Discussion: Which Positions Are Realistic First-Round Options for the Detroit Lions?
As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, the Detroit Lions find themselves in an intriguing position. After years of rebuilding, the Lions are finally beginning to see a glimmer of hope on the horizon. Under the leadership of head coach Dan Campbell and general manager Brad Holmes, the team has shown significant improvement and appears poised for a more successful future. However, while they have made strides in certain areas, there are still several key positions on the roster that need to be addressed.
With the draft approaching, Lions fans and analysts alike are eagerly speculating about which positions the team should target in the first round. The Lions hold multiple first-round picks, including one of the top selections, giving them ample opportunity to shape their roster for the future. But which positions are most realistic for the team to focus on, and which could make the most immediate impact?
In this discussion, we’ll dive into the potential first-round options for the Detroit Lions, examining key positions that could be addressed and why they make sense for the team’s future.
1. Cornerback: A Vital Need for the Lions’ Defense
Perhaps the most glaring need for the Detroit Lions heading into the 2025 NFL Draft is at cornerback. The team has made strides defensively in recent years, but the secondary remains a significant weak point. Injuries and inconsistent play from both starters and backups have hindered the defense’s ability to shut down opposing passing attacks.
The Lions’ cornerback group is led by veteran Jeff Okudah, who has shown flashes of brilliance but has been plagued by injuries and inconsistencies throughout his career. A strong cornerback group could go a long way toward bolstering the defense and providing better support to the Lions’ defensive line and pass rush.
In this draft, there are several standout cornerback prospects who could be available when the Lions make their first-round selection. Players like Kool-Aid McKinstry from Alabama and Mekhi Blackmon from USC are expected to be early selections and could provide an instant upgrade to the Lions’ secondary. Both are known for their athleticism, ball skills, and ability to match up against top receivers. Selecting a cornerback in the first round would give the Lions a legitimate No. 1 corner who could potentially lock down top wide receivers and help elevate the entire defense.
2. Edge Rusher: Strengthening the Pass Rush
While the Lions have made some improvements to their defensive line in recent years, they are still in need of a game-changing pass rusher. The team’s ability to generate pressure on the quarterback has been inconsistent, and that is a critical aspect of any successful defense. A strong pass rush is vital to disrupting opposing offenses, forcing turnovers, and creating chaos in the backfield.
The 2025 NFL Draft boasts a deep class of edge rushers, and the Lions could be in a prime position to land one of these top-tier prospects. A player like Will Anderson Jr. from Alabama, widely considered one of the best edge rushers in recent memory, could be a perfect fit for the Lions if he’s available when they pick. Anderson has been dominant in college, showcasing a mix of speed, strength, and relentless determination off the edge. His ability to disrupt the quarterback and make plays behind the line of scrimmage would be a major boost to Detroit’s defense.
If Anderson is off the board by the time the Lions select, they could look to players like Tyree Wilson from Texas Tech or Jared Verse from Florida State. Both are physical, explosive edge rushers who would immediately upgrade the Lions’ pass rush and complement their current defensive line. An edge rusher would provide the Lions with the ability to generate more pressure and help create turnovers, which is essential for a defense that wants to take the next step.
3. Wide Receiver: Adding Weapons to the Offense
The Detroit Lions have made significant strides offensively, especially with the emergence of quarterback Jared Goff and the dynamic running back duo of Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery. However, the receiving corps could use a boost. While the team has talented receivers like Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams, adding another explosive weapon could give the offense a much-needed jolt.
Wide receiver is a position that is typically deep in the NFL Draft, but there are several players that stand out as potential first-round selections. Marvin Harrison Jr. from Ohio State, who has been widely regarded as the top wide receiver in the 2025 class, could be a game-changer for the Lions if he’s still available. Harrison is a smooth route runner with incredible hands and elite athleticism. He would provide Goff with an additional target who can stretch the field and make plays in all areas of the field.
Other top wide receivers like Luther Burden from Missouri and Emeka Egbuka from Ohio State could also be on the Lions’ radar. These players have the speed and skill set to make an immediate impact, and pairing one of them with St. Brown and Williams could give Detroit one of the most dangerous receiving units in the league.
4. Offensive Tackle: Protecting Jared Goff’s Blindside
While the Lions’ offensive line is generally regarded as one of the best in the league, there is still room for improvement. Specifically, the team could stand to add depth and long-term protection on the offensive line. Left tackle Taylor Decker has been solid for the Lions, but he’s getting older, and the team could use a future replacement or a potential upgrade at the position.
The 2025 NFL Draft features several elite offensive tackle prospects who could help solidify the Lions’ offensive line for years to come. Joe Alt from Notre Dame is one of the top prospects and has drawn comparisons to some of the best tackles in the league. He has the size, athleticism, and technique to become a top-tier left tackle in the NFL. Adding Alt to the Lions’ offensive line would ensure that Goff’s blindside is protected and could allow the team to continue building one of the most dominant offensive lines in the league.
Other prospects, like J.C. Latham from Alabama or Parker Washington from Penn State, could also be considered in the first round. All of these players have the potential to step in and immediately contribute to the Lions’ line, keeping Goff protected and creating even more opportunities for their offense to thrive.
5. Linebacker: Enhancing the Middle of the Defense
While the Lions’ defensive line and secondary are often the focal points of discussion, the linebacker corps is also an area of need. The team could use more playmakers at linebacker, especially in terms of coverage ability and sideline-to-sideline range. The current linebacker group is solid but lacks the kind of game-changing talent that can completely alter the outcome of a game.
The 2025 NFL Draft features several standout linebackers who could be available in the first round. Players like Jack Campbell from Iowa and Trenton Simpson from Clemson could be potential targets for the Lions. Both are athletic, versatile players who can cover in space, rush the passer, and defend against the run. Adding a linebacker with elite skills would help complete the defensive puzzle for the Lions and give them a true playmaker in the middle of the field.
Conclusion: A Bright Future for the Detroit Lions
With the 2025 NFL Draft just around the corner, the Detroit Lions have the opportunity to continue building on their recent success and further strengthen their roster for the future. Whether they decide to go after a cornerback to bolster their secondary, an edge rusher to improve their pass rush, or a dynamic weapon on offense, the team has several options to consider in the first round.
Given their current roster and the talent available in the draft, the Lions’ best course of action may be to focus on positions that can make an immediate impact. Cornerback and edge rusher stand out as the most pressing needs, but adding another offensive weapon or upgrading the offensive line are also realistic possibilities. Regardless of their decision, the Lions have a bright future ahead, and the 2025 NFL Draft is just one more step in their journey toward becoming a true contender in the NFC.
