As the Detroit Lions turn the page on their 2024 season and prepare for the 2025 campaign, general manager Brad Holmes faces crucial decisions in the upcoming NFL Draft. With the 2025 season already on the horizon, the Lions have multiple areas to address, and this perfect mock draft provides a potential roadmap to reinforce their roster. Let’s take a look at the first two rounds, where the Lions can make significant moves to set themselves up for success.
Round 1 (Pick No. 28) – Grey Zabel, OL, North Dakota State
The Detroit Lions’ offensive line is one of the team’s biggest strengths, and Brad Holmes will do everything in his power to keep it that way. Grey Zabel, a versatile offensive lineman from North Dakota State, offers significant upside and fits perfectly with the Lions’ need for depth and stability along the interior line.
Zabel’s ability to play multiple positions along the offensive line makes him a valuable asset. While he can technically line up anywhere, I project him to be a guard at the next level. With Graham Glasgow struggling in 2024 and the uncertainty around Kevin Zeitler’s status for 2025, it’s crucial for the Lions to secure a reliable option at guard.
Zabel has impressed during Senior Bowl practices, and many scouts believe he has the talent to be a first-round pick. The Lions’ commitment to building a strong offensive line makes him an ideal choice at No. 28, and Zabel could help solidify the unit for years to come.
Round 2 (Pick No. 60) – Josaiah Stewart, EDGE, Michigan
When Aidan Hutchinson went down with a season-ending injury during the 2024 season, the Lions’ pass rush struggled mightily. While Hutchinson is expected to return healthy in 2025, the team needs a strong complementary pass rusher to work alongside him. Enter Josaiah Stewart, an explosive EDGE rusher from Michigan.
Stewart had a fantastic season in college and could be one of the most intriguing players available in the second round. Despite not having the prototypical size (6-1, 248 pounds) or wingspan of a typical EDGE rusher in the NFL, Stewart’s production on the field speaks for itself. His motor, quickness, and ability to disrupt the quarterback make him a prime candidate for the Lions. Brad Holmes has shown time and again that he values college performance and film study over physical measurements, which bodes well for Stewart’s chances in Detroit.
While it’s unclear whether the Lions will bring back veteran Za’Darius Smith, adding another EDGE rusher is a smart move. With Stewart’s potential, the Lions could land a future star to pair with Hutchinson, helping to create a dynamic pass-rushing duo that will terrorize opposing quarterbacks for years to come.
Bottom Line
The Detroit Lions are in an excellent position to improve their roster in the 2025 NFL Draft, and these two picks could make a significant impact. Adding Grey Zabel to shore up the interior offensive line and bringing in Josaiah Stewart to add depth to the pass rush would address two key needs. With Brad Holmes at the helm, the Lions are set to continue building a strong and balanced roster, setting themselves up for success in 2025 and beyond.
