Updating the Lions projections for the 2025 NFL Draft following the first wave of free agency
The first few days of NFL free agency have altered quite a few needs around the league, including in Detroit. The Lions plugged a few holes by signing CB D.J. Reed, NT Roy Lopez and other depth signings, both internal and external. Keeping LB Derrick Barnes and DL Levi Onwuzurike helps ease some needs on defense, but there is still work to be done this offseason for Lions GM Brad Holmes and his crew.
That’s where the NFL draft comes in. Next month’s draft in Green Bay represents a chance to add both an impact talent or two for the 2025 season and needed youthful reinforcements across the Lions roster.
This is the fourth edition of the Lions mock draft in this cycle, and the first since before the recent NFL Scouting Combine.
The Scouting Combine provided a great opportunity to better evaluate players to see if they are “cut from the Lions’ cloth”, to use Dan Campbell’s words. Fitting prospects who figure to intrigue the Lions and also be available at a spot for Detroit to take them is still quite the exercise in guesswork, of course. Here’s the latest guess of how the Lions draft might play out, with no trades in this edition.
First round: Derrick Harmon, DT, Oregon
Harmon proved to be a rising star through every step of the 2024 season, beginning with his transfer from Michigan State to Oregon. He got in better condition, worked on his technical prowess and pad level, and elevated from a mid-round prospect to a potential top-30 pick. A strong Senior Bowl week and a very good Combine solidified that status.
In this scenario, Harmon was available for the Lions. The athletic upside, the gritty mentality, the self-motivated improvement–they all fit what Detroit wants in a DT who can play from the 5-tech on in and impact the quarterback.
Second round: Jack Sawyer, EDGE, Ohio State
Heading into the NFL Scouting Combine, Sawyer was viewed as a potential first-round prospect. Alas, very short arms (31.75 inches on a 6-4 frame) and visible tightness in his ankles and hips in drills all but sank those hopes. Yet Sawyer still checks many boxes for the Lions, who would figure to be quite pleased if the fiery Buckeye EDGE is still on the board at No. 60. He’d make a very good complement for Aidan Hutchinson as a positionally responsible, stout DE-type who has proven himself time and again in big situations.
Third round: Tory Horton, WR, Colorado State
When watching Horton’s tape at Colorado State the last two seasons, one of the first NFL players that comes to mind is Tim Patrick. Like the Lions’ freshly re-signed veteran, Horton is a bigger receiver (6-2/200) who plays with a polished game. Horton thrived as the focal point of the offense despite not being exceptionally fast or overly physical. His timing and reliability on his routes–staple tenets of Detroit’s passing offense–are as good as any wideout in this draft. So is his downfield ball tracking and ability to attack the ball away from his frame. Horton could miss time this offseason as he returns from a knee injury that ended his college season early, but that’s proven to not be a deterrent to this Lions regime. Horton could be the No. 3 WR with St. Brown and Jameson Williams for years.
Fourth Round: Seth McLaughlin, IOL, Ohio State
Speaking of players coming off injury…McLaughlin could miss most of his rookie season after suffering a torn Achilles in November. Prior to the injury, McLaughlin shone as a smart, gritty pivot with excellent short-area quickness and effective strength. He quickly became a leader at Ohio State after transferring from Alabama, and his country-strong game and cerebral style seem like great fits for OL coach Hank Fraley’s unit. If he were healthy, McLaughlin could very well be a second-round talent.
Sixth Round: Craig Woodson, S, California
His Bears DB mate Nohl Williams has been a popular middle-round projection and a personal fave at CB, but Woodson also has a lot to offer Detroit as a potential Ifeatu Melifonwu replacement. Much like Iffy, Woodson’s effectiveness declines precipitously the further away from the line of scrimmage he ventures. As a box/slot safety who attacks the run and short passes, Woodson should be able to play in packages right away.
Seventh Round – 2 picks
Chaz Chambliss, EDGE, Georgia – his recent pre-draft visit to Allen Park indicates the Lions likely have some interest in Chambliss, who led Georgia’s talent-laden defense in sacks in 2024. He was a part-time player but showed athleticism and football IQ. Chambliss could make the Lions as a pass-rush specialist with some upside and considerable special teams experience.
Marques Sigle, S, Kansas State – very athletic though not necessarily fast (though his 4.37 40-yard dash offers hope) combo safety with the hard-hitting mindset the Lions love. He’s also got ties to new Lions TE coach Tyler Roehl from their time together at North Dakota State. Sigle brings the pain as a terminator of plays, though he’ll run past some too.
