Detroit Lions (Last Year: 15-2)
Goals Entering the 2025 NFL Draft: The Lions were ravaged by injury last year, particularly on defense. They need to make sure that they find depth players so they’re not damaged by constant injuries once again. Positions that were hurt by these injuries are edge rush, defensive tackle, and cornerback. With so few needs otherwise, the Lions can obtain the best player available.
2025 NFL Draft Accomplishments: The Lions have drafted incredibly well under their curent regime, but that doesn’t appear to be the case this year. Their shockingly poor draft began in the opening round when they appeared to be shell shocked that Tyler Booker and Donovan Jackson were off the board. They made a major reach for Tyleik Williams, who was considered a mid-second-round pick.
Detroit used its second-round choice on Tate Ratledge, which was a quality selection, but then the Lions made an inexplicable move to trade up for Isaac TeSlaa. The Arkansas receiver is athletic, but was considered to be a third-day prospect. It made no sense why the Lions believed they needed to surrender substantial draft capital to secure him.
Of the Lions’ seven picks, three were graded “C” or lower, with the TeSlaa pick being marked down as a Millen. Detroit took players at positions of need, but completely sacrificed value in the process.
NFL Draft Individual Grades:
28. Tyleik Williams, DT, Ohio State – D Grade
I said we’d see some bizarre picks in the 20s, and here we go. Tyleik Williams was a mid-second-round prospect at best, so I don’t understand why Detroit drafted him at No. 28. This is a reach. It’s not an insane reach, but definitely a reach. There were definitely better options at this spot.
57. Tate Ratledge, G, Georgia – B+ Grade
The Lions wanted to address guard in the first round, but they couldn’t land Tyler Booker or Donovan Jackson. They finally get their guard in the second round. Tate Ratledge’s pass protection is worrying, but he’s a great run blocker. He makes sense in this range.
70. Isaac TeSlaa, WR, Arkansas – MILLEN Grade
The Lions moved up for Isaac TeSlaa!? I don’t mind the prospect, as TeSlaa is an athletic player with upside, but I had him in the fourth or fifth round. I’ve heard some evaluate him in the seventh. There was no reason to trade up for TeSlaa, who easily could have been available late in the third.
171. Miles Frazier, G, LSU – A Grade
Miles Frazier could have gone earlier than this with no complaints. The Lions won’t complain, as they wanted to draft a guard in the first round. There’s a chance Frazier could start sooner rather than later.
196. Ahmed Hassanein, DE, Boise State – B Grade
Ahmed Hassanein was a very productive player at Boise State. He lacks height and length for the NFL, but perhaps he can defy the odds and become productive for the Lions. He’s a project, but could pan out, especially with having an attitude Dan Campbell loves.
230. Dan Jackson, S, Georgia – C Grade
Dan Jackson is another prospect who wasn’t on the radar as a draftable player, so we’re reached that time of the draft. The Lions are just getting this player for special teams.
244. Dominic Lovett, WR, Georgia – B Grade
Dominic Lovett has size limitations and figures to just be a slot receiver in the NFL. The problem is that Amon-Ra St. Brown plays there, so Lovett will be blocked, barring injury. Still, he should do well on special teams.
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