As the Detroit Lions prepare for the 2025 NFL Draft, their roster-building strategies are being closely watched by fans, analysts, and team executives. One area where the Lions are likely to focus is defensive tackle, where they could look to add an impact player to strengthen their defensive line. With the team’s resurgence in recent seasons, particularly on offense, adding a dynamic defensive tackle could push the Lions closer to championship contention. The defensive line, especially the interior, has long been a key to success in the NFL, and the Lions have historically struggled to field a dominant force up front. However, as the draft approaches, a strong group of defensive tackle prospects will give the Lions several intriguing options to consider. Here are five defensive tackles who could be a good fit for the Detroit Lions in the 2025 NFL Draft.
The Lions’ defense has shown promise in recent years, but it has been inconsistent at times, particularly in terms of stopping the run and generating pressure from the interior. The team has already invested in key defensive players, such as edge rushers, but adding a force in the middle of the defensive line would bring another dimension to their pass rush while helping them better control the line of scrimmage against the run. The team’s defensive coordinator, Aaron Glenn, has been working to build a defense that can apply pressure on quarterbacks without overcommitting resources. By targeting a talented defensive tackle in the draft, the Lions could find a player who can create disruption from the interior, forcing quarterbacks to make quicker decisions and potentially opening up more opportunities for their edge rushers to make plays.
Among the crop of defensive tackle prospects eligible for the 2025 NFL Draft, a few stand out as players who could have an immediate impact at the next level. These players possess a blend of size, strength, agility, and pass-rushing ability that could make them perfect fits for the Lions’ defensive scheme. They can provide the kind of stability and force that the Lions need to become more formidable on defense, and these players will certainly be on Detroit’s radar as the draft approaches.
One name that immediately jumps out is Jalen Carter from the University of Georgia. A versatile, powerful player with the ability to line up at multiple positions along the defensive line, Carter has drawn comparisons to some of the league’s most dominant interior defensive linemen. Standing at 6’3” and weighing 310 pounds, Carter has the ideal size to dominate against both the run and the pass. He is explosive off the ball, often creating instant penetration into the backfield, and he is a relentless player who can collapse the pocket with his power. Carter also possesses exceptional lateral quickness, which allows him to shed blockers and disrupt plays before they can develop. While he is known for his strong motor, Carter also has an excellent understanding of timing and leverage, making him a consistent threat on every snap. If the Lions are looking for a player who can make an immediate impact and be a cornerstone of their defensive line for years to come, Carter is an obvious choice.
Another standout defensive tackle who could pique the Lions’ interest is Bryan Bresee from Clemson. Bresee is a player who combines size, power, and athleticism in a way that few can match. At 6’5” and 300 pounds, Bresee has the size to hold up against double teams and anchor the defensive line against the run. However, it’s his agility and burst off the line of scrimmage that set him apart. Bresee has a quick first step and uses his athleticism to penetrate into the backfield and disrupt the quarterback’s rhythm. He is also highly effective at controlling blockers, using his strength and technique to shed them and make plays in the run game. Bresee has shown the ability to play both defensive tackle and defensive end, which adds a level of flexibility to his potential fit in the Lions’ scheme. With his combination of size, strength, and athleticism, Bresee could be an ideal fit for the Lions, who could use his versatility to move him around and create mismatches in the trenches.
If the Lions are looking for a player who can generate pressure from the inside and bring an explosive pass-rush presence, they might consider a player like T.J. Bass from Oregon. Bass, a 6’4”, 295-pound defensive tackle, is one of the best pass rushers in college football. His ability to quickly disengage from blockers and get into the backfield is one of his most impressive traits, and he has a variety of pass-rushing moves that keep offensive linemen guessing. Bass is relentless and has an impressive motor, consistently putting pressure on quarterbacks from the interior. He’s also highly effective at stopping the run, using his size and leverage to clog running lanes. Bass is particularly skilled at using his hands to swat away blockers and get free to make plays on the ball. If the Lions are looking for a high-upside pass-rushing defensive tackle who could immediately contribute in obvious passing situations, Bass would be an excellent choice.
A player with a more traditional, two-gap defensive tackle style that might interest the Lions is Mazi Smith from the University of Michigan. Smith is a massive player at 6’3” and 325 pounds, with an ideal build for controlling the line of scrimmage. He has great upper body strength and uses his power to defeat offensive linemen at the point of attack. Smith is particularly adept at defending the run, using his size to clog running lanes and his hands to disengage from blockers. While he may not have the same pass-rushing upside as some of the other prospects, Smith is a highly disciplined player who can eat up blockers and keep offensive linemen from reaching the second level. He would give the Lions a strong presence on the interior, allowing their edge rushers to have more freedom to attack the quarterback. Smith’s work ethic, physicality, and understanding of his role on the field make him an appealing prospect for the Lions, particularly if they want to improve their run defense and establish a more physical presence in the middle of their defensive line.
Finally, a more under-the-radar prospect who could fit well with the Lions is Tywan Francis from Texas A&M. Standing at 6’3” and weighing 310 pounds, Francis is a powerful player who can control the line of scrimmage with his strength and quickness. His best trait is his ability to collapse the pocket and disrupt the quarterback. He has shown the ability to be an effective pass rusher, using a variety of moves to shed blockers and pressure the quarterback. In addition to his pass-rush ability, Francis is strong in the run game, using his leverage and lower body strength to push offensive linemen back and clog up running lanes. While he is still developing and may not be as polished as some of the top prospects in this draft class, Francis has the raw ability and potential to be a game-changer in the NFL.
The 2025 NFL Draft is shaping up to be an exciting one for defensive tackles, and the Detroit Lions are in an excellent position to add a player who can help elevate their defense to the next level. Whether they are looking for a powerful, run-stuffing presence like Mazi Smith, a dynamic pass-rusher like T.J. Bass, or a versatile all-around player like Jalen Carter or Bryan Bresee, the Lions have plenty of intriguing options to consider. As the draft approaches, it will be interesting to see which direction the Lions go, but one thing is for certain: adding a top-tier defensive tackle could be just what the Lions need to turn their defense into a championship-caliber unit. The future of the Lions’ defensive line could be bright, and with the right pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, the team may be well on its way to building a dominant defensive front for years to come.