The Detroit Lions have a deep enough roster to justify some risky moves in the 2025 NFL Draft, one of which could be packaging some of their lower draft picks in a trade that could see them leap up from their No. 30 overall position.
Given the recent hole at right guard that has popped up, the lack of an elite pass rush outside of Aidan Hutchinson, and a defensive tackle room that could use one more big name to take a step forward, Brad Holmes and Dan Campbell may need to move up to satisfy their desires.
These three players, even in a Draft class regarded as generally subpar in totality, should be worth a look from Holmes. In the past, Holmes and his collection of assistant executives have had no issue with packaging multiple picks together and moving up in the order to get their guy.
3 future stars Lions must absolutely trade up for in NFL Draft
3. Tyler Booker, IOL, Alabama
If Will Campbell is able to stay at left tackle, Booker stands out as the best guard in this class. Booker and his tremendous ability to open up holes in the running game could start right away next to Penei Sewell on the right side after veteran guard Kevin Zeitler departed the team in free agency.
While some fans may not like the idea of neglecting the defensive line to select a player like Booker, the success that Campbell, Holmes, and offensive line coach Hank Fraley have had in developing young talent could make them a perfect landing spot for Booker early in his career.
2. James Pearce Jr., EDGE, Tennessee
Pearce's stock has been hard to pin down in recent weeks, as his pass rush abilities are second to none. However, concerns about his behavior within the locker room could lead to a slight fall that helps convince Detroit of the necessity to move up in the order to select him.
Pearce is one of the most explosive players in this draft, and the combination of his Quicksilver-like speed off the snap paired with a deep toolbox of pass rush moves will help him profile as a player who can come right into the league and challenge for 10 sacks every year.
1. Kenneth Grant, DT, Michigan
Few defensive linemen can clock in at 340 pounds, and even fewer can showcase the athletic ability needed to both stuff the run inside and be an effective rusher on passing downs. Even with Alim McNeil locked up, Grant is a worthy selection for Detroit.
Grant and Ole Miss' Walter Nolen are regarded as the two best non-Mason Graham defensive tackles in this class, though Grant might be the better option for any team looking for solid run defense. the fact he is a Michigan product may be even more appealing for Detroit.
