Overlooked Lions rookie may have clearest path to a roster spot

Heading into the 2025 NFL Draft, the Detroit Lions didn't have too many pressing needs. Defensive and offensive line depth were up there, and so was wide receiver and safety depth, but nothing too jarring.

The team addressed the D-line, O-line, and receiver with their first three picks, respectively, with Tyliek Williams, Tate Ratledge, and Isaac TeSlaa, further cementing the roster as one of the league's most talented and impressive. With needs out of the way, the later rounds presented them with an opportunity to swing on general unknowns.

Well, when that unknown leads the Georgia Bulldogs in receiving yards and moonlights as a special-teams ace, it's relatively easy to make the phone call. Enter Dominic Lovett.

Lions will Lovett if rookie WR embraces special teams role in 2025

Detroit snagged Lovett with the 244th pick in the draft, citing his special-teams abilities and playmaking potential from the slot as the main reasons for his selection. Undersized at 5-foot-10 and 185 pounds, Lovett's short-area burst and shiftiness make up for his lack of stature on offense.

He's not without his faults. He's got 4.4 40-speed, allowing him to capitalize on screen passes and short routes, but his inability to separate off press coverage and his hands have been an issue. That's likely why he fell to the seventh round. Just last season, he had five drops—not exactly the sure-handed consistency NFL teams are looking for.

However, it's his special teams play and work ethic that will give him the best shot at making the 53-man roster. His speed and ball-tracking skills could make him a potential gunner right away in punt coverage.

General manager Brad Holmes didn’t exactly hide why Lovett was the pick:

"When the guy earns a role on teams and he's good enough to be a part of the depth, man, he's got a good opportunity to go to the game. If there's another player that's just maybe a little bit better route runner or maybe has a little bit better hands, but if he doesn't have the attitude or the skillset to contribute on special teams, you're talking about battling for a fifth spot, no, we're going with the guy that can contribute on special teams. So, that's why it's critically important."

Whatever the plan is, it’s hard to argue with the results. Holmes has been unmatched when it comes to finding value in the draft.

Lovett isn’t here to take over a game or push for a starting spot—not yet. But if he embraces his role and proves reliable on special teams, he’s got a real shot to stick. That’s exactly what Detroit needed with this pick: a late-round player who doesn’t need a path cleared for him to make a difference.

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