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What is a Detroit Lions’ long-term need that not enough people are talkinga bout?
Detroit Lions general manager Brad Holmes has often conveyed the message that they don’t approach the NFL Draft with needs in mind. Their primary goal is to get good football players, and then figure out how they can fit within their overall plans after. That strategy certainly seems to have worked thus far, as Holmes’ drafting history over the past four years can be put up against the best of the best in the NFL.
And while I agree with Holmes’ overall strategy, I think it really only applies to immediate needs. If you’re trying to fill holes for the immediate roster with a rookie, it may force you to reach for a player simply because of his position. But if you’re talking long-term needs—positions that could use addressing a year or more down the line—that affords you the opportunity to draft several positions without necessarily reaching, and allowing that player to develop before forcing them into a huge role their rookie season.
For example, the Lions could very well go into 2025 with Graham Glasgow and Christian Mahogany as their two starting guards, and that could be just fine. However, with Glasgow nearing the end of his career, drafting a starting-capable guard for the future this year would also address the long-term need to replace Glasgow—even if the drafted player doesn’t start in 2025.
With that in mind, today’s Question of the Day is:
What is an underrated Lions need in the 2025 NFL Draft?
My answer: I have two answers—one a little underrated and one a lot underrated. Since most of the focus seems to be on the offensive and defensive lines, I think it’s important to remember that this team still has a long-term need at wide receiver. Their starters are set for 2025, but with Amon-Ra St. Brown’s cap hit about to go significantly up, and Jameson Williams potentially playing on an expensive fifth-year option in 2026 (and his future with the team currently unclear), the Lions would be wise to supplement that room with talented players on cheap rookie deals.
The more underrated need is at tight end. While both Sam LaPorta and Brock Wright are under contract through the 2026 season, the future beyond that is a bit unknown. I would expect LaPorta to get an extension when it is time, but I think it’s fair to wonder if Detroit could improve on the TE2 spot. Wright is not costing the Lions a crazy amount, so there’s a good chance he plays through the end of his three-year, $12 million contract. Still, I think that room could use a boost. It doesn’t have to be this year if the opportunity to upgrade isn’t there in the draft, but I wouldn’t be surprised if Detroit spent a mid-round pick on the position either, because Detroit’s depth in that room is lacking anyways.
What do you think is a need for the Lions that isn’t being talked about enough? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.
