The Detroit Lions Should Be Interested in the Deep Defensive Class in the 2025 NFL Combine
As the 2025 NFL Combine approaches, the Detroit Lions should be keenly focused on one of the deepest defensive draft classes in recent memory. With their sights set on improving a defense that has shown significant flashes of potential but still has some clear gaps, this year’s combine presents an opportunity to find the talent that could be the missing piece for a playoff-bound team.
The Lions, who finished the 2024 season with an impressive 9-8 record, are on the cusp of becoming a true contender in the NFC. However, their defense was one of the most inconsistent aspects of the team in 2024, and there are several positions that need to be addressed for them to reach the next level. Luckily, the 2025 NFL draft features a robust defensive class, offering the Lions a chance to add difference-makers across the board.
1. Defensive Line: A Critical Need for the Lions
One of the most glaring needs for the Lions is along their defensive line. While players like Aidan Hutchinson have already emerged as cornerstone pieces, Detroit needs additional pass-rushers to create a more consistent threat in the front seven. In a division with strong quarterbacks like Justin Fields of the Chicago Bears and Jordan Love of the Green Bay Packers, being able to generate pressure on the quarterback will be essential for the Lions’ success moving forward.
The 2025 draft class has an abundance of defensive line talent that could be a game-changer for Detroit. Players like Chase Young (if he’s eligible for the draft), Jalen Carter, and Myles Murphy will likely be among the top picks and offer both size and athleticism that could pair well with Hutchinson. These players are not only capable of rushing the passer but also stuffing the run, which is crucial for a Lions defense that has struggled at times with both.
At the Combine, Detroit’s front office will be looking closely at these prospects to evaluate their explosiveness off the line, hand technique, and ability to disrupt offenses in both the run game and passing game. The Lions need players who can help out a secondary that is also in need of improvement, and a strong defensive line makes a huge difference in freeing up coverage and allowing their cornerbacks to perform better.
2. Linebacker: Building the Foundation
The Lions have a solid group of linebackers, but this year’s defensive class offers several standout prospects who could come in and immediately improve the unit. Jack Campbell, Trenton Simpson, and Noah Sewell are just a few names that could be available and provide an instant upgrade.
Detroit’s linebacker corps, while solid in coverage and run defense, could use a playmaker in the middle to help stop opposing offenses from getting into rhythm. With Jalen Reeves-Maybin and Alex Anzalone potentially departing the team or not fully fulfilling the role of an elite linebacker, the Lions could look to the 2025 Combine to evaluate whether any of these top-tier linebacker prospects fit their needs.
The Lions would love to get a linebacker who can be the quarterback of their defense, with a natural instinct for getting to the ball carrier and covering sideline-to-sideline. The linebacker position is critical for Detroit, especially given the rise of mobile quarterbacks in the NFC, such as Fields and Jalen Hurts of the Eagles. Linebackers who can track the quarterback, cover tight ends, and stuff the run will be crucial to stopping explosive offenses.
3. Cornerback: Secondary Help is Needed
The Lions’ secondary has shown improvement in recent years, but there is still a significant gap when it comes to elite cornerback play. As they move forward, Detroit will need to upgrade in the defensive backfield to counteract some of the top quarterbacks in the NFC, particularly in a division that has wide receivers like DJ Moore and Christian Watson.
The 2025 draft class is loaded with talented cornerbacks, including Kelee Ringo, Joey Porter Jr., and Eli Ricks. Each of these players has the size, speed, and agility to become immediate contributors to an NFL team. The Lions will be focused on evaluating how these prospects perform in drills at the Combine, including their ability to cover both fast and physical receivers, their ball skills, and their reaction time. With the right cornerback selection, the Lions could significantly improve their pass defense and help prevent teams from exploiting their secondary.
The Lions have been working hard to develop young players like Jeff Okudah, but they’ll need more talent in the secondary to compete with the rising stars of the NFC. Adding a top-tier cornerback would allow them to match up better against the high-powered offenses they’ll face in the playoffs and beyond.
4. Safety: Adding Depth to the Back End
While the Lions’ safety play has been serviceable in recent years, adding a playmaking safety to the back end of their defense would give them a game-changing presence. In the NFL today, safeties who can roam the field and cover tight ends, receivers, and even blitz the quarterback are extremely valuable. Detroit needs to find a safety who can be that versatile presence.
Top safety prospects like Antonio Johnson, Jalen Catalon, and Jordan Battle could all be potential fits for the Lions. These players have the athleticism, instincts, and tackling ability to make an immediate impact on a defense. If Detroit were able to add one of these high-caliber safeties to their roster, it would not only improve their pass defense but also help with run support and provide more stability to the back end of the defense.
5. Defensive Backfield Versatility
One of the key aspects of the 2025 defensive class is the versatility of many of its top defensive backs. With so many cornerbacks and safeties able to play in multiple positions or switch between coverage schemes, Detroit could target these players to improve their defensive flexibility. Players like Brian Branch and Jammie Robinson could be valuable additions who can play both safety and cornerback, providing coverage in various defensive schemes and even acting as hybrid players in nickel or dime formations.
Versatility in the defensive backfield is crucial for Detroit as they look to defend against a variety of offensive schemes. The NFC North is filled with diverse offenses, from the run-heavy attack of the Minnesota Vikings to the pass-heavy scheme of the Green Bay Packers. Having defenders who can move around and cover multiple roles would give the Lions defense an edge in multiple scenarios.