With only three games left in the 2024 season, numerous teams are shifting their attention to the offseason. This involves the Detroit Lions, who were knocked out by the Washington Commanders in the NFC Divisional Round.
The Lions now possess the 28th selection in the NFL Draft. Though the top talent might be gone by the time they select, there are numerous alternatives that could meet Detroit’s requirements.
Here’s my initial forecast for how the opening round unfolds in the 2025 NFL Draft. Selections No. 29-32 are yet to be confirmed, as they will be decided by the outcomes of the conference championship games and the Super Bowl.
1. Tennessee Titans — EDGE Abdul Carter from Penn State
Carter was a significant player for the Nittany Lions this season, achieving 12 total sacks. He recorded four sacks during the playoffs, two of which were against Notre Dame, all while managing an injury. He possesses a significant potential and would enable the Titans to construct their defense around an emerging star on the edge.
2. Cleveland Browns — CB/WR Travis Hunter, from Colorado
The Heisman Trophy recipient can significantly impact both defensive and offensive plays. No matter where he lands, he will provide star appeal to the Browns and offer coach Kevin Stefanski various creative strategies on offense and defense.
3. New York Giants — Quarterback Shedeur Sanders, Colorado
Sanders and New York City are a great fit. He possesses the abilities to make an impact right away, and although his pocket presence requires some refinement, he has the accuracy and awareness to be effective early on in his career.
4. Las Vegas Raiders — Mariscal de campo Cam Ward, Miami (Florida)
Following the Giants selecting Sanders, Las Vegas and their new head coach Pete Carroll end up acquiring the dynamic Ward. He played prominently last season at Miami, and although he has potential for growth, he has demonstrated indications of becoming a reliable NFL starter soon.
5. New York Jets — Defensive Tackle Mason Graham, University of Michigan
The new Jets head coach, formerly the Lions’ defensive coordinator, Aaron Glenn selects one of the top interior prospects with his initial pick. Graham excelled in the interior at Michigan and possesses the speed and power to translate that performance to the professional level.
6. Carolina Panthers — WR Tetairoa McMillan from Arizona
At 6-foot-5, McMillan is a formidable presence and would provide the kind of downfield threat the Panthers require alongside Bryce Young. Carolina compensates the young quarterback for his solid conclusion to the season by acquiring a versatile wide receiver.
7. New Orleans Saints — TE Tyler Warren, Pennsylvania State University
Warren is among the top skill-position prospects in the Draft. He was a key player in the Nittany Lions’ journey to the semi-finals and will be a valuable addition for whoever the Saints choose as their next head coach.
8. Chicago Bears — Offensive Tackle Kelvin Banks Jr., Texas
New head coach Ben Johnson draws inspiration from his previous team by choosing an offensive lineman as his initial selection. Banks is a strong blocker who will offer excellent support for Caleb Williams.
9. New England Patriots — Offensive Tackle Will Campbell, LSU
Following Drake Maye’s display of significant potential, the Patriots should consider establishing a robust offensive line to support him. Campbell, a prominent player at LSU, is the initial stage in that journey.
10. Jacksonville Jaguars — Cornerback Will Johnson, Michigan
Injuries troubled Johnson in 2024, yet his potential ranks among the highest in the class. The Jaguars require assistance at cornerback, and he can offer that right away.
11. Dallas Cowboys — Running back Ashton Jeanty from Boise State
Given the Cowboys’ run game difficulties during the 2024 season, the Heisman Trophy finalist presents an immediate improvement. Jeanty is a significant playmaker and has the potential to be an explosive asset for the new head coach, Brian Schottenheimer.
12. Miami Dolphins — S Malaki Starks, University of Georgia
Given the Dolphins’ abundance of offensive talent right now, they choose to strengthen their secondary. Starks ranks as one of the top defensive backs in his class and possesses significant range for the role, turning him into a ball-hawking menace in the latter part of Miami’s defense.
13. Indianapolis Colts — DE James Pearce Jr., Tennessee
Initially regarded as a likely first overall selection in the draft, Pearce’s value has decreased somewhat during the college football season. The Colts enhanced this position last year with Laiatu Latu and have chosen to reinforce their pursuit of the quarterback by selecting one of the top talents available.
15. Atlanta Falcons — DE Mykel Williams, University of Georgia
The Falcons might also benefit from assistance on the edge and choose to take a risk on the Georgia player. Williams faced injuries all year, yet possesses the explosiveness to be precisely what the Falcons require.
16. Arizona Cardinals — Defensive Lineman Shemar Stewart, Texas A&M
Stewart is an fascinating player who can perform on the edge or possibly transition in. The Cardinals have needed a robust presence in the interior, and this could be a great match.
17. Cincinnati Bengals — Wide Receiver Luther Burden, Missouri
If Tee Higgins doesn’t re-sign, the Bengals should be excited that Burden is still available. While he may not match the style precisely, Burden is a dynamic player who would excel alongside Joe Burrow.
18. Seattle Seahawks — Defensive Tackle Kenneth Grant, Michigan
Grant is an outstanding athlete considering his size, and reuniting with his previous defensive coordinator from Michigan is a logical move.
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers — Cornerback Jahdae Barron, Texas
Barron is an athlete who may keep climbing during the pre-draft period. He had an impressive season for Texas and posed a significant takeaway danger, providing the Buccaneers with a fresh choice at corner alongside All-Pro safety Antoine Winfield Jr.
20. Denver Broncos — LB Jihaad Campbell, from Alabama
Although off-ball linebackers often don’t receive much attention, Campbell is an exception. He’s quite athletic and would fit well within Vance Joseph’s defensive system.
21. Pittsburgh Steelers — CB Benjamin Morrison, Notre Dame
The wide receiver spot was being evaluated, but I chose Morrison because he aligns well with the Steelers’ defensive scheme. Pittsburgh would introduce another young cornerback to complement Joey Porter Jr.
22. Los Angeles Chargers — TE Colston Loveland, de Michigan
The Chargers are enhancing their skill positions surrounding Justin Herbert, and after successfully selecting Ladd McConkey last season, they choose to have coach Jim Harbaugh reconnect with Loveland to become the team’s main tight end.
23. Green Bay Packers — Cornerback Shavon Revel, East Carolina
Revel experienced a torn ACL and was absent for all but three matches this season. Although this resulted in a decline in his stock, a team will eventually be quite pleased with the talent they acquire. Amid uncertainties regarding Jaire Alexander’s future, he arrives in Green Bay.
24. Minnesota Vikings — Defensive Tackle Walter Nolen, Mississippi
Minnesota chooses to enhance its defense with Nolen, who recorded 6.5 sacks and 14 tackles for loss for the Rebels in the previous season.
25. Houston Texans — Wide Receiver Emeka Egbuka, Ohio State
As Stefon Diggs approaches free agency, the Texans connect C.J. Stroud with one of his old teammates, Egbuka. The Buckeye is an excellent route runner and possesses the route tree to thrive at the NFL level.
26. Los Angeles Rams — OT Josh Simmons, Ohio State
Before he sustained a knee injury, Simmons might have been selected earlier. Consequently
27. Baltimore Ravens — Wide Receiver Matthew Golden from Texas
Golden is yet another energetic offensive skill player, and the Ravens require additional youthful talent in that role. Zay Flowers has shown promise, and Tez Walker possesses potential, while bringing Golden into the fold would provide Lamar Jackson with additional young talent surrounding him.
28. Detroit Lions — DE Jack Sawyer, Ohio State
Although Mike Green from Marshall was also a strong candidate, my initial prediction is that the Lions will choose Sawyer. While some may overlook the Ohio State player, his intense rushing approach and toughness align perfectly with the Lions’ identity. His performance in the playoffs boosted his value, and he possesses the skills to be a significant contributor.
29. Washington Commanders — Offensive Tackle Josh Conerly, Oregon
Similar to the Patriots and Drake Maye, the Commanders acquire an asset to support the development of Jayden Daniels. Conerly is another skilled player who may require some growth, but possesses the right abilities to thrive.
30. Kansas City Chiefs — OT Jonah Savaiinea, Arizona
The Chiefs possess two experienced tackles, making Savaiinea an excellent candidate to learn from both during his growth.
31. Philadelphia Eagles — DE Mike Green, Marshall
Green is a skilled rusher who may improve his draft stock after performing well at Marshall. Here, he arrives with the Eagles as a possible substitute for Brandon Graham.
32. Buffalo Bills — Defensive Tackle Tyleik Williams, Ohio State
A crucial component in Ohio State’s journey to the title, he may not be the most exciting in terms of pass-rushing, but he would serve as a reliable run-stopper for Buffalo’s defense.