Detroit Lions 2025 Mock Draft: A Four-Round Breakdown
As the Detroit Lions gear up for their playoff run in the 2024 season, the excitement around the franchise is palpable. Under the leadership of head coach Dan Campbell, the Lions have shown remarkable improvement, making strides toward becoming a perennial playoff contender in the NFC. However, the front office is already thinking ahead to the 2025 NFL Draft to further strengthen the team and build a sustainable championship contender.
Given the Lions’ performance in 2024 and their needs heading into the draft, it’s likely they will focus on reinforcing key positions that will help them both now and in the future. Below is a comprehensive look at the four-round mock draft for the Detroit Lions, exploring the team’s needs, the available prospects, and the potential impact of each pick.
Team Needs Heading Into the 2025 NFL Draft
Before diving into the specifics of the draft picks, it’s important to assess the Lions’ current roster and identify their primary needs. The 2024 season will likely provide further insights into where the team requires the most reinforcements.
- Defensive Line (Interior and Edge):
- The Lions’ defense, while improving, still needs bolstering along the line. Their pass rush, in particular, has been inconsistent, and they need more depth and talent to compete against high-powered offenses in the NFC.
- The interior defensive line, with players like Alim McNeill, has shown flashes of potential but could benefit from more consistent production and depth.
- Cornerback:
- Despite having solid players in their secondary, the Lions need a true No. 1 cornerback to match up against elite wide receivers. While they have promising players, the depth at the cornerback position could still use an upgrade.
- Wide Receiver:
- A top-tier wide receiver to complement Amon-Ra St. Brown would do wonders for quarterback Jared Goff’s offense. The Lions may look to find a high-impact weapon to add to their receiving corps.
- Offensive Line Depth:
- Detroit has one of the league’s better offensive lines, but adding depth and future replacements along the line, especially at guard, will be important for long-term success.
- Linebacker:
- The Lions have a solid linebacker corps but could benefit from adding a versatile, dynamic linebacker who can cover, rush the passer, and be a defensive playmaker.
Round 1 (Pick #19): Jared Verse, EDGE, Florida State
At pick No. 19 in the first round, the Lions will have a chance to select an edge rusher who can immediately make an impact. While the Lions’ defense has been improving, their pass rush has been inconsistent, especially in key moments. That’s where someone like Jared Verse could make a significant difference.
Verse, a dynamic edge rusher from Florida State, has a blend of size, speed, and strength that makes him a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks. Standing at 6’4” and 250 pounds, Verse has the frame to add more bulk as he matures in the NFL, while his quickness and burst off the edge make him a threat to disrupt plays. He has a variety of pass-rush moves, from speed rushes to power moves, and his ability to bend around the edge gives him an elite skill set to develop into a top-tier pass rusher.
Adding Verse would allow the Lions to create more pressure on opposing quarterbacks and take the defense to the next level. With his high ceiling, Verse would pair nicely with the likes of Aidan Hutchinson and elevate the pass-rush unit, improving the team’s overall defensive efficiency.
Round 2 (Pick #51): Kool-Aid McKinstry, CB, Alabama
One of the most pressing needs for the Lions is upgrading their cornerback group. While the secondary has some promising pieces, the Lions could greatly benefit from adding a true No. 1 cornerback. In Round 2, Kool-Aid McKinstry, the standout cornerback from Alabama, could be a game-changer.
McKinstry has been one of the top cornerbacks in college football, displaying elite skills in man-to-man coverage. He has great speed and agility to match up with the best wide receivers, along with the physicality to contest catches at the catch point. His ball skills are excellent, as he’s shown the ability to track passes and make plays on the football. McKinstry’s high football IQ also allows him to read the quarterback’s eyes and make timely interceptions.
Pairing McKinstry with players like Jeff Okudah and Cameron Sutton would provide the Lions with a formidable cornerback trio. McKinstry’s ability to lock down top receivers would allow the Lions’ pass rush to flourish, knowing they have coverage in the secondary that can hold up.
Round 3 (Pick #83): Titus Swen, RB, Wyoming
The Lions’ backfield is in good shape with the dynamic Jamaal Williams and breakout star David Montgomery. However, with the passing game continuing to evolve and a need for more depth at the position, Titus Swen, the talented running back from Wyoming, is an intriguing prospect in Round 3.
Swen is a versatile back who can handle the ball between the tackles and catch passes out of the backfield. He has exceptional vision, good footwork, and the ability to accelerate quickly, making him a threat on all three downs. Adding Swen would give the Lions another weapon in the run game and provide a spark on passing downs, where his receiving ability could become an asset.
While the Lions are set at running back for the time being, Swen could be a long-term investment. Having a three-headed monster of Swen, Montgomery, and Williams would provide Detroit with one of the deepest running back rooms in the league.
Round 4 (Pick #115):
Notre Dame
, OT, Notre Dame
In the fourth round, the Lions could look to bolster their offensive line depth by selecting Joe Alt, an offensive tackle from Notre Dame. Although Detroit has one of the best offensive lines in the NFL, the depth behind the starting five is something the team may want to improve. Alt has the potential to develop into a key contributor and future starter.
Alt is a strong, fundamentally sound tackle with excellent technique in both pass protection and run blocking. He has a strong lower body, allowing him to anchor against powerful pass rushers, while also being nimble enough to get to the second level on running plays. With the Lions’ offensive line often regarded as one of the best in the league, Alt would be a nice addition for depth, and could eventually take over for an aging veteran in the future.
As the Detroit Lions continue their journey to becoming a championship contender, the 2025 NFL Draft presents an opportunity to address some key areas of need. The four players selected in this mock draft—Jared Verse, Kool-Aid McKinstry, Titus Swen, and Joe Alt—each fill important roles for the team, helping improve both the present and future outlook.
- Jared Verse provides the pass rush needed to complement Aidan Hutchinson and enhance the Lions’ defensive line.
- Kool-Aid McKinstry addresses a critical need at cornerback, giving Detroit a true No. 1 cornerback to defend against top-tier wide receivers.
- Titus Swen adds depth and versatility to the backfield, offering both running and receiving prowess to complement the Lions’ existing running backs.
- Joe Alt adds depth to the offensive line, ensuring the Lions have future options to keep their line one of the best in the league.
