In a creative twist to the 2025 NFL Draft scenario, Sports Illustrated envisioned a daring move by Detroit Lions general manager Brad Holmes in their latest all-trade mock draft. In this projection, Holmes executes a strategic trade with one of the NFL’s most respected front office figures, swapping picks with the Philadelphia Eagles to reposition Detroit’s draft strategy.
Trade Details:
Philadelphia Eagles receive: Pick No. 28 (valued at 209 points)
Detroit Lions receive: Pick No. 32 (worth 184 points), Pick No. 134 (17 points), and Pick No. 161 (10 points)
This move reflects Detroit’s intent to bolster their offensive line depth by accumulating more assets, all while remaining in range to secure a quality prospect at the end of the first round.
With the Lions looking to maintain their offensive momentum, the upcoming draft serves as a prime opportunity for Holmes and his staff to address needs in the trenches—specifically at the guard position. One name drawing significant buzz in this scenario is Alabama’s Tyler Booker. The former Crimson Tide standout brings not just pedigree from a powerhouse program, but also experience and physical tools that scream “NFL-ready.”
At 6-foot-5 and 321 pounds, Booker has prototypical size and a resume that includes 26 collegiate starts. According to NFL analyst Matt Verderame, Booker might be the most polished guard in a strong 2025 draft class. Verderame notes that Booker could be the ideal successor to veteran Kevin Zeitler, who departed in the offseason. Given Detroit’s commitment to building from the inside out, Booker’s arrival would align perfectly with their long-term strategy.
The Lions’ new offensive coordinator, John Morton, inherits a veteran group up front, but there are lingering uncertainties at both guard spots. Christian Mahogany is expected to anchor the right guard position entering his sophomore season in the NFL, while Graham Glasgow is aiming for a bounce-back campaign after injuries hampered his 2024 performance.
Beyond the starting lineup, Detroit still has depth options like Kayode Awosika, Colby Sorsdal, and Dan Skipper, but the coaching staff is clearly looking for an injection of youthful talent that can immediately challenge for playing time. With multiple interior linemen projected to go in the early-to-mid rounds, this trade with Philadelphia could position Detroit perfectly to nab their next impact blocker.
Ultimately, this hypothetical trade underscores Detroit’s proactive approach to team-building, showing a front office that’s unafraid to make calculated moves in pursuit of sustained success.
