The Detroit Lions didn't get cute in this year's NFL draft.
They drafted for need, and honed in on value picks later in the draft to keep things just as interesting on Day 3 as they were on Day 1 and Day 2. This wasn't a must-hit draft, especially with how weak the class was overall, but the Lions grabbed some potential Week 1 starters, anyway.
Here, we'll be grading each of the Lions' picks in this year's draft, weighing fit and value at the spot of the selection.
Grading each Lions pick after solid weekend from Lions, FO
Blake Miller, RT, Clemson: A-
Was this the best tackle the Lions could've snagged at 17th overall? Potentially not - Monroe Freeling was still available here, and he went just two spots after the Lions to the Carolina Panthers at 19th overall. But, Detroit went with a better culture fit in Miller. He started all 54 games at Clemson, and was upset about missing a practice due to a broken wrist.
Very Brad Holmes-like pick, but one that had to be made. Miller should slide right in on this Lions offensive line, and he immediately raises the line's overall floor. This is a huge improvement for Detroit's offense.
Derrick Moore, EDGE, Michigan: B
Moore might need a bit more development than Miller, but in space, he can be a huge problem for opposing offensive lines. Him and Aidan Hutchinson can form a deadly duo if Moore can hone his technique as a powerful pocket disruptor. He gets slightly below Miller's grade here because there were a few other potentially stronger options at this spot in the draft, like Zion Young or Gabe Jacas.
Jimmy Rolder, LB, Michigan: B+
Rolder was the second Wolverine taken in a row for Detroit, and he should immediately compete for a role on the 53-man roster behind either Malcolm Rodriguez or Derrick Barnes. It's tough to say who would've been a better pick here.
For the Lions' needs here, especially after letting Alex Anzalone walk in free agency, this was a solid linebacker selection. Rolder's run defense is a nice plus, as well, as that was a big need for the Lions' defense in 2025.
Keith Abney II, DB, Arizona State: A
Abney might've been the biggest steal of Day 3. The Lions got a great defensive back late in the draft, with Abney an immediate replacement for Amik Robertson at the nickel. While the team did bring in Roger McCreary in free agency for that hole, Abney is a fantastic competitor for McCreary to face in training camp and the preseason for that slot corner role.
And, Abney very well could become an outside corner, according to general manager Brad Holmes.
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Kendrick Law, WR, Kentucky: B
Law can very well become the Lions' most consistent returner, and that gives him a ton of value deep in the draft. He's a speedster, a YAC monster, and a potential sleeper in the eyes of Holmes in this draft. With Kalif Raymond leaving for the Chicago Bears, the Lions had to swing on a new punt returner. Law is a decent get here.
Skylar Gill-Howard, DT, Texas Tech: C
Detroit had to grab a defensive tackle somewhere in this draft, but Gill-Howard might've been one of the less exciting options for them. He's quite undersized, but perhaps the Lions want to explore developing him at a position other than DT. At 6-1, for him to make it to an NFL, he might need to do just that.
His speed and strength as a pocket disruptor are what make him an intriguing prospect, but it'll be hard to find a way to get him on the field consistently due to his shorter stature. Still, we're interested to see what Kelvin Sheppard cooks up here.
Tyre West, DT, Tennessee: C
West is another defender who seemed to show some positive stuff at the start to his 2025 season with the Volunteers, but couldn't piece together a consistent year. We give him a slightly better grade than Gill-Howard here as he's another potential pass rusher added to the roster that the Lions actually met with, so they must have an idea of the value he could bring to the team.
Even still, he's a solid developmental addition to the team.
Overall grade: B+
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