Lions finally fix defense with much-needed depth in 4-round 2025 NFL mock draft

NFC Divisional Playoffs: Washington Commanders v Detroit Lions
NFC Divisional Playoffs: Washington Commanders v Detroit Lions | Michael Owens/GettyImages

The Detroit Lions' 15-2 regular season, the best such mark in franchise history, ultimately didn't amount to much, as they were upset at home by the Washington Commanders. Dan Campbell and Detroit may have blown the franchise's best shot they had when it comes to winning a Super Bowl.

The Lions' defense, which was ripped apart by Washington, may be the biggest reason the Commanders' upset was able to take place. With 16 players on injured reserve and almost half of the projected Week 1 starters (including pass rusher Aidan Hutchinson and cornerback Carlton Davis) out, the Lions' lack of depth was exposed.

This 4-round 2025 NFL Mock Draft could help the Lions fix their defensive woes, even if standout defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn ends up taking a head coaching job somewhere else. The Lions may have traded away some of their picks this year, but they have enough ammo to bring in a robust class this year.

Detroit Lions 4-round 2025 NFL Mock Draft

Round 1, Pick 28: Mike Green, EDGE, Marshall

The Lions' lack of a pass rush without Hutchinson allowed Jayden Daniels to dice them up in their playoff matchup. Green is a bit of a one-year wonder, but he will fly up draft boards once teams get a hold of his speed, solid power for someone his size, and developed pass rush plan of attack.

The red flags around Green are his average run defense and the fact he only had one level of above-average production at a non-Power 4 school. Still, 17 sacks in one year is production that will get teams interested, and the fact he plays like he was shot out of a cannon will keep their interest.

Round 2, Pick 60: Darien Porter, CB, Iowa State

The combination of Davis getting hurt and rookie Terrion Arnold having a less-than-stellar rookie season showed that not even an elite safety tandem can keep this Lions pass defense together. One more name may need to be added to the mix, and Porter's 6-4 frame will certainly get teams interested in him.

Porter mat not be the quickest athlete ever (partially due to his size), and Detroit has typically stayed away from corners with that sort of play style. If the front office is willing to roll the dice on his tools, a cornerback room led by Arnold, Porter, and Ennis Rakestraw could be lethal in the future.

Round 4, Pick 130: Howard Cross III, DT, Notre Dame

While Lions GM Brad Holmes has been regarded as an excellent drafted, the interior of the defensive line has been one area where he hasn't always been at his sharpest. After missing on Levi Onwuzurike and Brodric Martin, adding the undersized Cross could give the Lions a stylistic switch-up that helps set their defensive line apart.

Cross is undersized for a defensive tackle at just 288 pounds, and he's been in college for six seasons, but he has gotten better every year and shown real upsize as a pass rusher. If Alim McNeil is the player Detroit thinks he will be in the future, Cross could evolve into a worthwhile backup that eventually replaces Onwuzurike.

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