Since head coach Wayne Fontes led the Detroit Lions to four playoff berths from 1991 through 1996, they have never been this good in the Super Bowl era. Like Fontes, current head coach Dan Campbell took the Lions to the NFC championship game, one win shy of the Super Bowl. Although Detroit has never beaten the NFL future Odds to make a Super Bowl, they are getting close. Their 15-2 record in 2024 is indicative of a franchise that is seriously on the cusp. Thus, the 2025 NFL Draft will be an important one.
2025 NFL Draft Detroit Lions
| Dates: | April 24-26, 2025 |
|---|---|
| Location: | Lambeau Field, Green Bay, WI |
| TV Coverage: | ESPN |
| SBG Odds to Win Super Bowl Championship: | +900 |
| 2025 SBG NFL Draft Odds: | Click Here |
2025 Detroit Lions NFL Draft Team Preview
Indeed, 2024 was a dream offshore betting season in Detroit until it wasn’t. The Lions rode the most explosive offense in the NFL and a defense filled with playmakers to a 15-2 record and the NFC’s No. 1 seed in their quest for the franchise’s first trip to the Super Bowl.
A slew of 2025 NFL futures injuries on defense caught up to them. And they were compounded by four turnovers in a divisional playoff loss to the Washington Commanders. Now, coordinators Ben Johnson and Aaron Glenn are to head coaching positions. Also, noise is rumbling over whether Jared Goff can elevate this team to a Super Bowl title. Especially after his three interceptions in the loss to the Commanders. Can the Lions rekindle the magic of 2024, or is this window closing?
Detroit Lions 2025 NFL Draft Summary
Overall, the top three needs for Detroit are Edge, G, and LB. Detroit’s pass rush will certainly get boosted by the return of Aidan Hutchinson. But the Lions could still use more help with a strong rotation of pass rushers after releasing veteran defensive end Za’Darius Smith.
The Lions lost a starter in veteran guard Kevin Zeitler to the Titans via free agency. So they’ll have to replace him to keep the offensive line competing on an elite level. They could benefit from adding a talented off-ball linebacker as well.
The prospect to fill a need outside Round 1 would be JT Tuimoloau, Edge, Ohio State. To illuminate, Tuimoloau was a key piece of the Buckeyes’ defense during their national title run. His power and strength at the point of attack make him an NFL-ready player and a solid option opposite Hutchinson.
The Lions’ offense appears set. But the team might give themselves another option at right guard in case Christian Mahogany isn’t ready to start and fill the void left by the free agency departure of Kevin Zeitler. Meanwhile, Detroit hasn’t shown interest in re-signing Za’Darius Smith, likely because this is a deep class for edge rushers.
Certainly, the Lions can’t go into the season with Marcus Davenport being the No. 2 edge rusher behind Aidan Hutchinson. Josh Paschal, a 2022 second-round pick, has struggled to make an impact on Detroit’s defensive line. Cornerback isn’t a major need. But the team might be concerned about the rookie struggles of Terrion Arnold and Ennis Rakestraw Jr.
The good news for the Lions is that they have money to spend. To summarize, Detroit has roughly $53 million in projected salary cap space, which is in the top third of the NFL. The priority for the Lions will be spending to retain their key free agents.