The Detroit Lions are coming off an NFC Championship appearance, but they’ll need to keep building to stay ahead. How many picks do the Lions have to work with in the 2025 NFL Draft? Here’s a look at their capital, as well as potential team needs.
What Are the Detroit Lions Draft Picks in 2025?
- Round 1
- Round 2
- Round 4 (from PHI)
- Round 6 (from TB)
- Round 7
- Round 7 (from DAL)
How Many Picks Do the Lions Have in the 2025 NFL Draft?
Currently, the Lions have six picks in the 2025 NFL Draft. They’ve retained their original selections in Rounds 1, 2, and 7.
Detroit sent its 2025 third-round pick to the New York Jets in exchange for an extra fourth-rounder in 2024, which was used on offensive tackle Giovanni Manu. Meanwhile, the Lions and Philadelphia Eagles essentially swapped fourth-rounders in successive trades.
They also traded their 2025 fifth-round pick in addition to a sixth-rounder next year, for EDGE Za’Darius Smith at the 2024 NFL trade deadline. This was done to try to alleviate some of the impact of losing Aidan Hutchinson for the year.
The Lions traded their original 2025 sixth-rounder during the 2023 season in exchange for Cleveland Browns wide receiver Donovan Peoples-Jones. They did, however, get a sixth-rounder back from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the trade for cornerback Carlton Davis III.
Lastly, the Lions’ extra seventh-rounder was part of Detroit’s 2024 trade-up with the Dallas Cowboys, which netted them Alabama cornerback Terrion Arnold.
What Are the Lions’ Biggest Needs in 2025?
The recent multi-year extension of offensive tackle Taylor Decker knocked a major need off of the list for Detroit. The Lions now have their two tackles locked down in Decker and Penei Sewell, and they can cross that position off for years to come.
That said, the interior offensive line is less sturdy. Veteran right guard Kevin Zeitler is only on a one-year deal, which could leave a void next offseason. And there were rumors earlier in the offseason that Frank Ragnow was considering retirement due to injuries — although he’s since returned to full practices and has reiterated he’s staying for the long haul.
More depth and rotational ability at wide receiver could also be coveted. But more needs may linger on the defensive side of the ball — specifically on the defensive line.
The Lions need another dynamic EDGE. Luckily, the 2025 NFL Draft should have plenty to choose from. Prospects like Mykel Williams, Nic Scourton, Abdul Carter, James Pearce Jr., Princely Umanmielen, and Patrick Payton could all earn the Lions’ interest.
Elsewhere, defensive tackle may be a long-term need — particularly if Alim McNeill isn’t extended. And cornerback remains an area to watch, given that Davis and others are on short-term deals.