It’s time for the third edition of the Detroit Lions OnSI mock draft roundup for the 2025 NFL Draft.
Over the past week, the cornerback position has emerged as a highly favored target for the Lions with the No. 28 overall pick. However, multiple analysts also project Detroit to address its defensive front, particularly the pass rush.
Let’s take a detailed look at who draft pundits have Lions general manager Brad Holmes selecting in the first round.
EDGE Princely Umanmielen, Ole Miss
Umanmielen is currently being selected by:
The Draft Network (Justin Melo)
As Melo explains, “The need for an EDGE opposite Aidan Hutchinson is clear, as the Lions’ pass rush struggled significantly after Hutchinson’s season-ending injury. Dan Campbell and Brad Holmes tend to favor bigger-bodied edge rushers, and Princely Umanmielen fits that mold at a solid 265 pounds. He showed off his explosiveness and quick first step at the Senior Bowl. Umanmielen is coming off a career-high 10.5 sacks last season, making him a strong candidate to boost Detroit’s pass rush.”
Defensive Tackle Derrick Harmon, Oregon
Harmon is currently being mocked by:
ESPN (Matt Miller)
Pro Football Network (Reese Decker)
Miller writes, “The Lions face tough decisions in free agency, particularly with guard Kevin Zeitler and defensive tackle Levi Onwuzurike both entering contract years. Regardless of whether Onwuzurike returns, bolstering the interior defensive line should be a priority for Holmes and the Lions’ front office.”
Defensive Back Benjamin Morrison, Notre Dame
Morrison is currently being projected by:
Pro Football Network (Marco Enriquez)
Pro Football Focus (Mason Cameron)
Enriquez notes, *“Detroit’s front seven is formidable when fully healthy, but the secondary has been an area of concern, even if it showed some improvement last season. Morrison is a well-rounded defensive back with strong fundamentals, good speed, and excellent awareness.
His stock has taken a slight hit due to a hip surgery that sidelined him for the latter part of last season. While he lacks elite closing speed, he compensates with his physicality and ball skills, both of which should translate well at the next level.”*
EDGE Shemar Stewart, Texas A&M
Stewart is currently being mocked by:
WalterFootball (Charlie Campbell)
Campbell writes, *“Detroit could use additional rotational pass rushers and defensive line depth. Moreover, Za’Darius Smith and Josh Paschal are entering the final year of their contracts in 2025, meaning it’s a good time to invest in another EDGE player.
At 6-foot-6 and 290 pounds, Stewart possesses an excellent blend of size, speed, and strength. In 2024, he recorded 31 tackles, 1.5 sacks, and two passes defended. While his raw talent is evident, he remains an unpolished prospect who needs refinement in his instincts and overall technique.”*
EDGE Landon Jackson, Arkansas
Jackson is currently being projected by:
The Draft Wire (Curt Popejoy)
Cornerback Azareye’h Thomas, Florida State
Thomas is currently being mocked by:
NFL.com (Lance Zierlein)
EDGE Nic Scourton, Texas A&M
Scourton is currently being drafted by:
The 33rd Team (Kyle Crabbs)
With a mix of cornerbacks, interior defensive linemen, and pass rushers appearing in these mock drafts, it’s evident that analysts see defense as the Lions’ top priority in the first round. Whether Holmes ultimately opts for a shutdown corner or an impact pass rusher remains to be seen, but Detroit’s strategy is becoming clearer as the draft approaches.
