With only three games left in the 2024 season, many teams are already looking ahead to the offseason, including the Detroit Lions, who were eliminated by the Washington Commanders in the NFC Divisional Round.
Currently holding the 28th pick in the NFL Draft, the Lions may miss out on the top-tier talent, but they still have plenty of options that fit their needs.
Here’s my initial forecast for the 2025 NFL Draft’s first round. Picks 29-32 will be determined by the outcomes of the conference championship games and the Super Bowl.
- Tennessee Titans — EDGE Abdul Carter, Penn State
Carter had a dominant season for the Nittany Lions, finishing with 12 total sacks. He even managed four sacks in the playoffs, including two against Notre Dame while injured. With his potential, he could be a cornerstone for the Titans’ defense. - Cleveland Browns — CB/WR Travis Hunter, Colorado
The Heisman Trophy winner can make an impact on both offense and defense. His arrival would bring star power to the Browns, offering coach Kevin Stefanski creative options in multiple roles. - New York Giants — QB Shedeur Sanders, Colorado
Sanders is a perfect fit for New York. His skills could contribute immediately, though his pocket presence requires refinement. Nevertheless, his accuracy and awareness make him capable of being productive early in his career. - New England Patriots — OT Will Campbell, LSU
After Drake Maye’s promising play, the Patriots will likely focus on building a solid offensive line. Campbell, a standout at LSU, will be an important piece in that process. - Jacksonville Jaguars — CB Will Johnson, Michigan
Despite dealing with injuries in 2024, Johnson has immense potential. The Jaguars need cornerback help, and he can contribute right away. - Las Vegas Raiders — QB Cam Ward, Miami (Florida)
With Sanders off the board, Las Vegas, led by new coach Pete Carroll, picks the talented Ward. After a strong season at Miami, he shows signs of developing into a reliable NFL starter. - New York Jets — DT Mason Graham, Michigan
New head coach Aaron Glenn, formerly the Lions’ defensive coordinator, selects one of the top interior prospects. Graham was dominant at Michigan, and his quickness and strength should translate well to the pros. - Carolina Panthers — WR Tetairoa McMillan, Arizona
At 6-foot-5, McMillan is a physical presence and a deep threat, making him an ideal fit for Bryce Young. This pick helps reward Young for his strong season by adding a versatile weapon. - New Orleans Saints — TE Tyler Warren, Penn State
Warren is one of the top skill-position players in this draft class. He was pivotal in Penn State’s playoff run and would make an immediate impact for the Saints, no matter who their next head coach is. - Chicago Bears — OT Kelvin Banks Jr., Texas
New head coach Ben Johnson follows the trend of his former team by addressing the offensive line with his first pick. Banks is a sturdy blocker who will help protect Caleb Williams. - San Francisco 49ers — OL Armond Membou, Missouri
Given concerns about their offensive line’s future, the 49ers select Membou, a versatile player who can play both tackle and guard. - Dallas Cowboys — RB Ashton Jeanty, Boise State
The Cowboys’ running game struggled in 2024, and Jeanty, a Heisman finalist, is a big-play threat who could immediately improve their offense under new coach Brian Schottenheimer. - Denver Broncos — LB Jihaad Campbell, Alabama
Off-ball linebackers often don’t go early in the draft, but Campbell is an exception. His athleticism makes him a perfect fit for Vance Joseph’s defense. - Pittsburgh Steelers — CB Benjamin Morrison, Notre Dame
Though wide receiver was a consideration here, Morrison fits better into the Steelers’ defensive scheme. He would complement Joey Porter Jr. as another young corner. - Los Angeles Chargers — TE Colston Loveland, Michigan
The Chargers continue to rebuild their skill positions around Justin Herbert. After last year’s success with Ladd McConkey, they bring in coach Jim Harbaugh to reunite with Loveland as the team’s new tight end. - Green Bay Packers — CB Shavon Revel, East Carolina
Revel’s torn ACL and limited play in 2024 led to a drop in his stock, but his talent will attract a team willing to take a chance. With uncertainty surrounding Jaire Alexander’s future, the Packers are a strong landing spot. - Minnesota Vikings — DT Walter Nolen, Mississippi
The Vikings add Nolen to boost their defensive line. With 6.5 sacks and 14 tackles for loss last season, Nolen could provide a much-needed boost to their interior. - Houston Texans — WR Emeka Egbuka, Ohio State
With Stefon Diggs heading to free agency, the Texans pair C.J. Stroud with Egbuka, one of his former teammates. Egbuka is a refined route runner who should transition well to the NFL. - Los Angeles Rams — OT Josh Simmons, Ohio State
Simmons’ pre-injury performance suggested he could be a higher pick, and how he performs during offseason workouts will determine if he stays in the first round. The Rams, who need help on the offensive line, take a chance on his upside. - Baltimore Ravens — WR Matthew Golden, Texas
Golden is another exciting offensive prospect. With the Ravens needing more talent at receiver, adding him to a group with Zay Flowers and Tez Walker would give Lamar Jackson more weapons. - Detroit Lions — DE Jack Sawyer, Ohio State
While Mike Green from Marshall was also considered, Sawyer fits the Lions’ defensive style with his relentless rush and physical play. His standout performance in the playoffs has boosted his stock, and he has the potential to make a significant impact. - Washington Commanders — OT Josh Conerly, Oregon
Much like the Patriots’ approach with Drake Maye, the Commanders add a piece to help build around Jayden Daniels. Conerly has the tools to develop into a solid player, even if some refinement is needed. - Kansas City Chiefs — OT Jonah Savaiinea, Arizona
With two veteran tackles, the Chiefs select Savaiinea, who will benefit from being mentored as he develops into a future starter. - Philadelphia Eagles — DE Mike Green, Marshall
Green has the potential to rise through the draft process after his strong season at Marshall. He lands with the Eagles as a potential replacement for Brandon Graham. - Buffalo Bills — DT Tyleik Williams, Ohio State
Williams, a key contributor to Ohio State’s championship run, isn’t the most flashy pass rusher, but he excels at stuffing the run, making him a solid addition to Buffalo’s defensive line.
