Detroit Lions 2025 Local Pro Day: Breaking Down the Invitees

The Detroit Lions’ Local Pro Day invites are an essential part of their pre-draft process. These events allow the team to assess players who may not be on national radar but could still make an impact on the roster. Here’s a deeper look at some of the invitees and why they matter for the Lions’ 2025 roster:

Quarterback: Cole Snyder (Eastern Michigan)

Why He’s a Potential Fit:

• Background: Cole Snyder has been impressive at Eastern Michigan, showing leadership and solid decision-making in his college career. While he’s not expected to be a top pick, his performance at a local level makes him worth considering as a developmental quarterback or practice squad player.
• Strengths: Strong arm and good mobility outside the pocket. Can make all the throws required at the NFL level and is known for his ability to read defenses.
• Lions’ Need: The Lions have solidified their starting quarterback role, but having reliable backup options is crucial. Snyder’s familiarity with the region could make him a local favorite for a potential camp invite, especially if the Lions are looking for depth behind Jared Goff.

Running Back: Peny Boone (Central Florida)

Why He’s a Potential Fit:

• Background: Boone played for a competitive Central Florida program and has developed into a physical running back who can gain yards after contact. His size and agility make him an intriguing option for a team looking for depth at running back.
• Strengths: Boone is known for his ability to break tackles, his vision, and his capacity to be a powerful ball carrier. He also has the speed to make explosive plays when necessary.
• Lions’ Need: The Lions have a solid group of running backs, but depth behind the starter is always a key area to reinforce. Boone’s ability to contribute in both the run and passing game could make him a useful asset, especially in special teams.

Wide Receiver: Tyrone Broden (Arkansas)

Why He’s a Potential Fit:

• Background: Broden had a standout college career at Arkansas, showcasing impressive size and speed. His 6’4″ frame and ability to win contested catches could make him a valuable addition to the Lions’ receiving corps.
• Strengths: Physical wide receiver with great hands and route-running ability. He excels at catching passes in traffic and could provide a reliable target on contested throws.
• Lions’ Need: With the Lions’ passing game becoming a central part of their offense, adding a big-bodied wide receiver could help diversify their attack. Broden’s ability to stretch the field and make big catches could make him a useful weapon alongside Amon-Ra St. Brown.

Defensive Tackle: Maverick Hansen (Michigan State)

Why He’s a Potential Fit:

• Background: Hansen has been a fixture on Michigan State’s defensive line and has a reputation for being disruptive in both the pass rush and run defense. His size and technique make him a strong candidate for a role on the interior defensive line.
• Strengths: Hansen is a powerful, well-conditioned defensive tackle who excels at disrupting offensive linemen. He has a relentless motor and a high football IQ, which helps him anticipate plays and make timely tackles.
• Lions’ Need: The Lions’ defense has made significant strides, but they still need help along the defensive line. Hansen could provide additional depth and potentially even earn a role as a rotational player or starting defensive tackle depending on his development.

Cornerback: Aamir Hall (Michigan)

Why He’s a Potential Fit:

• Background: Aamir Hall has been a solid cornerback for Michigan, showing the ability to defend against top-tier receivers in the Big Ten. His playmaking ability, especially in one-on-one situations, has drawn significant attention.
• Strengths: Hall has quick feet and excellent footwork, making him a challenge for receivers trying to break free. He also has good ball skills and can play physical when necessary.
• Lions’ Need: The Lions have been working to improve their secondary, and adding depth at cornerback will be crucial. Hall’s potential as a developmental player could add the necessary depth behind starters like Jeff Okudah and Amani Oruwariye.

Kicker: Griffin Milovanski (Wayne State)

Why He’s a Potential Fit:

• Background: Milovanski is a standout kicker at the local Wayne State program, showing impressive range and accuracy in his field goal attempts. Though not as widely known as some of the nation’s top kickers, his consistency could be enough to earn a chance with the Lions.
• Strengths: A reliable leg with a knack for making clutch kicks, Milovanski excels under pressure situations. His accuracy on extra points and field goals is his primary strength.
• Lions’ Need: The Lions have had some uncertainty at kicker in recent seasons, and adding competition could ensure they have the most reliable option. Milovanski could provide competition in training camp and potentially make the roster or land on the practice squad.

Long Snapper: William Wagner (Michigan)

Why He’s a Potential Fit:

• Background: As a long snapper for Michigan, Wagner has proven to be a consistent and reliable specialist. His ability to snap cleanly under pressure and deliver on every attempt has made him one of the top players in his position.
• Strengths: Wagner’s technical ability and consistency are his major assets. Long snappers don’t get much attention but are crucial for maintaining special teams’ efficiency.
• Lions’ Need: With a solid kicking game, the Lions will likely focus on ensuring their special teams unit is intact. Wagner could add depth and possibly take over a role if the current long snapper is not performing up to standards.

Detroit Lions’ 2025 Draft Strategy and How Local Pro Day Fits In

The local Pro Day gives the Lions a crucial opportunity to evaluate talent that may not have been seen on a national scale. While the majority of attention will go to top-tier prospects from national programs, the Lions understand the value of finding hidden gems in their backyard. This is especially important as the team looks to build a roster that can compete for championships, and each Pro Day invitation provides insight into potential contributors.

Impact on 2025 Draft Decisions

The Lions are expected to continue their focus on bolstering the defensive line and secondary. The names like Maverick Hansen and Aamir Hall may be pivotal to their strategy in addressing areas of need. Offensively, depth is also a concern, and players like Tyrone Broden and Peny Boone could provide valuable options for improving the depth chart.

The Detroit Lions’ local Pro Day invites are crucial to their player development and scouting process. As the Lions continue to rebuild their roster and develop young talent, these local players will provide important competition and potential depth in positions that need reinforcements. While not all invitees will make the team, they give the Lions’ coaching staff valuable information that could shape the team’s future decisions. The 2025 NFL Draft is fast approaching, and these invitees are just one piece of the puzzle in the Lions’ pursuit of building a championship-caliber roster.