Several standout players from the Michigan Wolverines could provide valuable depth for the Detroit Lions as they look to take the next step toward a Super Bowl run.
After a historic regular season, the Lions’ playoff hopes were dashed in a 45-31 defeat to the Washington Commanders in the Divisional Round. Now, with both coordinators departing and several key positions needing replacements, Detroit will shift its focus to offseason improvements.
While the core roster remains solid, depth—especially on defense—was an issue at critical moments. Fortunately, the Lions may not need to search far to address these concerns.
Owning the 28th pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, Detroit is unlikely to land a franchise-altering star. However, these Michigan prospects could be solid fits as the draft process unfolds.
1. DL Kenneth Grant
Detroit already boasts two high-caliber defensive tackles in Alim McNeill and DJ Reader. However, McNeill’s late-season ACL injury significantly hurt the team’s defense. Not only was he a dominant force against the run, but he also stood out as the team’s top interior pass rusher.
In the playoffs, Washington exploited McNeill’s absence, and there’s a possibility he won’t be fully ready for the start of the next season. Strengthening this position group is an obvious priority for Detroit.
Michigan’s defensive line was formidable in 2024, with Mason Graham and Kenneth Grant leading the way. While Graham is expected to be an early first-round selection, Grant could still be available when the Lions make their pick.
A two-time All-Big Ten honoree and AP All-American, Grant played a pivotal role in one of college football’s best defensive units. His size and ability to penetrate the backfield make him an intriguing option for Detroit’s defensive front.
Some scouts have raised concerns about his endurance for every-down play, but in Detroit, he wouldn’t need to be a full-time starter—just a reliable piece to rotate in and provide much-needed relief for McNeill and Reader.
2. EDGE Josaiah Stewart
Like their interior defensive line, the Lions could use more pass-rushing talent on the edge. Aidan Hutchinson’s injury last season forced Detroit to trade for Za’Darius Smith, but even then, their pass rush lacked consistency. At times, the unit performed well, but no one had Hutchinson’s ability to impact every aspect of the game.
With Hutchinson expected back this year, the situation should improve. However, given that John Cominsky, Levi Onwuzurike, Al-Quadin Muhammad, and Marcus Davenport are set to hit free agency, Detroit may look to add more edge-rushing depth through the draft. Stewart could be an excellent mid-round option.
Although he’s slightly undersized at 6’1″ and 245 pounds, Stewart has a knack for getting to the quarterback. He recorded 14 sacks over his final two seasons at Michigan after transferring from Coastal Carolina, where he set a school record with 12.5 sacks as a freshman. In his final college season, he had multiple games with at least two sacks and recorded six tackles in a bowl win over Alabama.
Projected to be a second- to fourth-round pick, Stewart may need time to grow into a bigger role. Initially, he would likely be used as a situational pass rusher, but his leadership—evidenced by his status as a two-time team captain—fits well with the culture Detroit has built.
3. OL Josh Priebe & Myles Hinton
A common theme in this draft class for the Lions is adding depth, and that extends to the offensive line. While Michigan has several other draft-eligible players, the talent drop-off after Stewart makes predicting their next selection difficult.
Players like running backs Kalel Mullings and Donovan Edwards or tight end Colston Loveland could be next off the board, but Detroit has traditionally used later rounds or free agency to bolster its offensive line. The team also tends to invest in “developmental” prospects, as seen with past picks like Brodric Martin, Colby Sorsdal, and Giovanni Manu.
Both Priebe and Hinton fall into that category. They may not be immediate-impact players, but they have traits that could make them valuable assets with the right coaching.
Hinton was a highly touted high school recruit who didn’t fully live up to expectations in college, but his versatility—being able to play both left and right tackle—makes him an interesting prospect. Meanwhile, Priebe started for four seasons at Northwestern before transferring to Michigan, where he quickly became a key contributor. Given Northwestern’s history of developing tough, gritty linemen under Pat Fitzgerald, Priebe’s playing style aligns well with the Lions’ approach.
Neither lineman is guaranteed to carve out a long NFL career, but both excel in run blocking, which fits well with Detroit’s run-heavy offensive scheme. While they may not be priority picks, the Lions could take a late-round chance on one of them as a developmental prospect.
