CB Shavon Revel is the first selection for Detroit: After suffering an ACL tear in September that sidelined him for most of the 2024 season, Revel’s performance in 2023 cemented his place among the nation’s top players. He forced incompletions on 26% of the passes thrown his way, ranking ninth in college football, just one percentage point behind Super Bowl-bound Quinyon Mitchell.
Support for Aidan Hutchinson: Josaiah Stewart, measuring just under 6-foot-1 and weighing 248 pounds at the Senior Bowl, might be on the fringe of a first-round selection. However, his impressive 2024 season at Michigan and his versatile skill set suggest he is ready for the NFL.
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After a franchise-record 15-2 regular season, the Lions’ playoff run ended abruptly in the divisional round, leaving fans with a sense of unfinished business.
Although there’s plenty of optimism heading into 2025—despite the loss of both coordinators—questions remain about the roster on both sides of the ball.
Key defensive players such as Aidan Hutchinson, Alim McNeill, and Malcolm Rodriguez are expected to return for 2025. However, the Lions will need to make decisions on the expiring contracts of cornerback Carlton Davis, interior defender Levi Onwuzurike, and right guard Kevin Zeitler.
When it comes to the draft, the Lions should focus on strengthening their defense, particularly by adding quality pass-rush options to complement Hutchinson. This seven-round mock draft explores how Detroit could address this need while also improving all three levels of their defense.
Round 1, Pick 28: CB Shavon Revel, East Carolina
Revel tore his ACL in September, sidelining him for most of the 2024 season, but his 2023 performance put him among the nation’s elite. He forced incompletions on 26% of passes thrown in his coverage, ranking ninth in college football—just one percentage point behind Super Bowl-bound Quinyon Mitchell.
Round 2, Pick 60: Edge Josaiah Stewart, Michigan
Measuring just under 6-foot-1 and 248 pounds, Stewart’s Senior Bowl measurements could keep him out of the first round. However, his remarkable 2024 production at Michigan and his all-around skill set suggest he’s NFL-ready. He posted a 48% win rate on true pass sets, leading the nation last season.
Round 4, Pick 131: Edge Jah Joyner, Minnesota
Standing at 6-foot-4 and 263 pounds, Joyner possesses the ideal size for an NFL edge rusher, though a decline in production during his senior year may make him a value pick for Detroit. In 2024, he recorded only four sacks and six quarterback hits, but his junior season was far more productive with 10 sacks, 49 pressures, and a strong 23.3% win rate.
Round 6, Pick 195: G Dylan Fairchild, Georgia
Fairchild allowed just one sack and two quarterback hits during his two years as a starter at Georgia.
Round 7, Pick 230: LB Teddye Buchanan, California
Buchanan transferred to Cal in 2024 after three highly successful seasons at UC Davis. Opposing quarterbacks posted an 81.1 passer rating when targeting him last season, though it had been below 61.0 in each of his three years at UC Davis.
Round 7, Pick 246: WR Joey Hobert, Texas State
Hobert has consistently improved throughout his career, becoming a dynamic force in Texas State’s passing game. After struggling with drops at Utah Tech in 2022, letting 13 passes slip through his hands, he significantly improved in 2023 after transferring to Texas State, dropping just one of 75 catchable targets. He also gained 360 of his 713 receiving yards after the catch, forcing 21 missed tackles.
