The Iowa Hawkeyes are set to send a few standout players to the 2025 NFL Draft, with one particularly expected to land with the Detroit Lions.
Any college athlete would dream of joining the Lions, who are strong Super Bowl contenders and are guided by the exceptional head coach, Dan Campbell.
So, which Iowa player is projected to join Detroit?
Brad Menendez of Draft Countdown predicts linebacker Jay Higgins will be selected by the Lions with the No. 131 overall pick in the fourth round.
“A tackling machine with a nose for the ball, Higgins adds depth and grit to the Lions’ linebacker corps. His instincts and physicality make him a reliable run-stopper and a valuable asset on special teams.”
If Higgins is drafted this low, he could turn out to be a major steal. The Hawkeyes’ defensive leader possesses the work ethic, on-field ability, and stats to back up that claim.
In the 2024 college football season, Higgins has tallied 118 tackles, one sack, two forced fumbles, four interceptions, and five defended passes. In 2023, he posted 171 tackles, two sacks, one forced fumble, an interception, and three defended passes.
These numbers are exceptional. Higgins shows real star potential at the next level.
Though he may need to fine-tune certain aspects of his game and isn’t the most athletic linebacker, his film demonstrates he’s one of the most productive and dominant linebackers in college football.
The Detroit Lions are known for their tough, physical play, which has contributed to their resurgence as a contender. Higgins would be an ideal fit for the hard-nosed culture they’ve cultivated.
It would be great for him to join an organization that values hard work, effort, and leadership. Detroit embodies that ethos.
If he does land with the Lions, Higgins is set for a bright future in the NFL.
More news….
Detroit Lions Lead Fan Voting for Pro Bowl as Deadline Approaches
With the Detroit Lions currently enjoying a 12-2 season, it’s no surprise that their players are excelling in the fan voting for the 2025 Pro Bowl.
Fan voting began on November 25, and with the deadline approaching on Monday, December 23, a total of 19 Lions players are ranked in the top 10 of voting at their respective positions.
Among those leading the charge are center Frank Ragnow, guards Kevin Zeitler and Graham Glasgow, tackles Taylor Decker and Penei Sewell, safeties Kerby Joseph and Brian Branch, and running back Sione Vaki (special teams), all of whom are either first or second in their position group, regardless of conference.
No team has received more votes than the Lions, a testament to their strong fan base and national popularity.
As of now, the Lions have 19 players in the top 10 of their positions, with running back Jahmyr Gibbs ranking sixth overall with 105,376 votes, according to Justin Rogers of the Detroit Football Network.
- C Frank Ragnow: 1st
- G Kevin Zeitler: 1st
- RB Sione Vaki: 1st (special teams)
- OT Penei Sewell: 1st
- G Graham Glasgow: 2nd
- OT Taylor Decker: 2nd
- FS Kerby Joseph: 2nd
- SS Brian Branch: 2nd
- WR Amon-Ra St. Brown: 3rd
- RB Jahmyr Gibbs: 3rd
- P Jack Fox: 3rd
- LB Hogan Hatten: 3rd
- QB Jared Goff: 5th
- K Jake Bates: 5th
- TE Sam LaPorta: 7th
- RB David Montgomery: 8th
- CB Carlton Davis: 8th
- LB Jack Campbell: 10th
- DL Alim McNeill: 10th
Once fan voting concludes, the remaining two-thirds of the Pro Bowl votes will come from players and coaches, which could lead to changes in the rankings.
