Detroit Lions Land 17-Sack Monster to Bolster Their Pass Rush

The Detroit Lions once again fell short of reaching their first Super Bowl in 2024 and will now aim to reload in the offseason for another shot in 2025.

Offensively, Detroit had one of the league’s top units last season, but some concerns remain, particularly along the offensive line. Meanwhile, the defense was hit hard by injuries and struggled significantly at times.

The team must decide on its defensive free agents and focus on adding depth and long-term solutions at key positions.

On paper, Detroit boasts a strong, youthful roster capable of sustained success. However, nothing is guaranteed in the NFL, and the Lions must get the 2025 NFL Draft right to stay competitive for years to come.

Here’s a four-round mock draft for Detroit using Pro Football Network’s mock draft simulator.

Lions 2025 Mock Draft

Round 1, Pick 28: EDGE Mike Green, Marshall

Detroit’s pass rush disappointed in 2024. Aidan Hutchinson missed action after early October yet still led the team with 7.5 sacks. Even if Za’Darius Smith returns, the Lions need more depth and a long-term solution opposite Hutchinson.

Bolstering the edge rush should be a top priority, and Mike Green from Marshall could be the ideal fit.

Green dominated in 2024, recording 17 sacks and 23 tackles for loss while leading the Sun Belt in sacks. He possesses an elite motor and impressive speed off the edge.

There are concerns about the competition Green faced in college, but pairing him with Hutchinson in Detroit could be a perfect scenario. He’s the kind of high-upside prospect the Lions need.

Round 2, Pick 60: OG Wyatt Milum, West Virginia

The Lions may have the league’s best offensive tackle duo, but their interior offensive line needs work. Kevin Zeitler could leave in free agency, and Graham Glasgow is replaceable.

Wyatt Milum seems like a prototypical Detroit Lion—an experienced lineman with 47 Big 12 starts for West Virginia and a high football IQ.

Milum is a consistent pass protector, which would be a huge asset in front of a pocket passer like Jared Goff. He could be a long-term solution at guard alongside Christian Mahogany.

Round 4, Pick 132: DT Elijah Roberts, SMU

The Lions already have an elite edge rusher in Hutchinson and a disruptive defensive tackle in Alim McNeill, but their defensive line lacks depth. If D.J. Reader is released in 2025 or leaves in 2026, the unit could get even thinner.

Elijah Roberts might be a mid-round steal. In 2024, he tallied 35 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, and 7.5 sacks for an SMU team that reached the College Football Playoff. Roberts has a relentless motor and strong athleticism, though his technique can be inconsistent.

Landing in Detroit could be an ideal fit, as he’d get to learn from McNeill and Reader. The Lions need high-upside defensive linemen, and Roberts fits the mold.