The Detroit Lions have one of the best offenses in the league thanks to the brilliance of Jared Goff, a tremendous offensive line, and quality skill position players. While Aaron Glenn squeezed as much juice out of the defense as he could, it still needs a little bit of work.
The Lions could use a solid pass rusher to give their front seven a bit more of a bite. The interior defensive line could stand to add one more playmaker, and the secondary can use more depth after injuries robbed Detroit of many of their best players down the stretch.
Even with the need for a new guard and one more standout wide receiver, the Lions can still put themselves in a position to compete for a Super Bowl if they use all of their picks in the 2025 NFL Draft on the defensive side of the ball.
Detroit Lions all-defense 3-round NFL Mock Draft
Round 1, Pick 28: James Pearce Jr, EDGE, Tennessee
Pearce is slipping just a bit due to some concerns about his behavior, but a team with the culture and structure Detroit has might be the best spot for him to nullify those concerns and prove the haters wrong. This would be a terrific pick for Detroit, as his talent alone should be enough to get him top-15 consideration.
Pearce plays like he was shot out of a cannon, as his pressure rate stands out when compared to top prospects across the last few classes. Alongside Aidan Hutchinson, Pearce should be able to take advantage of his natural gifts and earn a role right away.
Round 2, Pick 60: Alfred Collins, DT, Texas
While the former 5-star recruit never managed to put it all together as a pass rusher in college, he has been one of the better run-stuffers in the country over the last few years. Even with Alim McNeil locked up and Levi Onwuzurike back on a one-year contract, the latter's injury problems could force this selection.
Collins is a solid athlete, nit just an immobile space eater. With the lack of depth on the interior of Detroit's defense coming back to bite them last year, drafting a very safe role-player like Collins could be a good use of a second-round pick.
Round 3, Pick 102: Nohl Williams, CB, Cal
You don't get seven interceptions in one season without some truly special ball skills, and Williams has that in spades. If he is able to pass all the athletic thresholds that Detroit wants to see from their defensive backs, look for Williams to possibly sneak into Day 2 for a secondary-needy Lions team.
DJ Reed and Terrion Arnold could be solid starters, but Amik Robertson is far from a high-end option and Ennis Rakestraw Jr. is a bit of an unknown after spending most of his rookie season injured. Williams' takeaway skills will appeal to a defense that had some amazing results with fellow ballhawk third-rounder Kerby Joseph.