Five Defensive Draft Crushes for Lions

Shavon Revel Jr., CB, East Carolina

Revel was one of the most dynamic corners in the country for the Pirates in 2023, but an injury robbed him of most of the 2024 season. That said, he still posted two interceptions in his three 2024 games, on top of 13 pass breakups and one interception in 2023.

As a result, Revel is a player that some cite as a first-rounder, but others have slipping into the second round due to injury and competition concerns. If Revel does indeed slide back or the Lions trade out of the first round, he could be an ideal candidate.

He has the ideal size (6-foot-3) among corners. Ennis Rakestraw and Terrion Arnold are expected to take a step up in 2025 alongside D.J. Reed. However, adding another corner to the group, especially one as talented and lengthy as Revel, could be the best long-term move for Detroit.

If Revel was fully healthy in 2024, he likely would slot in the top 15 picks (if not be a top-10 selection). If Detroit can swindle him in the second, it can laugh all the way to the bank.

Jaylen Reed, S, Penn State

Reed was one of the best safeties in the country last season. He recorded 98 tackles, seven TFLs, 2.5 sacks and three interceptions during the Nittany Lions’ run to the College Football Playoff semifinals. Despite this, his draft stock fluctuates. PFF does not have a mark for Reed, while ESPN ranks him at No. 87 overall and The Athletic’s “The Beast” has him going in the fourth or fifth round.

He is viewed as a developmental prospect, with his coverage skills and tackling being viewed as areas that need improvement. However, with high physical marks and a good football IQ, Reed could carve a great role with the Lions.

The safety spot is a potential need for Detroit, too. While the staff intends to extend Kerby Joseph, nothing is inked quite yet. Reed could certainly learn coverage and ball-hawking from a player as proficient as Joseph.

The Lions have also expressed interest in the Penn State product. He was a local visit that did not count towards the Lions’ 30 allotted formal visits. The Lions have a good record with their mid-round Big Ten safeties, too. Just ask Joseph.

Shaun Dolac, LB, Buffalo

Dolac was arguably the best linebacker in the country, stat-wise, last season. One hundred-and-sixty-eight tackles, 19 TFLs, 6.5 sacks and five interceptions could be called a successful career for some players. Dolac did that in a single season while being named first-team All-American and being graded the No. 3 linebacker by PFF.

However, for all his accolades, he has just as many concerns. A lack of size, his older age, a lack of good competition and athleticism lead to questions on how draftable the linebacker is. Add in that Dolac missed eight games for Buffalo in 2023, and it has the scouts nervous.

A late-round flyer by the Lions would be an excellent move here. The Lions have not shown an aversion to smaller size in the linebackers room, as evidenced by both Derrick Barnes and Malcolm Rodriguez checking in at under 6-foot-1. 

Looking around the room, Alex Anzalone is in the final season of his contract. Additionally, there are questions on how the recently-extended Barnes will perform off of his MCL and PCL tear in 2024. Rodriguez tore his ACL in November, too.

Speaking of Barnes, Dolac’s measurables and testing results are comparable to the Purdue product's pre-draft numbers. Everything seemed to turn out alright for Barnes when he was taken in the fourth round in 2021.

The 2025 NFL Draft is set for April 24-26 in Green Bay, Wisc.

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