In a post-Ben Johnson era, the Detroit Lions have had to face a new reality. The coaching staff looks mightily different, but the steady presence of Dan Campbell remains.
Detroit should still feel as confident as ever, especially going into the 2025 NFL Draft.
Although the focus should be on the defensive side of the ball in the upcoming draft, there still might be opportunities for Detroit to take advantage of value on the offensive side. And, with Johnson having his work cut out for him in Chicago, the Lions could remind him the type of team and roster he's leaving behind.
Detroit could see some trade opportunities arise in the draft and take full advantage.
The Lions can't resist moving up for a future Tim Patrick replacement
Come time for the third round, there is one particular wide receiver still on the board and, when the Lions can't resist anymore, they move up to land him. Is wide receiver a need? You could argue either way, but this opportunity is too good to pass up.
Detroit doesn't pick until the very final selection in Round 3 at no. 102, so the better option is to give up a second rounder next year for this year's early third from Jacksonville.
With the no. 70 overall pick, the Lions select TCU wide receiver Jack Bech
Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams will get most of the wide receiver touches, but Tim Patrick is a savvy veteran who also makes plays occasionally. With Patrick's injury history and age, Jack Bech is an irresistible pick at this point.
The 6-foot-1 TCU product is tough, physical and possesses excellent ball skills. He's a true Dan Campbell type of player who offers Detroit a wide receiver that can track deep balls well in addition to succeeding in possession routes.
The Lions trade up for a versatile offensive lineman
Great teams have taught us, time and time again, that you can never have enough talen on the offensive line. And, that's what the Lions continue proving here.
With the no. 111 overall pick, the Lions select Purdue OL Marcus Mbow
Marcus Mbow may not have the desired arm length for some teams and thus. might not fit at one specific position, but his experience playing all positions across the line is something that the Lions will absolutely love. His ability to play inside or out could prove valuable as Detroit moves on from Kevin Zeitler and thus has a depth opening behind Christian Mahogany.
Detroit can't resist moving up for a college teammate of Sam LaPorta
Of course, Sam LaPorta is the star at tight end. But, this is a selection that once again comes with the Lions seeing value in a player who has lasted to this point.
With the no. 180 overall pick, the Lions select Iowa tight end Luke Lachey
The Iowa tight end is a former college teammate of LaPorta and comes in with a chip on his shoulder after an injury derailed his 2024 season. He isn't the level of athlete and talent LaPorta is, but Luke Lachey could end up developing into a solid TE2 down the line.
This is just one more example of Detroit finding value and talent at key positions and not wanting to pass on the opportunity.
