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Re-Grading the Detroit Lions 2025 Draft

Originally posted on Football Analysis | By Aaron Sauter | Last updated Mar 18, 2026 12:55 PM ET

During the offseason before the 2025 season, the Detroit Lions were hoping to make the adjustments needed to win the NFC and the Super Bowl. However, in an NFC North division where the Green Bay Packers and Chicago Bears stepped up to another level, the Lions fell back. However, the Lions’ 2025 draft class did provide a solid group of young players who can develop into foundational players.

Philosophically, the Detroit Lions entered the 2025 draft with the intention of selecting the best player available in each round. Defensive tackle Tyleik Williams was the first-overall pick for the Lions with hopes that he would come into the league as a game-wrecker, but instead, he ended up being a great run-stuffer. Williams only produced 1.0 quarterback sacks, but did play in all 17 games, recording 18 total tackles, 2 tackles for loss, and four pass deflections.

Detroit Lions 2025 Draft Class

Round	Pick	Player	Position	College
1	28	Tyleik Williams	DT	Ohio State
2	57	Tate Ratledge	OG	Georgia
3	70	Isaac TeSlaa	WR	Arkansas
5	171	Miles Frazier	OG	LSU
6	196	Ahmed Hassanein	EDGE	Boise State
7	230	Dan Jackson	S	Georgia
7	244	Dominic Lovett	WR	Georgia

The most successful player from the 2025 draft was offensive guard Tate Ratledge, who the Lions tried at center in the preseason but ended up taking over at right guard. Ratledge was a road-grader at right guard and started in all 17 games for the Lions. In addition, Ratledge also excelled as a pass protector, only allowing 1 quarterback sack in his rookie season.

Wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa stepped up as the Lions’ most efficient player from this draft class. His 6’4″ frame made him an outstanding red zone threat and the preferred target for quarterback Jared Goff. Late in the draft, the Lions almost landed another key offensive lineman with guard Miles Frazier, but multiple injuries limited his contributions. Safety Dan Jackson and wide receiver Dominic Lovett, both Day 3 picks, contributed on special teams in 2025.

Detroit Lions 2025 Draft Re-Grade = B-

During the 2025 draft, the Lions successfully fortified their interior offensive and defensive lines. Also, TeSlaa carved out his role as a red zone threat with his exceptional height and jumping ability. Where the Lions came up short was their pass rush, which returned to hurt the team against the outstanding teams in their division. In the 2026 draft, the Lions will need to add an elite pass rusher and a solid running back to pair with Jahmyr Gibbs.

Make sure that you check out, Re-Grading the Houston Texans 2025 Draft

This article first appeared on Football Analysis and was syndicated with permission.

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