Now that we’re deep enough into the 2025 NFL Draft process, it feels like the right time to discuss a weekly NFL Mock Draft. But not just your standard first round, instead, one that is centered around just the Detroit Lions for all 7 rounds! Let’s dive into my Detroit Lions Mock Draft 1.0!
2nd Round | 38th Overall | Jack Sawyer, EDGE, Ohio State
Starting with a trade-down scenario is not what I had in mind. However, the suggested trade was from the New England Patriots. They offered us the 38th and 69th pick for the 28th pick and the 246th pick. Without looking at the trade value chart, this felt like an easy trade to accept.
By trading down, I kept the Lions in a position to still add some type of help off the edge. That’s exactly what Jack Sawyer would do for them. He looks like a poor man’s version of Aidan Hutchinson but Sawyer is the type of player the Lions look for each draft. He’s tough, plays physical and has a high motor.
Sawyer lacks ideal quickness and bend for the position but he’s relentless when taking on blocks and navigating towards the backfield. Pairing Sawyer up with Hutch, Paschal and possibly Za’Darius Smith gives the Lions plenty of options to generate some type of pass rush.
2nd Round | 60th Overall | Wyatt Milum, IOL, West Virginia
Adding some type of depth along the interior of the offensive line should be expected from the Lions this off-season. They’ve got a decision to make on Kevin Zeitler at right guard and the play from Graham Glasgow at left guard was less than ideal.
Millum has the ideal frame to play either guard or tackle (6’6″ and 315 pounds) in the NFL. Additionally, he hits with heavy hands and plays with the desired physicality for the position. His foot speed will get tested against faster defenders but it’ll be rare for a defender to run through him. Plugging him between players such as Taylor Decker, Frank Ragnow and Penei Sewell should bode well for his development in the NFL.
3rd Round | 69th Overall | Shemar Turner, IDL, Texas A&M
While I would love for the Lions to select Texas A&M DL Shemar Stewart with the 28th overall pick, it feels likely that he’ll be long gone by that point. With that, I wouldn’t be surprised if the Lions and several other teams pivot towards Stewart’s teammates, Shemar Turner and Nic Scourton.
In this scenario, I selected Shemar Turner in this spot. After the Combine and Pro Days, I think Turner will solidify himself as a top-75 pick. He’s got the desired size (6’4″ and 300 pounds) and versatility to contribute right away. He plays well laterally and has an explosive first step. If the Lions are looking for a Levi Onwuzurike replacement, Turner could be that guy for them.
4th Round | 104th Overall | Malachi Moore, DB, Alabama
I don’t see any scenario where Malachi Moore is available at this spot in the draft. He graded out as a top-50 player for me (to this point) and I’m hopeful he tests well at the Scouting Combine to solidify that grade. That said, one thing we know is that Lions GM Brad Holmes loves himself a player from Alabama.
When watching Moore, his physical style of play immediately stands out. He hits hard over the middle of the field and is versatile enough to align anywhere. He can cover the slot, play as a single-high safety or roll out onto the field in a split-safety role.
It’s unclear if the Lions will bring back safety Ifeatu Melifonwu but if I had to guess, they’ll move forward without him. Often injured and production lapses doesn’t sound like a contract extension. Replacing him and getting another defensive back with a versatile and well-round skill-set should be a priority for Detroit.
4th Round | 133rd Overall | Mello Dotson, CB, Kansas
Another player that could be long gone by the time we get to this point in the draft is Mello Dotson from Kansas. He’s been highly productive during his career but specifically, he’s been on a different level recently.
Over the past two seasons, Dotson has recorded 9 interceptions and 18 pass deflections. During that span, he’s returned four interceptions for touchdown. When watching his film, he plays patient and shows that he can flip his hips and run in the hip pocket of receivers consistently.
There’s been times where he doesn’t always turn his head around when the ball is thrown. That could lead to some trouble at the next level. Fortunately, he’s shown the desired ball skills that are translatable. He’s expected to test well at the Scouting Combine (posted a 200-meter dash time of 22.91 seconds). Whenever watching him, I think of Cowboys CB Daron Bland.
5th Round | 155th Overall | Nick Nash, WR, San Jose State
Up to this point, I haven’t had a chance to watch San Jose State WR Nick Nash in-depth. I watched one game live in October (Colorado State) and then the coaches film against Boise State. Afterward, I didn’t end up being blown away from Nash but he can certainly be a serviceable receiver for the correct team.
That team could be Detroit. There’s a decision to be made on Tim Patrick, and if he’s not retained, the Lions will need another receiver. They already need depth at the position, so Nash can certainly provide that depth. From what I saw on tape, he’s not going to win with speed. Instead, much of what he does is based off timing and his ability to high-point the football consistently. This is a pick where you roll the dice and hope it pays off for the player and your offense.
7th Round | 230th Overall | Caden Prieskorn, TE, Ole Miss
This was the last pick of this mock draft so I was simply just throwing a dart at the board. We know the Lions love the production they’ve gotten from Sam LaPorta but with the amount of ’12’ personnel they run, it could be wise to add another tight end to the roster. After all, Shane Zylstra is set to hit free agency and we know there’s limitations with Brock Wright.
Adding Prieskorn adds depth and competition to the tight end room. During his college career, he recorded 112 receptions for over 1500 yards and 14 touchdowns. It’s worth noting that he’s an older prospect (will be 26 in September) but he was a former high school quarterback at Orchard Lake St. Mary’s and he was born in Lake Orion, Michigan. Prior to playing for Ole Miss, he played tight end at Memphis. There could be enough there to intrigue Detroit.