The Detroit Lions may have the No. 28 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, but a GM like Brad Holmes who has constantly moved up and around the order in his tenure with the team might end up trying to get a few extra picks in his cupboard this time around.
While many expect the Lions to target a defensive player with their first-round pick, they could look for an offensive lineman who can start at right guard. With Ben Johnson and his offensive mastery no longer on the Detroit sideline, there's a good chance that Holmes tries to reinforce his Johnson-less offense as much as possible.
Sports Illustrated's Matt Verderame projects that the Eagles would trade picks No. 32, 134, and 161 to the Lions for No. 28 overall. Philly would move up for Oregon DT Derrick Harmon, while the Lions would choose to replace an offensive starter that departed the team in free agency.
Verderame has the Lions selecting Alabama guard Tyler Booker with the No. 32 pick in this draft with the thought he can immediately slide into the starting lineup as a right guard that can replace Kevin Zeitler. After losing Johnson, Booker can be one way to guard against a possible offensive line regression.
Lions projected to trade down for Alabama IOL Tyler Booker in NFL Draft
With the generally subpar 2025 class earning some high marks for its depth and quality on both the offensive and defensive lines, the Lions might try to improve their pass rush in the second round while trying their hardest to land Booker early on in Round 1.
While North Dakota State's Grey Zabel and Ohio State's Donovan Jackson are quality prospects, Booker is the best pure interior offensive line prospect in this class. A people-mover with some strong tape against future pro players, Booker should start as a rookie.
In addition to Zeitler bolting in free agency, left guard Graham Glasgow will turn 33 this season. As good as All-Pro center Frank Ragnow is, he can't always be counted on to make up for a questionable guard pairing. Booker brings high-end starter potential with him to Detroit.
The Lions might not be in a trade-down mood as they try to maximize their championship window, but if they are able to pick up a few extra selections and still land a player like Booker, Holmes should rightfully be heralded for yet another bit of draft mastery.