The Detroit Lions are ready to push for another Super Bowl after their disappointing playoff exit, though Dan Campbell and Brad Holmes might need to swing a big trade during the 2025 NFL Draft if they want to make a more immediate impact.
With the hole at right guard in need of addressing as soon as possible and the pass rush lacking a high-end star outside of Aidan Hutchinson, it's not too hard to see what the biggest issues for this Lions roster are.
Holmes has not been passive when it comes to acquiring a player he identified as a potential game-changer for his Detroit teams, and it stands to reason that he won't sit back if the opportunity presents itself in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Trey Hendrickson trade and 3 other blockbusters Lions can't refuse in 2025 NFL Draft
4. Lions add much-needed young guard in Zion Johnson
Lions Get: IOL Zion Johnson
Chargers Get: 2025 Fourth-Round Pick (No. 130), 2025 Seventh-Round Pick (No. 228)
The Chargers signed Mekhi Becton and Andre James in free agency, which could be a tell that they are hesitant to give Johnson a big long-term contract. Johnson hasn't played like a guard who was picked No. 17 overall, but he can be a reliable starter for a Lions team that might not be willing to spend some of their draft capital on a guard.
3. Lions trade for former Top 5 pick Kayvon Thibodeaux
Lions Get: EDGE Kayvon Thibodeaux
Giants Get: 2025 Third-Round Pick (No. 102)
If the Browns take Travis Hunter at No. 2 overall and Abdul Carter is picked by the Giants at No. 3 overall, Thibodeaux could be unofficially demoted to the team's third pass rusher behind Carter and Brian Burns.
Thibodeaux, who has 21 sacks in three seasons, has been good, but not great, in the pros. Perhaps Detroit could be the spot where he figures it all out.
2. Lions take big OL swing with Alijah Vera-Tucker
Lions Get: IOL Alijah Vera-Tucker, 2025 Fourth-Round Pick (No. 110)
Jets Get: 2025 Second-Round Pick (No. 60)
Not only are the Jets interested in picking an offensive lineman like Armand Membou at No. 7 overall, but Vera-Tucker is not under contract beyond this season. Vera-Tucker has some major injury concerns, but he is an excellent right guard when healthy.
Vera-Tucker's mobility, versatility, and quality pass protection skills could make him a much more appealing option than taking a guard at No. 60 overall.
1. Lions go for broke with Trey Hendrickson
Lions Get: EDGE Trey Hendrickson, 2025 Fifth-Round Pick (No. 153), 2026 Fourth-Round Pick
Bengals Get: 2025 First-Round Pick (No. 28), 2025 Seventh-Round Pick (No. 228) 2026 Third-Round Pick
Hendrickson is the top prize for anyone in need of a pass rusher in the next few weeks, as he is still a player capable of challenging for the league lead in sacks. Even in need of a new contract, it might take a first-round pick to pry him away from the Bengals.
Hendrickson and Aidan Hutchinson on the edge together could be one of the best tandems in the game, and it would be an emphatic way for Holmes to address his team's biggest current shortcoming.
