The Detroit Lions have gone quiet during the second wave of free agency, and even though they could still use elite help along the defensive line, the focus is likely to remain on the 2025 draft as it relates to fixes.
This year, the draft offers many solutions at spots where the Lions have needs. Two places that stand out for Detroit are guard and defensive line. With the 28th pick, the Lions are likely to land one of those pieces. But how about further down the board?
Opportunities will exist for the Lions to improve further down the board, and their ideal defensive prospect exists in a realm outside of the first round, according to ESPN. Analysts Matt Miller and Jordan Reid named prospects for every team down the board, and Ohio State's J.T. Tuimoloau was revealed as the choice for Detroit by Reid.
"Tuimoloau was a key piece of the Buckeyes' defense during their national title run. His power and strength at the point of attack make him an NFL-ready player and a solid option opposite Hutchinson."
Entering the draft, many consider Tuimoloau as a possible second-round pick, so in the event the Lions find an offensive lineman or even a skill position player they can't ignore early, they could still land a talent later to help rush the passer. Tuimoloau came on strong with 12.5 sacks in 2024 and put up 23.5 in his career. That shows his incredible upside for Detroit.
Detroit Lions could benefit from belief that 2025 NFL Draft is deep for defensive linemen
The depth of the defensive line class shapes up as a huge development for the Lions, who need a boost in the trenches. Leading into the draft, the drumbeat from insiders is growing louder about the impressive nature of the class.
Todd McShay of The Ringer recently joined "The Herd With Colin Cowherd" on Fox Sports and cited the defensive front as a potentially historically deep position group for 2025.
"I was looking at it the other day. I went back 30 years. In the last 30 years, I think it was 26 defensive linemen (prospects). That was the highest number we've seen talking interior defensive linemen and edge. This year, I've got 35 players along the interior and at edge that could get drafted in the first three rounds. Even if I'm off by like eight if my evaluation's too high, eight of these guys will still be a record number of interior defensive lineman and edge defenders that come off the board."
While many might be confused by Holmes not adding a veteran pass rusher, it's likely this was by design, given the depth that awaits at the draft. Holmes prefers to build with younger players, so it's safe to say the Lions could end up with a couple of talents from this group to fortify their pass rush. Tuimoloau will be just one of many names to remember.
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