Detroit Lions 2025 NFL Draft Breakdown

While Detroit’s current front office probably deserves the benefit of the doubt, each of the picks on the first two days were seen by many as reaches. This doesn’t mean this won’t be a solid Draft class for the Lions, but I’m not as excited for this group of rookies like I have been in the last few Drafts. Let’s dive into the Detroit Lions 2025 NFL Draft Breakdown!

Round 1, pick 28: Tyleik Williams, DL, Ohio State

I like the player, I like the fit, I don’t like where he was taken. It’s nitpicking a bit, I’ll admit that, but Tyleik Williams was more of a second round player for me. Williams is an excellent run stuffer, but hasn’t produced much in the passing game (only 5.5 sacks in the last two years combined). He will likely be a two down player at the beginning in Detroit, but brings good physical tools and elite size (6-3, 334 lbs) to the defensive tackle rotation. He should be seen as the future replacement for DJ Reader – who is a free agent after this season.

Round 2, pick 57: Tate Ratledge, OG, Georgia

Tate Ratledge was a team captain, and has the kind of “knee biting” aggressiveness that will make Dan Campbell proud. Ratledge was an All-American at Georgia, and had 37 career starts at right guard. He has excellent size and strength, and is very physical in the ground game. Ratledge should compete immediately for the starting spot at right guard and should see the field early as a rookie.

Round 3, pick 70: Isaac TeSlaa, WR, Arkansas

Not only was Isaac TeSlaa a huge reach (widely seen as a day three pick) value wise, but they traded future assets to acquire this guy. Nothing against TeSlaa, who is an elite size/speed prospect and big play threat, but trading two third round picks in next year’s Draft to move up for him feels excessive. At the very least, he needs to be a deep threat who opens up the middle of the field for LaPorta, St. Brown and Jamo Williams.

Round 5, pick 171: Miles Frazier, OG, LSU

Miles Frazier is durable, physical, and can play both guard spots. He was a three-year starter at LSU, and allowed only four total sacks (none this season) in 39 starts. Frazier was a Senior Bowl standout, and named the American team’s O-lineman of the week. At the very least, he should provide quality depth at both guard spots in Detroit. This was the one pick that was an excellent value – Frazier could’ve gotten picked a whole round earlier.

Round 6, pick 196: Ahmed Hassanein, EDGE, Boise State

Ahmed Hassanein was the first Egyptian player to be selected in the NFL Draft. He was a team captain, and is a high character person who excelled both on and off the field. Hassanein has questions about his overall athleticism, but his high motor, toughness, and physicality should endear him to the city of Detroit. He racked up 32 tackles for loss and 22 sacks over the last two years, and tied for fourth in the nation in pressures (62) this season.

Round 7, pick 230: Dan Jackson, S, Georgia

It’s never a bad idea to take shots on good athletes with elite work ethic. Jackson worked his way up from a tryout walk-on to a starter for Georgia, and ran a 4.46 at his pro day. While he might be limited to special teams and backup duty in the NFL, Jackson’s speed and toughness shows up on tape. He’s a total Dan Campbell Guy.

Round 7, pick 244: Dominic Lovett, WR, Georgia

Lovett is on the smaller side, and probably only a slot guy at the next level. He struggled with drops, but has 4.4 speed and is a good route runner. Detroit needed some depth at wide receiver, and decided to double up late on day three. Lovett can be a backup slot receiver and special teams contributor early in his career.

Final Thoughts: The Lions came into this Draft with a clear plan in mind. They had players they wanted, and went out and got them – trading up three times. Not a fan of all the reaches (or the overpay for TeSlaa), but the front office should get the benefit of the doubt. The team already has a solid foundation, so this was more of a “fill in the gaps” kind of draft. Not a bad thing, just not overly exciting.

Final Grade: C