Michigan Wolverine will join the Detroit Lions in the NFL Mock Draft following the Combine.
Michigan Wolverine Joins the Detroit Lions in the NFL Mock Draft Following the Combine
As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, teams across the league are gearing up for what could be a transformative event in their quest for success. The NFL Scouting Combine, held annually in Indianapolis, is often the stage where top prospects solidify their status and improve their draft stock. This year, the Michigan Wolverines are poised to make an impact with several players vying for top spots, and one of the most intriguing storylines is the potential for a Michigan Wolverine to join the Detroit Lions.
The Detroit Lions have long been in the rebuilding phase, but under the guidance of head coach Dan Campbell, they have shown significant improvement. As the team enters the 2025 season, the Lions have positioned themselves as an up-and-coming contender in the NFC. With a mix of promising young talent, experienced veterans, and a committed coaching staff, the Lions are looking to make a deep playoff run. The upcoming draft, therefore, becomes a crucial opportunity to add the missing pieces to their roster.
The Combine: A Platform for Michigan’s Top Talent
The NFL Scouting Combine serves as a proving ground for college athletes aspiring to make it to the professional level. Prospects are evaluated through a series of workouts, interviews, and psychological tests, which help NFL teams assess their athletic abilities, mental fortitude, and football IQ. While the combine offers a level playing field for all players, it is often where some athletes dramatically boost their stock, while others may see a decline in their draft prospects.
This year, several Michigan Wolverines shone during their combine performances, leaving a lasting impression on NFL scouts and executives. The team’s performance throughout the 2024 college football season, combined with their efforts at the combine, has made them highly coveted by NFL teams. A standout Wolverine in particular, could fit perfectly with the Detroit Lions and bring the team one step closer to contention.
The Detroit Lions’ 2025 NFL Draft Needs
Before analyzing which Michigan Wolverine might join the Detroit Lions, it is important to first understand the Lions’ draft needs. In 2025, the Lions will likely be looking to solidify several key areas on both sides of the ball.
- Defensive Line: The Lions’ defense has shown flashes of brilliance, but it has been inconsistent at times. Adding a pass rusher or a defensive tackle with the ability to disrupt the quarterback is high on the team’s wish list. With a division rival like the Green Bay Packers continuing to evolve their offensive attack, Detroit needs to build a formidable defensive front.
- Cornerback: While the Lions have some young talent in their secondary, a top-tier cornerback is still needed to help solidify the defense. Given the high-powered offenses in the NFC North, particularly from teams like the Minnesota Vikings, the Lions would benefit from adding a shutdown cornerback who can match up against elite wide receivers.
- Wide Receiver: While Detroit has some solid talent at wide receiver, adding a true playmaker to pair with quarterback Jared Goff could elevate the offense. The team’s passing attack can sometimes be inconsistent, and a high-impact receiver would be the perfect addition to maximize Goff’s potential and complement star running back, Jahmyr Gibbs.
- Offensive Line: Detroit’s offensive line is already one of the best in the league, but additional depth is needed, particularly if the team wants to maintain its run-heavy attack. A top-tier offensive lineman could provide an immediate boost to the team’s blocking game.
- Quarterback: Although Jared Goff has played well for Detroit, the Lions will likely be looking at long-term solutions at quarterback. While Goff is still performing at a high level, it would be beneficial for the Lions to draft a quarterback that could develop behind him.
With these needs in mind, the 2025 NFL Draft becomes an opportunity for the Lions to target top prospects that can help immediately, and one of those prospects may very well be a Michigan Wolverine.
Michigan Wolverines Who Could Join the Detroit Lions
Several Michigan Wolverines impressed during the 2024 season and at the NFL Scouting Combine. These prospects could potentially fill significant needs for the Lions, particularly in areas of defense and offense. Below are some of the most notable Wolverines who could end up in Detroit:
1. Mazi Smith (Defensive Tackle)
Mazi Smith, the towering defensive tackle for the Michigan Wolverines, has been a standout player throughout his college career. Known for his immense strength, quickness, and ability to clog up running lanes, Smith has the potential to be a difference-maker at the next level. His performance at the NFL Scouting Combine helped further solidify his status as one of the top defensive prospects in the 2025 draft.
Smith’s physical traits are hard to ignore. At 6’3″ and 337 pounds, he possesses rare size and agility for a defensive tackle. His explosive first step off the line, combined with his upper-body strength, makes him a dangerous force against both the run and the pass. During his time at Michigan, Smith was the anchor of a defensive line that consistently pressured opposing quarterbacks and stifled running backs.
For the Detroit Lions, Smith would fill an immediate need on the defensive line. The Lions’ defensive front has been effective at times, but a player like Smith could elevate the unit to another level. Detroit’s defensive struggles in certain games could be mitigated by a run-stuffer like Smith, who could also provide interior pass rush, a key aspect for success in today’s NFL. If the Lions are picking in the first round and are targeting a defensive player, Smith should be high on their list.
2. Will Johnson (Cornerback)
Will Johnson, a highly talented cornerback for Michigan, is another player who could potentially join the Detroit Lions in the 2025 NFL Draft. A lockdown corner with elite athleticism, Johnson is capable of covering top receivers with ease. He has consistently demonstrated his ability to shut down passing attacks, making him one of the most sought-after cornerbacks in the draft class.
Johnson’s performance at the combine was impressive, particularly in the 40-yard dash and positional drills. His ability to change direction quickly and mirror receivers makes him an ideal fit for teams looking to bolster their secondary. For the Lions, who are in need of an elite cornerback to match up against some of the best wide receivers in the NFC, Johnson could be a perfect fit.
The Lions’ secondary, while improved, still needs help in terms of both depth and top-tier talent. Pairing Johnson with their existing cornerbacks would instantly give them one of the best cornerback tandems in the league, improving their chances of defending against the high-powered passing games in their division.
3. Zach Charbonnet (Running Back)
Zach Charbonnet, a powerful running back who spent the 2024 season dominating the ground game for Michigan, could provide Detroit with another dynamic weapon in their offense. Known for his combination of size, vision, and speed, Charbonnet was one of the most productive running backs in college football this past season.
Charbonnet’s size (6’2″, 220 pounds) allows him to run through defenders, while his speed and agility make him a dangerous weapon in the open field. His ability to make defenders miss, combined with his excellent ball security, makes him a desirable option for teams in need of a three-down back. While Detroit already has Jahmyr Gibbs, adding a complementary power back like Charbonnet could make their offense even more potent.
The Lions have committed to a run-first mentality under head coach Dan Campbell, and Charbonnet could be the ideal addition to help establish the ground game further. His presence in the backfield would provide Goff with more offensive balance and open up passing opportunities. Charbonnet could be an immediate contributor, helping Detroit establish a physical identity on offense.
4. Donovan Edwards (Running Back)
Another Michigan running back who could be a fit for the Detroit Lions is Donovan Edwards. Edwards is a versatile, dual-threat back who has shown the ability to both run between the tackles and catch passes out of the backfield. His ability to contribute in multiple facets of the offense makes him an intriguing prospect for any NFL team, particularly a team like Detroit that utilizes multiple backs.
Edwards’ speed and vision are his standout traits, and his agility in the open field makes him a home-run threat. Like Charbonnet, Edwards is an ideal fit for the Lions’ system, which emphasizes strong, physical play. If the Lions want to improve their passing attack, Edwards’ ability to be a reliable target in the passing game could provide Jared Goff with a valuable safety valve.
As the 2025 NFL Draft looms, the Detroit Lions are in an excellent position to add top-tier talent that will help them become legitimate contenders in the NFC. With the Michigan Wolverines producing several high-profile prospects, there is a real possibility that one of their own could join the Lions in this year’s draft.
Whether it’s Mazi Smith’s dominance on the defensive line, Will Johnson’s lockdown cornerback abilities, or Zach Charbonnet’s power running style, a Michigan Wolverine could provide the Lions with a much-needed boost in their pursuit of a playoff spot and beyond. As the draft approaches, fans of the Lions and Wolverines alike will be eagerly watching to see if one of Michigan’s finest will be suiting up in Honolulu Blue come the fall.