As the Detroit Lions continue their transformation from perennial underdogs to legitimate Super Bowl contenders, general manager Brad Holmes and head coach Dan Campbell are embracing an aggressive yet disciplined approach to team building. With foundational stars like Aidan Hutchinson, Amon-Ra St. Brown, and Penei Sewell already in place, the 2025 NFL Draft presents an opportunity to add overlooked talent who can become long-term contributors.
The Lions have mastered the art of finding value outside of the top rounds—Alim McNeill (third round), Malcolm Rodriguez (sixth round), and James Houston (sixth round) being prime examples. This year’s draft class is once again flush with top-heavy talent, but for Detroit, the path to sustained success lies in uncovering hidden gems who fit the culture, mentality, and style of football that has defined their recent resurgence.
Here are three sleeper prospects the Detroit Lions should seriously consider targeting in the 2025 NFL Draft.
1. Johnny Dixon Jr., CB, Penn State
Projected Round: 4th–5th
Height/Weight: 6’0”, 195 lbs
Why He Fits Detroit:
In a league where finding reliable outside cornerbacks is increasingly difficult, the Lions have improved their secondary dramatically in recent seasons with the additions of Carlton Davis III, Terrion Arnold, and Brian Branch. However, depth and youth remain vital, especially in the NFC North, where quarterbacks like Jordan Love and Caleb Williams are poised to lead explosive offenses.
Johnny Dixon Jr. is a physical, high-IQ corner with fluid hips and excellent closing speed. At Penn State, he often flew under the radar thanks to more hyped teammates like Kalen King, but Dixon consistently graded well in man coverage and showed elite anticipation in zone. His technique at the line of scrimmage is advanced, and he brings a scrappy demeanor to every rep—an attribute Campbell values highly.
He may lack the elite long speed of a first-round corner, but Dixon’s ability to diagnose plays and win at the catch point makes him a mid-round steal with the upside to become a starting-caliber boundary corner or nickel hybrid. His experience in a Big Ten system that values press coverage translates directly to Aaron Glenn’s defensive philosophy.
Strengths:
- Intelligent zone defender with natural instincts
- Solid ball production (7 career PBUs, 3 INTs in 2024)
- Aggressive tackler and blitzer from the slot
- Special teams contributor potential
NFL Comparison: Jonathan Jones (New England Patriots)
How He Helps: Dixon can immediately contribute on special teams while learning behind Davis and Arnold, with the potential to grow into a CB2/CB3 in Detroit’s aggressive defensive scheme.
2. Jawhar Jordan, RB, Louisville
Projected Round: 5th–6th
Height/Weight: 5’9”, 185 lbs
Why He Fits Detroit:
The Lions boast a thunder-and-lightning backfield tandem in David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs. Montgomery provides the bruising power and short-yardage reliability, while Gibbs brings electric speed and receiving chops. But there’s room for a dynamic change-of-pace back who can add even more explosiveness and versatility to Ben Johnson’s already creative offense.
Enter Jawhar Jordan—a human joystick who lit up the ACC in 2023 and 2024 as both a runner and a kick returner. Though undersized, Jordan’s elite burst, vision, and balance allow him to exploit the smallest of creases. His ability to cut on a dime, set up defenders, and break long runs makes him a home-run threat on every touch.
While Gibbs handles a heavy snap load, Jordan could carve out a role similar to what the 49ers envisioned with Elijah Mitchell or the Chiefs with Jerick McKinnon. As a rookie, he’d contribute primarily on special teams (where he scored multiple return touchdowns), but he’s also capable of being deployed on jet sweeps, screen passes, and misdirection plays.
Strengths:
- Explosive open-field runner with elite acceleration
- Natural hands as a receiver out of the backfield
- Excellent kick returner with field vision and patience
- Toughness outweighs his frame—never afraid of contact
NFL Comparison: De’Anthony Thomas meets Devin Singletary
How He Helps: Jordan gives Detroit another gadget weapon and special teams ace. With minimal touches, he can still create big plays and ease the workload on Gibbs over a 17-game season.
3. Maason Smith, DT, LSU
Projected Round: 3rd–4th
Height/Weight: 6’5”, 315 lbs
Why He Fits Detroit:
Once considered a surefire first-round pick, Maason Smith’s college career has been a roller coaster due to injuries and inconsistency. After tearing his ACL in the 2022 season opener and struggling to fully return to form, many analysts dropped him down draft boards. However, when healthy and motivated, Smith is a game-wrecking force on the interior—exactly the kind of disruptive presence the Lions need to elevate their pass rush to championship levels.
Alim McNeill has developed into a top-tier nose tackle, but Detroit still lacks consistent interior pressure to complement Aidan Hutchinson and Marcus Davenport on the edge. Smith has the frame, athleticism, and raw strength to develop into a 3-tech monster. His ability to penetrate gaps, occupy double teams, and collapse pockets could be transformational if tapped into properly.
Under the guidance of defensive line coach John Scott Jr., and within the culture Dan Campbell has built, Smith could rediscover his elite traits and become one of the most impactful mid-round steals in the 2025 class.
Strengths:
- Rare size and athleticism combo for a DT
- Excellent burst off the snap for his weight
- Versatility to play 1-tech or 3-tech
- High ceiling as a pass-rusher with refinement
NFL Comparison: Chris Jones (ceiling), Raekwon Davis (floor)
How He Helps: Smith adds needed size, power, and depth to the Lions’ defensive interior. If he hits his ceiling, Detroit’s defensive line could rival any unit in football.
Final Thoughts: Building Through Culture and Grit
The Detroit Lions are no longer just “rebuilding.” They are contenders with a vision. Brad Holmes and Dan Campbell have emphasized culture over hype, attitude over ego, and toughness over flash. While the 2025 NFL Draft will have marquee names like Shedeur Sanders, Quinshon Judkins, and Emeka Egbuka commanding national headlines, Detroit’s real value may come from players who’ve had to claw their way onto radar screens.
Johnny Dixon Jr., Jawhar Jordan, and Maason Smith are all battle-tested, overlooked talents who fit the Lions’ blue-collar, no-nonsense identity. Each brings unique value at a bargain price:
- Dixon enhances defensive flexibility and brings the kind of on-field intelligence and effort Campbell raves about.
- Jordan is a chess piece with big-play potential and a fearless special teams résumé.
- Smith, if healthy and focused, could become the missing piece to a dominant defensive front.
None may walk across the stage on Day 1 of the draft. But come October, when depth is tested and every snap counts, these sleepers could be difference-makers. That’s the kind of draft-day mastery that takes teams from good to great—and Detroit is ready to take that leap.
Honorable Mentions
While the focus here is on three sleepers, there are several more under-the-radar players worth monitoring:
- Tre Harris (WR, Ole Miss) – Big-bodied receiver with elite hands and red-zone chops.
- Zion Tupuola-Fetui (EDGE, Washington) – High-upside edge rusher who could thrive in a rotational role.
- Beau Brade (S, Maryland) – Smart, instinctive safety with versatility and toughness.
Holmes has shown he can unearth gems in every round. Don’t be surprised if one of these names—or a complete unknown—becomes the next beloved Lion to rise from obscurity to stardom.
Draft Strategy: Staying Ahead of the Curve
The Lions’ draft strategy under Holmes has blended analytics with old-school football instincts. They prioritize players who love the game, fit the scheme, and bring high football IQ. Rather than reaching for needs, they target players who can fill multiple roles and develop into key contributors over time.
This year, with a more complete roster than any Detroit team in decades, the Lions can afford to take calculated swings on sleepers like Dixon, Jordan, and Smith. They don’t need to rush development or throw rookies into the fire. That’s the luxury of smart roster building.
And that’s how championship rosters are born—not just in the top 10 picks, but in the quiet moments of Day 3, when the Lions find their next underdog hero.