performance Center on April 22, 2025 in Allen Park, Mich. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions) Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) during offseason workouts at the Meijer Performance Center on April 22, 2025 in Allen Park, Mich. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions) Detroit Lions running back Craig Reynolds (13) during offseason workouts at the Meijer Performance Center on April 22, 2025 in Allen Park, Mich. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions) Detroit Lions cornerback Terrion Arnold (6) during offseason workouts at the Meijer Performance Center on April 22, 2025 in Allen Park, Mich. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions) Detroit Lions tackle Penei Sewell (58) during offseason workouts at the Meijer Performance Center on April 22, 2025 in Allen Park, Mich. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions) Detroit Lions kicker Jake Bates (39) during offseason workouts at the Meijer Performance Center on April 22, 2025 in Allen Park, Mich. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions) Detroit Lions linebacker Trevor Nowaske (53) during offseason workouts at the Meijer Performance Center on April 22, 2025 in Allen Park, Mich. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions) Detroit Lions linebacker Mitchell Agude (50) during offseason workouts at the Meijer Performance Center on April 22, 2025 in Allen Park, Mich. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions) Detroit Lions tight end Brock Wright (89) and quarterback Jared Goff (16) during offseason workouts at the Meijer Performance Center on April 22, 2025 in Allen Park, Mich. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions) Detroit Lions linebacker Abraham Beauplan (48) during offseason workouts at the Meijer Performance Center on April 22, 2025 in Allen Park, Mich. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions) Detroit Lions tight end Shane Zylstra (84) during offseason workouts at the Meijer Performance Center on April 22, 2025 in Allen Park, Mich. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions) Detroit Lions offensive lineman Giovanni Manu (59) during offseason workouts at the Meijer Performance Center on April 22, 2025 in Allen Park, Mich. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions) Detroit Lions guard Kayode Awosika (74) during offseason workouts at the Meijer Performance Center on April 22, 2025 in Allen Park, Mich. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions) Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta (87) during offseason workouts at the Meijer Performance Center on April 22, 2025 in Allen Park, Mich. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions) Detroit Lions defensive lineman Roy Lopez (51) during offseason workouts at the Meijer Performance Center on April 22, 2025 in Allen Park, Mich. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions) Detroit Lions safety Erick Hallett (36) during offseason workouts at the Meijer Performance Center on April 22, 2025 in Allen Park, Mich. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions) Detroit Lions punter Jack Fox (3) during offseason workouts at the Meijer Performance Center on April 22, 2025 in Allen Park, Mich. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions) Detroit Lions wide receiver Tom Kennedy (85) during offseason workouts at the Meijer Performance Center on April 22, 2025 in Allen Park, Mich. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions) Detroit Lions linebacker Ezekiel Turner (47) during offseason workouts at the Meijer Performance Center on April 22, 2025 in Allen Park, Mich. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions) Detroit Lions tight end Shane Zylstra (84) and Brock Wright (89) during offseason workouts at the Meijer Performance Center on April 22, 2025 in Allen Park, Mich. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions) Detroit Lions cornerback Terrion Arnold (6) during offseason workouts at the Meijer Performance Center on April 22, 2025 in Allen Park, Mich. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions) Detroit Lions tight end Kenny Yeboah (88) during offseason workouts at the Meijer Performance Center on April 22, 2025 in Allen Park, Mich. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions) Detroit Lions cornerback Ennis Rakestraw Jr. (9) during offseason workouts at the Meijer Performance Center on April 22, 2025 in Allen Park, Mich. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions) Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) during offseason workouts at the Meijer Performance Center on April 22, 2025 in Allen Park, Mich. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions) Detroit Lions wide receiver Tim Patrick (12) during offseason workouts at the Meijer Performance Center on April 22, 2025 in Allen Park, Mich. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions) Detroit Lions center Kingsley Eguakun (65) during offseason workouts at the Meijer Performance Center on April 22, 2025 in Allen Park, Mich. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions) Detroit Lions tackle Dan Skipper (70) during offseason workouts at the Meijer Performance Center on April 22, 2025 in Allen Park, Mich. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions) Detroit Lions wide receiver Kalif Raymond (11) during offseason workouts at the Meijer Performance Center on April 22, 2025 in Allen Park, Mich. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions) Detroit Lions linebacker Grant Stuard (15) during offseason workouts at the Meijer Performance Center on April 22, 2025 in Allen Park, Mich. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions) Detroit Lions quarterback Jake Fromm (18) during offseason workouts at the Meijer Performance Center on April 22, 2025 in Allen Park, Mich. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions) 6. Las Vegas (4-13) The two best fits for the top running back in the class are Las Vegas and Chicago. The Raiders pick first and get a can’t-miss playmaker that takes a lot of pressure off new quarterback Geno Smith. Getting the top tight end and top running back in back-to-back drafts makes this offense a lot better. Pick: RB Ashton Jeanty, Boise State. Jeanty has all the tools to come in right away and make a big impact. His elite vision, power and speed will be a great fit in Chip Kelly’s offense. 7. New York Jets (5-12) New head coach Aaron Glenn is coming from a team in Detroit where the strength and identity starts upfront along the offensive line. Detroit’s first pick in Glenn’s first draft on the Lions’ staff was Penei Sewell and that set the tone for what the Lions would become. Pick: IOL Armand Membou, Missouri. Membou had a heck of a Combine and his versatility and athleticism are intriguing. He’s only 20 years old and would be a great pick to team with Olu Fashanu for a good, young tackle tandem. 8. Carolina (5-12) Bryce Young could certainly use some more offensive weapons and one of the top tight ends makes sense here, but after digging into some of the defensive numbers, the Panthers were last in points allowed per game (31.4) and 29th in sacks (32) last year. They need impact defenders. Pick: Edge/LB Jalon Walker, Georgia. Walker can play both on and off the ball, and his leadership intangibles are off the charts. He can step in and be a versatile player for the Panthers’ defense and a player they try to build around moving forward. 9. New Orleans (5-12) Derek Carr’s reported arm injury and the uncertainty of him being available for the 2025 season makes this a logical landing spot for the second quarterback off the board. Pick: QB Shedeur Sanders, Colorado. Sanders trailed only Ward in touchdown passes (37) and was fourth in the FBS in passing yards (4,134). He’s one of the more accurate and pure passers to come out of college in a while. 10. Chicago (5-12) I wonder if the Bears will try to jump Las Vegas to get Jeanty. He’d be a perfect fit in Ben Johnson’s system. If they stay put, adding a young tackle to the veteran interior offensive line additions the Bears made in free agency makes sense too. No one had less time to throw the football last season than No. 1 overall pick Caleb Williams. Pick: OT Kelvin Banks Jr., Texas. A versatile player upfront that can step in and play a number of different spots is a good fit for the Bears. This move rounds out Chicago’s offensive line nicely heading into 2025. 11. San Francisco (6-11) I think tackle is a possibility even with Trent Williams, 37, returning in 2025, but the 49ers suffered significant losses upfront defensively and restocking with youthful talent should be a priority for 49ers GM John Lynch. Pick: DT Walter Nolen, Ole Miss. Nolen can be a disrupter in both the run and pass games, recording 6.5 sacks from the interior of the Rebels’ defensive line this past season. 12. Dallas (7-10) Jeanty would have been a good fit here, but with him already off the board, Dallas looks to give Dak Prescott another reliable playmaker. Pick: TE Tyler Warren, Penn State. Warren and veteran Jake Ferguson would give opponents a lot to think about in the middle of the field with CeeDee Lamb being one of the best outside weapons in football. 13. Miami (8-9) There’s already a hole at the No. 2 cornerback spot and now top cornerback Jalen Ramsey could reportedly be traded. The Dolphins have to come out of this draft with a cornerback who can play right away. Pick: CB Will Johnson, Michigan. Johnson has terrific size (6-2, 202) and movement skills with a consistent track record of production. 14. Indianapolis (8-9) The Colts need to find out if Anthony Richardson really is the answer at quarterback. Getting him a top tight end prospect as a security blanket over the middle makes a lot of sense. Pick: TE Colston Loveland, Michigan. Loveland’s a big target with a high football IQ for finding open space within a defense. He’s terrific after the catch and would be a great fit for a Colts’ offense that got 39 receptions from the tight end position in 2024. 15. Atlanta (8-9) Atlanta finished 31st in the NFL in sacks (31) last year and hasn’t had a player reach double-digit sacks since Vic Beasley Jr. in 2016. Pick: Edge Mike Green, Marshall. Green (6-4, 248) is a gifted pass rusher, who recorded 17 sacks and three forced fumbles last season for the Thundering Herd and would instantly give the Falcons some juice on the edge of their defense. As the 2025 NFL Draft nears, let’s take a look back at Detroit Lions players and their draft experiences. Michigan defensive end Aidan Hutchinson shakes hands with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell after being selected by the Detroit Lions as the second pick in the NFL football draft Thursday, April 28, 2022, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong ) Alabama cornerback Terrion Arnold on the phone while being chosen by the Detroit Lions with the 24th overall pick during the first round of the NFL football draft at the 2024 NFL football draft Thursday, April 25, 2024 in Detroit. (Doug Benc/AP Images for the NFL) Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) holds up his jersey on stage after he is selected by the Los Angeles Rams as the first overall pick during the 2016 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre on Thursday, April 28, 2016 in Chicago. (Ben Liebenberg via AP) A Detroit Lions fan, left, who was chosen to be on stage, points to an image of the team’s first-round pick Penei Sewell, an offensive lineman from Oregon, on the display on stage at the NFL football draft, Thursday April 29, 2021, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Tony Dejak) Michigan defensive end Aidan Hutchinson stands next to NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell after being selected by the Detroit Lions as the second pick in the NFL football draft Thursday, April 28, 2022, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong ) Alabama wide receiver Jameson Williams stands with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell after being chosen by the Detroit Lions with the 12th pick of the NFL football draft Thursday, April 28, 2022, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher ) Alabama wide receiver Jameson Williams walks towards the stage after being selected by the Detroit Lions during the 2022 NFL Draft on Thursday, April 28, 2022 in Las Vegas. (Ben Liebenberg via AP) Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs at the Lions Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on April 28, 2023. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions) Detroit Lions linebacker Jack Campbell at the Lions Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on April 28, 2023. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions) Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs meets Detroit Lions Principal Owner and Chair Sheila Hamp at the Lions Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on April 28, 2023. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions) Detroit Lions linebacker Jack Campbell speaks to the media at a press conference at the Lions Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on April 28, 2023. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions) Detroit Lions Head Coach Dan Campbell, Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs, Detroit Lions linebacker Jack Campbell, and Detroit Lions General Manager and Executive Vice President Brad Holmes at the Lions Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on April 28, 2023. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions) Penei Sewell arrives to Allen Park during the 2021 NFL DRAFT – Day 3 (AP Photo) Penei Sewell arrives to Allen Park during the 2021 NFL DRAFT – Day 3 (AP Photo) Commissioner Roger Goodell, left, poses with a fan after the Detroit Lions selected Frank Ragnow during the first round of the NFL football draft, Thursday, April 26, 2018, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip) The Detroit Lions first-round NFL football draft pick Frank Ragnow addresses the media, Friday, April 27, 2018, in Allen Park, Mich. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio) Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) shakes hands with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell after being selected by the Los Angeles Rams as the first pick in the first round of the 2016 NFL football draft, Thursday, April 28, 2016, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast) UTSA defensive end Marcus Davenport on the phone in the green room during the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft on Thursday, April 26, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Ben Liebenberg via AP) Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams during a visit to the Detroit Lions training facility in Allen Park, MI on April 29, 2022. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions) Detroit Lions cornerback Terrion Arnold with Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14) during his visit to the Lions training facility in Allen Park, MI on April 26, 2024. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions) Alabama cornerback Terrion Arnold poses being chosen by the Detroit Lions with the 24th overall pick during the first round of the NFL football draft, Thursday, April 25, 2024, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson) Alabama defensive back Brian Branch celebrates after being chosen by the Detroit Lions during the second round of the NFL football draft, Friday, April 28, 2023, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson) 16. Arizona (8-9) Arizona was one of nine teams this past season to record single-digit interceptions. Pick: CB Jahdae Barron, Texas. Barron had a terrific Combine. His versatile athletic traits and ball production — five interceptions this past season for the Longhorns with 11 passes defended — could give the Cardinals’ pass defense a boost. 17. Cincinnati (9-8) After re-signing wide receivers Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins to big deals this offseason, Cincinnati should look to bolster a defense that ranked in the bottom 10 in the NFL in sacks (36), even with Trey Hendrickson recording 17.5. Could Hendrickson be a trade candidate during the draft? Might want to start thinking of a backup plan on the edge. Pick: Edge Mykel Williams, Georgia. Williams has rare length and athletic traits that could be a great fit opposite Hendrickson or be a nice young player to start building around without Hendrickson. 18. Seattle (10-7) New quarterback Sam Darnold had his best season as a professional in Minnesota because he was protected and had weapons to throw to. After trading DK Metcalf and releasing Tyler Lockett, Seattle brought in Cooper Kupp but could still use a big-bodied target to complement Kupp and Jaxon Smith-Njigba. Pick: WR Tetairoa McMillan, Arizona. A tall, rangy receiver with 26 touchdowns over the last three years to go along with 3,423 receiving yards and a 16.1-yard average per reception. He would round out Seattle’s receiver corps nicely. 19. Tampa Bay (10-7) An edge rusher makes sense given their two leading sackers last season — Calijah Kancey (7.5) and Vita Vea (7.0) — play along the interior, but the Bucs also gave up the fourth-most passing yards per game last year, and giving All-Pro safety Antoine Winfield Jr. a versatile running mate could work too. Pick: S Nick Emmanwori, South Carolina. At 6-3, 220, his 4.38-second 40-yard dash, 43-inch vertical and 11-foot-6-inch broad jump is freakish and could make him a fun versatile player for any defense. Todd Bowles could have a lot of fun with a player like Emmanwori in his attacking scheme. View photos of the top quarterback prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft. Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) warms up before facing Duke in the Gator Bowl NCAA college football game in Jacksonville, Fla., Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025. (AP Photo/Gary McCullough) Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, March 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy) Syracuse quarterback Kyle McCord (6) in the second half during an NCAA college football game against UNLV, Friday, Oct. 4, 2024, in Las Vegas. Syracuse won 44-41 in overtime. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri) Syracuse quarterback Kyle Mccord runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, March 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy) Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe (4) runs the ball against Auburn during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt) Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, March 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy) Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders (2) looks to throw against BYU during the first half of the Alamo Bowl NCAA college football game, Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Eric Gay) Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders (2) takes part in passing drills during Colorado’s NFL football pro day Friday, April 4, 2025, in Boulder, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski) Louisville quarterback Tyler Shough (9) reacts after a touchdown in the first half of an NCAA college football game against Clemson, Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, in Clemson, S.C. (AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman) Louisville quarterback Tyler Shough runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, March 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy) FILE – Miami quarterback Cam Ward throws during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Syracuse on, Nov. 30, 2024 in Syracuse, N.Y. (AP Photo/Adrian Kraus, File) Miami quarterback Cam Ward runs a drill during the school’s NFL football pro day Monday, March 24, 2025, in Coral Gables, Fla. (AP Photo/Michael Laughlin) 20. Denver (10-7) The Broncos need to continue to put pieces around emerging young quarterback Bo Nix. Pick: RB Omarion Hampton, North Carolina. This was a new pick for the Broncos in my third mock draft. Denver used a committee approach to the backfield last season. They now get their running back to pair with the tight end they brought in via free agency (Evan Engram). 21. Pittsburgh (10-7) A receiver certainly makes sense here, but until they address the long-term future at quarterback, the Steelers will live in that space where they’re good enough to make the playoffs but not good enough to compete with the AFC’s elite. Pick: QB Jaxon Dart, Mississippi. Even if the Steelers land 41-year-old Aaron Rodgers at quarterback, they have no long-term plans at the most important position in football. 22. Los Angeles Chargers (11-6) One of the top tight end prospects makes sense if they fall, but if not, get another weapon on the outside to pair with Quentin Johnston and Ladd McConkey. Pick: WR Matthew Golden, Texas. Golden was the fastest receiver at the Combine (4.29) and that gives quarterback Justin Herbert and head coach Jim Harbaugh a fun weapon to add to their offense. 23. Green Bay (11-6) Green Bay could use help at cornerback and that could be the pick, but the Packers are also entering the final year of tackle Rasheed Walker’s contract. Pick: OT Josh Simmons, Ohio State. The medicals from the Combine will be an important evaluator for him after he suffered a season-ending knee injury in October. When healthy, he’s got the traits to be a quality starting tackle in the NFL. 24. Minnesota (14-3) The Vikings had some departures from their cornerback room in free agency and need to come out of this draft improving their talent and depth there. Pick: CB Maxwell Hairston, Kentucky. Hairston combines college production with elite athletic traits (4.28 in 40). He can play man or zone and should step in right away and be a productive player. 25. Houston (10-7) The Texans have some uncertainty at the wide receiver position with Tank Dell’s injury and Stefon Diggs leaving in free agency, but offensive line is a need too with Laremy Tunsil no longer in the mix. Getting some young talent to add to that line seems like a priority for the Texans in this draft. Pick: IOL Tyler Booker, Alabama. Booker fits all the traits of a player who can step in right away and be an impact player in this league for a decade. Houston’s o-line took a step back last year and needs some fresh, young talent. View photos of the top cornerback prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft. Mississippi cornerback Trey Amos (9) follows a play against Florida during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, in Gainesville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack) Mississippi defensive back Trey Amos runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, Feb. 28, 2025. (AP Photo/George Walker IV) Texas defensive back Jahdae Barron (7) celebrates after making a big tackle against Arkansas during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024, in Fayetteville, Ark. (AP Photo/Michael Woods) Texas defensive back Jahdae Barron runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, Feb. 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy) Kentucky defensive back Maxwell Hairston (31) celebrates after returning an interception for a touchdown against Vanderbilt in the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 23, 2023, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV) Kentucky defensive back Maxwell Hairston (1) attempts to tackle Texas wide receiver Ryan Wingo (5) after a catch during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Austin, Texas, Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024. (AP Photo/Eric Gay) Colorado wide receiver Travis Hunter (12) runs for a first down during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Kansas, Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel) Colorado wide receiver Travis Hunter (12) takes part in passing drills during Colorado’s NFL football pro day Friday, April 4, 2025, in Boulder, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski) North Carolina’s Alijah Huzzie (28) covers on defense during an NCAA football game on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024, in Durham, N.C. (AP Photo/Ben McKeown) The bench celebrates as North Carolina defensive back Alijah Huzzie (28) evades the last Georgia Tech defender as he runs a punt back for a touchdown during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 12, 2024, in Chapel Hill, N.C. (AP Photo/Chris Seward) Michigan defensive back Will Johnson (2) plays during the NCAA college football team’s spring game in Ann Arbor, Mich., Saturday, April 20, 2024. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya) Michigan defensive back Will Johnson (2) plays against Southern California in the first half of an NCAA college football game in Ann Arbor, Mich., Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya) Notre Dame defensive back Benjamin Morrison (20) celebrates while wearing a Play Like a Champion Today backplate during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Louisville Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024, in South Bend, Ind. (AP Photo/Michael Caterina) Notre Dame defensive back Benjamin Morrison (20) celebrates an interception that was called back due to a flag during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Stanford, Saturday, Oct. 12, 2024, in South Bend, Ind. (AP Photo/Michael Caterina) Kansas State cornerback Jacob Parrish (10) during an NCAA football game on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024, in Manhattan, Kan. (AP Photo/Colin E. Braley) Kansas State defensive back Jacob Parrish runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, Feb. 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy) Iowa State defensive back Darien Porter (10) gets set for a play during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Iowa, Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024, in Iowa City, Iowa. Iowa State won 20-19. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall) Iowa State defensive back Darien Porter runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, Feb. 28, 2025. (AP Photo/George Walker IV) East Carolina defensive back Shavon Revel Jr. speaks during a press conference at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Thursday, Feb. 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy) Louisville defensive back Quincy Riley (3) plays against Clemson during an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, in Clemson, S.C. (AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman) Louisville defensive back Quincy Riley runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, Feb. 28, 2025. (AP Photo/George Walker IV) Florida State defensive back Azareye’h Thomas (20) sets up for a play during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Syracuse, Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023, in Tallahassee, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack) Florida State defensive back Azareye’h Thomas runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, Feb. 28, 2025. (AP Photo/George Walker IV) California’s Nohl Williams (3) runs with the ball after an interception during the first half of an NCAA football game against Auburn on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024 in Auburn, Ala. (AP Photo/Stew Milne) California defensive back Nohl Williams runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, Feb. 28, 2025. (AP Photo/George Walker IV) 26. Los Angeles Rams (10-7) Investing in the offensive line late in the first round is always great value. The Rams could use more depth and competition along the interior of their offensive line. Pick: IOL Donovan Jackson, Ohio State. Jackson can be a dominant NFL guard early and showed last year filling in at left tackle for the Buckeyes he’s more than capable there. Teams love that kind of versatility upfront. 27. Baltimore (12-5) The Ravens love versatile players along their front seven on defense. Pick: LB Jihaad Campbell, Alabama. One of my favorite prospects in the draft isn’t on the board for the Lions who are up next. Baltimore is so good getting the best out of versatile hybrid players along their front seven and Campbell would be a great fit with 119 tackles (55 solo) and five sacks this past season. 28. Detroit (15-2) Detroit has options here with some intriguing pass rushers and defensive tackles still on the board. It’s a really deep defensive line class and talent can be found later in Day 2. I think the Lions would like to add talent and depth at the guard spot. And how much longer does center Frank Ragnow want to play? That seems to be a year-to-year conversation. Pick: OL Grey Zabel, North Dakota State. Zabel showed at the Senior Bowl he can handle the step up in competition. He started at four different spots along the offensive line in college and when he moved to center at the Senior Bowl he was probably the most consistent of the bunch. The Lions love that kind of versatility upfront. Zabel could compete for a starting spot at guard right away and could be a plug-and-play piece at a number of different spots, if needed. Zabel’s skillset, versatility and play style fits perfectly in Detroit. 29. Washington (12-5) Adding a young pass rusher with potentially a very high ceiling is great value at the end of the first round. Pick: Edge Shemar Stewart, Texas A&M. Sure, the lack of production is a bit concerning, but he affects the backfield (39 QB pressures last season). Stewart (6-foot-5, 267) had an impressive combine with a 1.58-second 10-yard split, 4.59-second 40-yard dash and 40-inch vertical. Who better to teach the youngster the ropes than Jordan. View photos of 2025 NFL Draft offensive line prospect Grey Zabel. North Dakota State linemen Grey Zabel (74) and South Dakota Mi”Quise Grace (90) engage each other during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, in Vermillion, S.D. (AP Photo/Josh Jurgens) National team offensive lineman Grey Zabel of North Dakota State (77) runs through drills during practice for the Senior Bowl NCAA college football game, Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025, in Mobile, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill) North Dakota State linemen Grey Zabel (74) backs into pass protection against a South Dakota defender during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, in Vermillion, S.D. (AP Photo/Josh Jurgens) North Dakota State offensive lineman Grey Zabel runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 2, 2025. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy) North Dakota State linemen Grey Zabel (74) lines up against a South Dakota defender during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, in Vermillion, S.D. (AP Photo/Josh Jurgens) National team offensive lineman Grey Zabel (77), of North Dakota State, during the first half of the Senior Bowl NCAA college football game, Saturday, Feb. 1, 2025, in Mobile, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill) North Dakota State offensive lineman Grey Zabel runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 2, 2025. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy) North Dakota State linemen Grey Zabel (74) sits back waiting for South Dakota defenders to rush during the PAT attempt during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, in Vermillion, S.D. (AP Photo/Josh Jurgens) National team offensive lineman Grey Zabel of North Dakota State (77) runs through drills during practice for the Senior Bowl NCAA college football game, Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025, in Mobile, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill) North Dakota State offensive lineman Grey Zabel runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 2, 2025. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy) 30. Buffalo (13-4) The Bills look to get more stout in the middle of their defense at the end of the first round. Pick: DT Kenneth Grant, Michigan. Grant is a massive space eater (6-3, 339) that can anchor the middle of Buffalo’s defensive front and immediately improve a rush defense that let them down in the playoffs. 31. Kansas City (15-2) The Chiefs found out in both of their Super Bowl losses that it doesn’t matter how good quarterback Patrick Mahomes is if he’s running for his life all game. Pick: OT Josh Conerly Jr., Oregon. Conerly gave up two sacks in three years at Oregon and has all the tools to be a quality starter. 32. Philadelphia (14-3) Longtime Eagles pass rusher Brandon Graham called it a career this offseason. Maybe they find his replacement with the last pick of the first round. The Eagles are terrific at finding first-round defensive line talent. Pick: Edge Donovan Ezeiruaku, Boston College. His size and skillset mirrors that of Graham quite a bit coming out of college. He’s got terrific agility and quickness (6.94 seconds in three cone at Combine) to go along with 34-inch arms and the 16.5 sacks he recorded last season. Tim Twentyman takes a final look at who the experts have the Lions selecting in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft. Here’s everything you need to know in order to follow the 2025 NFL Draft. Tim Twentyman takes a look at 10 draft prospects that make sense for the Lions at 28. Check out the Detroit Lions’ final order of picks in the 2025 NFL Draft. Tim Twentyman takes a look at where each of the four teams in the NFC North stand heading into the 2025 NFL Draft. Tim Twentyman takes a look at the Detroit Lions’ top five positions of need heading into the 2025 NFL Draft. Tim Twentyman covers all the key questions from Detroit Lions general manager Brad Holmes’ pre-draft press conference. Tim Twentyman takes a look at 5 running back prospects that could interest the Detroit Lions. Tim Twentyman takes a look at 5 linebacker prospects that could interest the Detroit Lions. Tim Twentyman takes a look at 5 tight end prospects that could interest the Detroit Lions. Tim Twentyman takes a look at 5 cornerback prospects that could interest the Detroit Lions.
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