The NFL Draft Combine is one of the most anticipated events of the offseason, as it gives NFL teams and fans alike a first look at the upcoming talent. For Detroit Lions fans, this year’s Combine will be particularly important, given the team’s recent rise in competitive play and their quest to solidify key positions on the roster. The Lions have built a strong foundation in recent years, but there are still areas where they can improve. The 2025 NFL Draft presents an opportunity for Detroit to fill those gaps and continue their journey towards a potential playoff run.
There are several positions that Detroit Lions fans should pay close attention to during the 2025 NFL Draft Combine, as the team seeks to address both short-term and long-term needs. These positions will be crucial in determining how successful the team can be in 2025 and beyond.
Let’s dive into the five most important positions that Detroit Lions fans should watch during the NFL Draft Combine:
1. Defensive Line (Edge Rusher/Interior Defensive Line)
The Detroit Lions’ defensive line has been an area of concern for years, especially in terms of generating pressure on opposing quarterbacks. While the Lions have a few talented players on the defensive line, they still need to bolster their pass rush and strengthen their interior defensive line to help stop the run.
Why It’s Important for the Lions: The Lions finished 2024 ranked near the middle of the league in terms of sacks, but they lacked consistency. A dynamic edge rusher or powerful interior defensive lineman could make a significant difference in the team’s ability to pressure quarterbacks and disrupt offensive schemes. The Lions’ defense showed promise last season but was often exposed against elite teams. Adding a high-impact player to the front seven would help improve the overall defense, especially as the team looks to compete in the NFC North, a division that houses several dangerous quarterbacks.
Top Prospects to Watch:
- Jared Verse (Edge, Florida State): Verse is a versatile pass rusher with an explosive first step and the ability to get around offensive tackles. His Combine performance will show if he can continue to develop into a top-tier edge rusher.
- Bryan Bresee (Interior Defensive Line, Clemson): Bresee is a powerful defensive tackle who can disrupt both the pass and the run game. His strength and athleticism will be on full display at the Combine, and if he performs well, he could be a top target for the Lions.
- Will Anderson Jr. (Edge, Alabama): Anderson is considered one of the best pass rushers in the draft. He has an impressive ability to bend the edge and generate consistent pressure. A player like Anderson could immediately step in and help the Lions’ defense improve.
2. Cornerback
The Lions’ defense has shown great improvement in recent seasons, but the cornerback position remains a weak spot. While the Lions have a few solid cornerbacks, including Jeff Okudah, they have struggled to find a true shutdown corner who can consistently compete with top-tier receivers. In a pass-heavy NFL, having elite cornerbacks is more important than ever, and the Lions need to find someone who can lock down opposing wide receivers.
Why It’s Important for the Lions: Detroit has been working to build a secondary capable of handling elite receivers, but they are still lacking that standout cornerback who can be relied upon to shut down the best in the league. With teams like the Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings, and Chicago Bears all having talented receiving corps, the Lions cannot afford to remain vulnerable in the secondary. A lockdown corner could make a world of difference, especially in the NFC North.
Top Prospects to Watch:
- Devon Witherspoon (Cornerback, Illinois): Witherspoon has been one of the most consistent cornerbacks in college football, and his Combine performance could solidify him as a top pick. His ability to make plays on the ball and his quickness in coverage make him a potential fit for the Lions.
- Christian Gonzalez (Cornerback, Oregon): Gonzalez is a long, athletic corner with fluid hips and great ball skills. His performance at the Combine will be critical in determining whether he is a top-10 pick or someone the Lions should target if they trade up in the draft.
- Cam Smith (Cornerback, South Carolina): Smith is a physical cornerback who excels in man-to-man coverage. If he runs well at the Combine and shows his ability to cover speedsters, he could be a key target for the Lions to shore up their secondary.
3. Wide Receiver
The wide receiver position has been a focal point for the Detroit Lions over the past few seasons. With star receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown emerging as one of the top young receivers in the league, the Lions have a solid foundation. However, they still lack a true second option who can consistently make plays and stretch the field. Adding another wide receiver to complement St. Brown could elevate the Lions’ offense and make them more dangerous in the passing game.
Why It’s Important for the Lions: Despite St. Brown’s excellent performance, the Lions need another reliable receiver who can open up the offense and give Jared Goff more weapons. The team’s offense is highly efficient, but it can be predictable at times, especially when facing defenses that can limit St. Brown’s production. With Goff playing at a high level, adding another talented receiver could help the team compete with some of the more explosive offenses in the NFC.
Top Prospects to Watch:
- Jaxon Smith-Njigba (Wide Receiver, Ohio State): Smith-Njigba is one of the most complete wide receivers in the draft. His ability to create separation with quickness and sharp route running makes him a dangerous weapon. He could be the perfect complement to St. Brown and help give the Lions a dynamic passing game.
- Jordan Addison (Wide Receiver, USC): Addison is another receiver who excels at creating separation and making plays after the catch. He could be an immediate contributor for the Lions and provide a much-needed second option in the passing game.
- Zay Flowers (Wide Receiver, Boston College): Flowers is a speedy, dynamic receiver who can stretch the field and make big plays. His quickness and agility make him a potential game-changer for the Lions if they need someone to add speed to their offense.
4. Running Back
Although the Lions have Jamaal Williams and David Montgomery in their backfield, adding a more dynamic and explosive running back could make the offense even more potent. Detroit has relied heavily on its running game in recent seasons, and a fresh, talented running back would help diversify their offensive attack.
Why It’s Important for the Lions: The Lions are a team that thrives when they can establish the run. However, they may lack a game-breaking back who can change the momentum of a game with one play. While Montgomery and Williams are solid backs, neither offers the same kind of explosion that top running backs in the league can provide. A high-end rookie could give the offense an extra dimension.
Top Prospects to Watch:
- Bijan Robinson (Running Back, Texas): Robinson is one of the top prospects in the 2025 draft and could immediately step in as the Lions’ bell-cow back. He is a dynamic runner with great vision, explosiveness, and the ability to catch passes out of the backfield. If the Lions are looking for a difference-maker, Robinson would be the ideal fit.
- Jahmyr Gibbs (Running Back, Alabama): Gibbs is a versatile back who can contribute both as a rusher and receiver. His ability to make defenders miss and his top-end speed make him a potential game-changer for the Lions’ offense.
- Zach Charbonnet (Running Back, UCLA): Charbonnet is a powerful and explosive back who can wear down defenses. His combination of size, strength, and speed could make him a great complement to the Lions’ existing running backs.
5. Offensive Line (Interior and Tackle)
The offensive line is always an important area for any team, and for the Detroit Lions, it’s no different. With quarterback Jared Goff playing at a high level, the last thing the team wants is for their offensive line to let him down. Strengthening the offensive line, particularly at guard or tackle, could provide a more secure pocket for Goff, help open up running lanes, and ensure the offense remains explosive.
Why It’s Important for the Lions: While the Lions have some talented players on their offensive line, they still have room for improvement, particularly in depth. Detroit has had issues with injuries in the past, and securing more depth and potential future starters along the line could be crucial to the team’s continued success.
Top Prospects to Watch:
- Paris Johnson Jr. (Offensive Tackle, Ohio State): Johnson is one of the top offensive tackle prospects in the draft, and his combination of size and athleticism could help solidify the Lions’ offensive line for years to come.
- Peter Skoronski (Offensive Tackle, Northwestern): Skoronski is another top tackle prospect with a strong pedigree and excellent technique. His ability to pass block and anchor against powerful defenders will be key for the Lions in the upcoming season.
- Cody Mauch (Offensive Guard/Tackle, North Dakota State): Mauch is a versatile lineman who can play both guard and tackle. His toughness and technique make him an appealing option for the Lions to add depth to their line.
The Detroit Lions are entering a crucial phase in their rebuilding process, and the 2025 NFL Draft could be the key to pushing them into playoff contention. By addressing positions such as defensive line, cornerback, wide receiver, running back, and offensive line, the Lions can fill critical holes in their roster and continue to build a competitive team. For Detroit Lions fans, the NFL Draft Combine will be an exciting event to watch, as it will provide a preview of the talent available and help shape the team’s future success.
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