The 2025 NFL Draft in Green Bay is set to kick off next week, and the Detroit Lions will have to wait for a while before making a selection in Round 1.
After an impressive 15-2 regular season performance but a disappointing playoff exit in 2024, Detroit is slated to select at No.28 overall in the first round. Though many expect the Lions to address their need for an edge rusher or interior offensive lineman with the pick, general manager Brad Holmes stated during a press conference on Thursday that the team won't reach on a player just to fill a need.
"We're not gonna reach on players just to fill a position," Holmes said. "You're just kind of getting into a cycle that I think is a little bit dangerous to get into. So that's why I've been more of, you know, just get the best player."
Holmes' strategy of selecting the best available player means Detroit could make an unexpected choice next week. That said, here is a new four-round Lions mock draft that has the team trading up for an explosive receiver on Day 1.
Lions 4-round NFL mock draft
MOCK TRADE WITH LOS ANGELES CHARGERS
DET receives: No.22 overall pick, 2026 fourth-round selection
LAC receives: No.28 overall pick, 2025 third-round selection (No.102 overall), 2026 fourth-round selection
Round 1, Pick 22 (Via LAC): Tetairoa McMillan, WR Arizona
This would be a bold move, but adding McMillan to the offense would be electric. The 22-year-old hauled in 84 receptions for 1,319 yards and eight touchdowns during his junior campaign at Arizona in 2024 and showcased his big-play ability.
Concerns about his speed and ability to create separation at the next level have caused McMillan to move down some analyst's boards, but the Hawaii native created a ton of explosive plays in college and should be an impactful wide receiver in the NFL. A trio of Amon-Ra St.Brown, Jameson Williams, and McMillan would make quarterback Jared Goff very happy.
Scouting report (NFL.com's Lance Zierlein): "Possession receiver with the size and ball skills to create big wins deep. He’s a linear route-runner who wears press coverage early and coasts too often on deep routes, but he has a feel for uncovering underneath and can play over the top of cornerbacks for easier jump-ball wins. McMillan is instinctive with a feel for adjusting his routes and working back on throws to make the quarterback’s job easier. He needs to show more consistent play speed and physicality to protect his workspace. His elite ball skills set him apart, though, providing a higher floor as a “Z” option with mismatch value in the slot.
Round 2, Pick 60: J.T. Tuimoloau, EDGE Ohio State
Tuimoloau had a productive senior season at Ohio State, posting 12.5 sacks and 51 quarterback pressures with 39 defensive stops. The 21-year-old could immediately step in as a starter on the defensive line and help out Aidan Hutchinson. Tuimoloau's power and versatile pass-rushing skillset make him an ideal Day 2 selection for Detroit.
Scouting report (The 33rd Team's Kyle Crabbs): "Tuimoloau projects as an even front end. He will be best rushing with his hand in the dirt. He would likely be best weaponized in a defensive scheme that attacks protections to help mitigate some of his athletic limitations and instead rely on his power and football IQ to run picks and stunts to bolster his successful rush percentage. His role could range from rotational talent to a scheme-specific starter, depending on the defensive ideology.
Round 4, Pick 130: Connor Colby, G Iowa
The Lions should look to add another guard to the roster after losing Kevin Zeitler to the Tennessee Titans in free agency. Colby started two seasons at right guard for the Hawkeyes in 2023 and 2024 and allowed just three sacks in that span. He could compete for the starting role at right guard in training camp, and also has the versatility to play other positions.
Scouting report (NFL.com's Lance Zierlein): Colby started 50 games at Iowa and is well-versed in the inside-outside zone attack. He reads defensive movements and adjusts his blocks accordingly. He connects with strong hands and looks to finish lateral engagements but doesn’t have the pad level or play strength to deal with power across from him. His pass protection is troubling, with areas of concern that might not be correctable.
