4 players the Lions could take in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft that would shock the world, but make sense

The 2025 NFL Draft is just a couple of days away, and Brad Holmes and the Detroit Lions have consistently been the most unpredictable team in the NFL since 2021. 

We all know what the team needs. They need an edge rusher, an offensive lineman, a receiver, and a safety. Those are the things that make the most sense. But if Holmes gets a shot at something at 28 that isn't one of those things, he's crazy enough to do it, and we all know it. 

With that in mind, here are four guys that the Lions could draft at 28 that would shock everyone, but also make some sense. 

Jaxson Dart, QB, Ole Miss

Right now, the expectation is that Dart is probably going to the Steelers with the 21st pick. But if he somehow falls past that, don't rule the Lions out on this one. 

This is not a top need right now, but with the chance to grab the youngest quarterback in this draft and have him develop over time, you couldn't blame Holmes for his thought process on this one. Dart has a really high upside and presents the Lions a chance to have their guy of the future, who can take over for Goff when his deal is done or earlier if necessary. 

Maxwell Hairston, CB, Kentucky

In my opinion, this is the last thing the Lions should do at 28. They've invested so much money and picks into their cornerback room already, and it's a really good group. You don't need another corner this high, and it just wouldn't make any sense. 

With that said, there is some interest there. The Lions had Hairston in for a top-30 visit in recent weeks. Maybe they plan to bring the Detroit native back home if he's on the board.

Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan

Yes, this team has Sam LaPorta, but they have been doing an extensive amount of research on tight ends during the pre-draft process. It's clear they want one and want one who can block well. Loveland would be a guy who can do that. 

Imagine a world where the Lions have LaPorta and Loveland, and both can catch passes and do things with the ball after the catch. That might be pretty entertaining. Loveland would have to fall to 28, though. 

Omarion Hampton, RB, North Carolina

This would by far be the most shocking move the Lions could make. Hampton is RB2 in this draft, and he's expected to go somewhere in the twenties. If he falls to the Lions at 28, it could happen, and it would give Detroit an insane group in the backfield. 

Yes, the Lions did just sign David Montgomery to an extension this season, but what they did when they made that deal was make it so he had no guaranteed salary after the 2025 season. Meaning the Lions could move on from him and have very little dead cap to take on.