The Detroit Lions: A Three-Round Mock Draft Targeting Key Needs Following the Senior Bowl
As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, teams like the Detroit Lions are analyzing their rosters, evaluating prospects, and preparing for the upcoming event. The Lions, having undergone a notable transformation under head coach Dan Campbell and general manager Brad Holmes, are on the hunt for talent that can help them continue their upward trajectory. The Senior Bowl, which took place in late January, provided valuable insights into many players who could potentially land in Detroit. After reviewing the event’s standout performances, the Lions’ current roster composition, and their long-term goals, it’s clear that the team must address several key areas of need in the upcoming draft.
With their first-round pick and the valuable selections in the second and third rounds, the Lions will have opportunities to strengthen their depth and add immediate contributors. This mock draft will focus on targeting positions where the team can improve its roster and make a run for success in the NFC North.
1. Defensive Line: A Prime Need for the Lions
One of the Lions’ most glaring needs heading into the 2025 season is improving their defensive line. While they have some quality pieces like defensive tackle Alim McNeill and edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson, the Lions still need more depth and explosiveness along the front. Detroit has been inconsistent in generating pressure on opposing quarterbacks, and while they have some good talent, their lack of depth has hurt them in certain situations.
After the Senior Bowl, one name that stood out as a possible target for the Lions in the first or second round was Mazi Smith, a defensive tackle from the University of Michigan. Smith showcased his athleticism, strength, and quickness during Senior Bowl practices. With his explosive burst off the line of scrimmage and ability to occupy blockers, he would pair well with McNeill in the middle of Detroit’s defensive front. A powerful and disruptive force, Smith could provide the Lions with a more consistent interior pass rush and bolster their run defense.
Smith has the physical traits that make him an ideal fit in the Detroit defensive scheme. He plays with great leverage and balance, and his ability to quickly disengage from blockers gives him the versatility to be effective in both 3-4 and 4-3 defensive schemes. Smith’s high motor and ability to affect both the pass and the run would immediately contribute to the Lions’ efforts to build a more dynamic defense.
2. Wide Receiver: Adding Another Weapon for Jared Goff
While the Lions’ offense has been explosive in recent years, there is still room for improvement in terms of depth at the wide receiver position. With Amon-Ra St. Brown emerging as the team’s clear No. 1 option, the Lions will be looking for a complementary piece who can stretch the field and provide an additional target for quarterback Jared Goff. The Senior Bowl provided an opportunity for some of the top wide receiver prospects to prove themselves, and Jalin Hyatt, a wide receiver from the University of Tennessee, was one player who stood out.
Hyatt showcased his blazing speed and separation skills during the Senior Bowl week, making him a prime candidate for the Lions in the second round. Known for his ability to get behind defenders with his deep speed, Hyatt would provide Goff with an exciting vertical threat that could open up opportunities for other receivers and create mismatches for opposing defenses. Hyatt’s ability to track the ball downfield and his refined route-running technique make him an ideal fit for Detroit’s offense.
Adding Hyatt to the receiving corps would elevate the Lions’ passing game to new heights. He would give Goff a reliable deep threat, allowing Amon-Ra St. Brown to operate more effectively underneath while stretching the field. Additionally, Hyatt’s ability to take the top off of defenses would create more space for Detroit’s running game and help open up passing lanes for other targets.
3. Cornerback: Addressing the Secondary
One area of weakness for the Lions has been their secondary. While they have some promising young cornerbacks, such as Jeff Okudah and Jerry Jacobs, they could use more competition and depth to ensure they have the best possible talent on the field. The Lions’ defense has struggled with consistency in the passing game, and they need to improve their coverage abilities to become more competitive against high-powered offenses.
At the Senior Bowl, one cornerback who stood out was Cam Smith from the University of South Carolina. Smith’s ability to excel in man-to-man coverage and his physicality in contested situations were on full display during practices. He is a highly competitive and intelligent cornerback with strong ball skills, making him an ideal fit for the Lions as they look to improve their secondary.
Smith’s ability to lock down top receivers and force turnovers would be an immediate upgrade for Detroit’s defense. He has the ability to play both inside and outside, providing the Lions with flexibility in their defensive scheme. Smith’s strong performances in practices indicated that he has the potential to step in and contribute right away, potentially becoming a starter across from Okudah or Jacobs.
By adding Smith, the Lions would not only improve their cornerback depth but also provide the team with a player who could help turn the tide in tight games. His ability to make plays in critical moments would be invaluable as the Lions continue to work toward becoming a playoff contender.
4. Tight End: Finding a Reliable Target for Goff
Another position the Lions will likely look to address in the draft is tight end. While they have some young talent at the position, such as James Mitchell, the Lions could benefit from adding a more proven, dynamic weapon to the mix. Tight end is a crucial position in modern NFL offenses, and with Goff at the helm, Detroit will want a reliable and athletic target over the middle of the field.
A standout from the Senior Bowl who could be a fit for the Lions is Darnell Washington, a tight end from the University of Georgia. Washington is a massive, athletic tight end who can line up in various positions and be a mismatch in both the passing and running game. His ability to block and open up running lanes would be a huge asset to Detroit’s offense, while his athleticism and soft hands make him an intriguing threat in the passing game.
Washington’s size (6’7″, 270 pounds) and ability to move fluidly for his size make him a unique player at the tight end position. The Lions could use him to complement Mitchell and create an even more dangerous offensive unit. His presence would provide Goff with a reliable target in short-yardage situations, as well as a red zone threat who could help the Lions put points on the board when the field gets tight.
5. Offensive Line: Bolstering the Trenches
The Detroit Lions have a solid offensive line, but they could still use more depth and versatility to ensure that they can continue to run the football effectively and protect Goff. The Lions have invested in their offensive line in recent years, but there is always room for improvement in the trenches, especially with the potential for injuries and the need for rotational players who can step up when called upon.
A potential target for the Lions in the third round is John Michael Schmitz, an interior offensive lineman from the University of Minnesota. Schmitz is an experienced and durable player who excels at both run blocking and pass protection. His ability to move defenders off the ball and keep pressure off his quarterback would be a huge benefit to Detroit’s offensive line.
Schmitz’s versatility to play both guard and center gives the Lions flexibility on the interior of their line. He would be a great addition to Detroit’s offensive line, providing both depth and a potential starter who could contribute in a variety of roles. Schmitz’s strong technique and physicality would help the Lions solidify their offensive line for the long term.
Conclusion: Building a Championship-Caliber Team
As the Detroit Lions prepare for the 2025 NFL Draft, they find themselves in an exciting position to continue building a championship-caliber team. With a combination of young talent and experienced veterans, the Lions are poised to take the next step in their quest for a playoff berth and potentially even a deep postseason run. By targeting key areas of need in this three-round mock draft, the Lions can address some of the most pressing issues on their roster, from defensive line to cornerback and offensive line.
By adding Mazi Smith, Jalin Hyatt, Cam Smith, Darnell Washington, and John Michael Schmitz, the Lions would significantly improve their roster and put themselves in a position to compete at a high level. With smart drafting, solid development, and the continued leadership of head coach Dan Campbell, the Detroit Lions could soon become one of the most exciting teams in the NFC.
The Senior Bowl provided valuable insights into these prospects, and with the 2025 NFL Draft on the horizon, it’s clear that the Lions have the opportunity to make significant strides toward building a team that could contend for championships in the near future.