Brad Holmes and the Detroit Lions have established a clear pattern during this regime: when they’re high on a player, they’re willing to pay what it takes to secure him. The Lions moved up 20 spots in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft to select Jameson Williams, paying a steep price. In 2024, they moved up five spots to grab Terrion Arnold right before the enthusiastic Detroit crowd. This raises the question: will the Lions continue to aggressively trade up for players they favor?
Question of the day: Would you prefer the Lions trade up or down in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft?
As the team grows and has to allocate more funds toward star player contracts, one wonders if this strategy of trading for high draft picks is sustainable. The Lions face the task of not only paying mid-round picks that have turned out well, like Derrick Barnes with his $24 million deal this offseason, but also their top picks. Aidan Hutchinson’s upcoming extension is expected to be one of the largest in NFL history, and the Lions have already been shelling out similar amounts to players like Penei Sewell and Alim McNeill.
In light of this, the Lions could greatly benefit from having rookie contracts that are more aligned with picks near the end of round one (or even at the top of round two), rather than high first-round selections. According to 2025 rookie contract projections, the total contract difference between the first and 32nd overall pick is nearly $30 million over four years.
However, the Lions are not selecting at number one. Currently slated to pick 28th, the difference in contract value between moving up five spots or sliding back five spots is just under $5 million over four years. So, realistically, money wouldn’t be a deciding factor unless the Lions are moving up into the teens.
Another key consideration is the value of mid-round picks. As the Lions build a team full of stars, filling out the roster with quality depth becomes critical. Last year’s injury struggles highlighted how crucial this is. Sometimes, this involves drafting players with potential but certain limitations, such as size, speed, or character, and developing them into well-rounded contributors. Other times, it means drafting players for specific roles—like a pass-catching running back, coverage linebacker, or special teams standout.
As the Lions’ defense showed signs of weakness last year, the importance of players in specialized roles became clear. For the Lions, this makes their mid-round picks more valuable than ever. They’re essential for building a sustainable roster that won’t collapse when it’s time to pay top players. Additionally, with experienced players above them on the depth chart, rookies in these roles could develop into starters over their rookie contracts.
My answer: Considering all of this, I believe the Lions should prioritize trading down rather than up in this year’s draft. With few pressing needs that require a blockbuster pick, and without significant financial constraints, the Lions should focus on accumulating mid-round picks. These picks will become even more vital as the team matures, so instead of trading them away, the Lions should consider moving down a few spots to stockpile additional assets.
What’s your take? Should the Lions trade up or down in the 2025 NFL Draft? Vote below and share your thoughts.
