As the Detroit Lions head into the 2025 NFL Draft, the pressure is on the franchise to build on their recent success and continue improving their roster. The Lions have made significant strides under head coach Dan Campbell and general manager Brad Holmes, establishing a solid foundation that has put them in contention for playoff spots in recent seasons. However, despite their improvements, there are still areas that require bolstering if the team is to achieve its ultimate goal of winning a Super Bowl. Among the most pressing needs for the Lions are positions along the defensive line, particularly at the edge rusher position, as well as improvements in the secondary, offensive line, and wide receiver groups.
With the draft just around the corner, Lions fans, analysts, and team executives alike are eagerly speculating about which prospects might be the best fits for Detroit’s current and future needs. This article will break down the Lions’ top draft needs, focusing on the edge rusher position as well as other key positions that could be addressed in the upcoming draft. We will also look at potential first-round picks and the overall draft strategy that could shape the Lions’ roster for the next several years.
The Detroit Lions’ Current Roster: Areas of Need
The Detroit Lions have made considerable progress over the past few seasons, finishing with a winning record and earning a spot in the NFC playoff race. However, as is the case with most teams, there are still key areas where the roster could be improved. The Lions’ front office and coaching staff are undoubtedly aware of these needs, which will shape their draft strategy going forward. The following are the most critical positions on the Lions’ draft big board.
1. Edge Rusher: The Need for a Consistent Pass Rush
Perhaps the most pressing need for the Detroit Lions as they head into the 2025 draft is at the edge rusher position. While the Lions have some solid pieces on their defensive line, such as defensive tackle Alim McNeill and pass rusher Aidan Hutchinson, their pass rush has not been as consistent as they would like. Hutchinson, a promising young star, showed flashes of brilliance as a rookie in 2022, but the team needs another dynamic pass rusher to complement him and consistently put pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
The importance of a dominant edge rusher cannot be overstated. In the NFL, the ability to generate pressure on the quarterback is critical to defensive success. A strong pass rush disrupts the opposing offense, forcing quarterbacks into uncomfortable situations, which leads to sacks, forced turnovers, and overall defensive success. Without a reliable edge rusher, the Lions’ defense will struggle to get off the field in critical moments, particularly in high-stakes games where every possession counts.
2. Cornerback: Strengthening the Secondary
The Detroit Lions have made strides in improving their defense, particularly in their secondary, but cornerback remains an area of concern. Although they have solid starters in the secondary, including cornerbacks Jeff Okudah and Amani Oruwariye, the Lions’ defense still lacks the kind of depth and playmaking ability that could push it over the top.
In today’s NFL, where passing offenses are dominant, having strong cornerbacks who can cover wide receivers and defend against explosive passing attacks is paramount. While the Lions have made strides, particularly with their defensive backfield’s ability to play physical and disciplined football, they need to add more talent and depth at cornerback. Whether they target a cornerback to start opposite Okudah or look for depth behind him, this position will likely be a top priority for Detroit’s front office.
3. Offensive Line: Protecting the Quarterback
The offensive line has been one of the cornerstones of the Detroit Lions’ offensive success over the past few seasons. With stars like Frank Ragnow at center and Taylor Decker at left tackle, the Lions have a solid foundation up front. However, there are still areas of concern. The right side of the line, particularly the right tackle position, remains an area where the Lions need improvement.
As quarterback Jared Goff continues to lead the offense, ensuring that he has time in the pocket to make plays is essential. The Lions could look for a right tackle in the draft to solidify the offensive line and give Goff the protection he needs to continue performing at a high level. With the rise of young quarterbacks and the emphasis on pass protection across the league, improving the offensive line will help the Lions compete against top-tier defenses in the NFC.
4. Wide Receiver: Adding More Playmakers
While the Lions have a talented wide receiver group with players like Amon-Ra St. Brown and Josh Reynolds, they are still in need of a true playmaker who can stretch the field and make big plays when necessary. A deep threat at wide receiver could open up the offense, forcing opposing defenses to play more conservatively and creating more opportunities for other players to get open.
With the emergence of offensive playmakers like St. Brown, the Lions are in a good position to build on their passing game. However, adding a high-end wide receiver prospect through the draft could push their offense to the next level, giving Goff another weapon to work with and making the Lions’ passing attack even more difficult to defend.
Top Edge Rusher Prospects for the Detroit Lions
With edge rusher being the most critical need for the Lions, it is no surprise that they are expected to target a pass rusher early in the draft. Fortunately for Detroit, the 2025 NFL Draft features a deep class of edge rushers, with several elite prospects who could immediately contribute to the Lions’ defense. Here are the top edge rusher prospects that the Lions could target with their first-round pick.
1. Will Anderson Jr. (Alabama)
Will Anderson Jr. is one of the most highly anticipated edge rusher prospects in recent memory. The Alabama standout has been a force on the defensive line for the Crimson Tide, earning numerous All-American honors and dominating opposing offensive lines with his combination of speed, power, and technique. Anderson has the ability to disrupt the quarterback with ease, consistently getting to the passer and forcing turnovers.
If the Lions are fortunate enough to land Anderson, he would immediately bolster their pass rush and give them a dynamic playmaker on the defensive line. With Anderson and Hutchinson on opposite ends of the defensive line, the Lions would have one of the most fearsome pass-rushing duos in the league.
2. Tyree Wilson (Texas Tech)
Tyree Wilson is another edge rusher who could be a game-changer for the Detroit Lions. Wilson has a rare blend of size and athleticism, standing 6’6” and weighing over 270 pounds. His length and power allow him to overpower offensive linemen, while his quickness and agility make him a nightmare for quarterbacks. Wilson has consistently been one of the top performers in college football, earning All-Big 12 honors and showcasing his ability to create pressure in both the run and passing games.
Adding a player like Wilson to the Lions’ defense would give them a player who can not only get after the quarterback but also disrupt the run game and set the edge. His versatility would allow defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn to mix up his pass rush and create confusion for opposing quarterbacks.
3. Myles Murphy (Clemson)
Myles Murphy is another top-tier edge rusher in the 2025 draft class. A strong and explosive pass rusher from Clemson, Murphy has the ability to generate pressure with his speed and quickness off the line. While he might not have the same elite traits as Anderson or Wilson, Murphy is still a highly skilled rusher who can contribute right away.
Murphy’s combination of size, strength, and explosiveness would make him a strong fit for the Lions’ defense. He could come in as a rotational pass rusher early in his career and develop into a starting-caliber player alongside Hutchinson.
Other Positions of Need
1. Cornerback: Christian Gonzalez (Oregon)
Christian Gonzalez is one of the top cornerback prospects in the 2025 draft. He has excellent size (6’2”) and athleticism, making him an ideal candidate to cover both big-bodied receivers and smaller, quicker playmakers. Gonzalez has shown the ability to excel in both man-to-man and zone coverage, with a natural instinct for reading the quarterback’s eyes and breaking on the ball.
If the Lions are looking to strengthen their secondary, Gonzalez could be an excellent fit. He would give Detroit another playmaker in the defensive backfield and provide a reliable option to pair with Jeff Okudah.
2. Offensive Line: Paris Johnson Jr. (Ohio State)
Paris Johnson Jr. is one of the top offensive line prospects in the 2025 draft. Standing at 6’6” and weighing 310 pounds, Johnson has the size and athleticism to play tackle at the NFL level. He has the footwork, strength, and ability to protect the quarterback’s blindside, making him an ideal candidate to shore up Detroit’s offensive line, especially at right tackle.
If the Lions are looking to add more protection for Jared Goff, Johnson would be an excellent choice in the first round, helping solidify their offensive line for years to come.
3. Wide Receiver: Jalen Carter (Georgia)
Jalen Carter is an exciting wide receiver prospect with speed, agility, and strong route-running ability. He could help take Detroit’s passing game to the next level, creating mismatches against opposing defenses and stretching the field.