Grade C– Detroit Lions 2025 NFL Draft Grades – Lions do not address needed defensive depth  

By the time the Detroit Lions reached the playoffs last year, their defense was depleted by numerous injuries. The Washington Commanders shredded the limping defense, and poof, the best season in team history was over. For a team as talented as the Lions, their goal is to make sure depth is enough to plug holes that happen during a long season. However, they did not choose to focus on defense in the draft.

The Lions received a low grade because they spent more draft capital on offensive lineman depth compared to extras on the defense.

Lions’ overall draft grade = C-

Lions 2025 Draft Picks

Grade – C-: Round 1, Tyleik Williams – Defensive Tackle – Ohio State:

A four-year starter who ended his college career with a national championship, Williams will have no problem playing in Wolverine country. Scouts rate him tough against the run but feel he will need time to develop into a pass rusher. With Aidan Hutchinson coming back from injury, maybe the Lions don’t need more pass-rushing help. It seems more should be expected out of a first-rounder.

Grade B: Round 2, Tate Ratledge – Offensive Guard – Georgia:

A big interior lineman who has been in the SEC since 2021, Ratledge is battle-tested against the best competition. However, nothing in his draft reviews jumps out as him being an instant starter and a key person to keep Jared Goff upright. He seems to be destined for a backup role for multiple line positions, which fills a need for the Lions.

Grade C: Round 3, Isaac TeSlaa – Wide Receiver – Arkansas:

TeSlaa is from a small city in Michigan and played most of his college career at Hillsdale (MI). This background is very familiar to former Green Bay Receiver Jeff Janis (from Saginaw Valley MI). Lions fans can only hope this is true, as this time they have the small-town Michigan kid on their team and not on the Packers. This past year at Arkansas proved TeSlaa is ready for the big time.

The Last Three Lions picks

Grade D: Round 5, Miles Frazier – Offensive Guard – LSU:

A big lineman from a big school that played top competition. Frazier started college at FIU but transferred to LSU the next year and has played 50 college games. The second solid but not headliner pick for the Lions to shore up their offense.

Grade D: Round 7: Dan Jackson – Safety – Georgia:

You have to give Jackson credit. Because of COVID, he is one of the last “six-year players” of college football. What is unique about his journey is that he was the starter for the first time his senior year… or, shall we say the third year of his senior year. An “A” for perseverance… but will it translate to good defensive depth for the Lions?

Grade C: Round 7, Dominic Lovett – Wide Receiver – Georgia:

Under 6 feet and 200 pounds, the Lions hope his 4.4 speed can give Goff another downfield option despite his smaller size.