Detroit Lions: 2025 NFL Draft Grades

The Detroit Lions entered the 2025 NFL draft for the fifth time under general manager Brad Holmes. How did their 2025 draft picks grade out? We’ll go through each pick from the Lions giving our draft grades for the selection – so let’s dive in.

Detroit Lions: 2025 NFL Draft Grades

Round 1: Tyleik Williams, DT – Ohio State

Many fans wanted to see the Lions draft an edge rusher in the first round. After Aidan Hutchinson went down last season, it became glaring how the Lions lacked depth at the position. However, the Lions elected to fill their depth through Ohio State defensive tackle Tyleik Williams.

While it may not seem like a pressing concern, the Lions’ current defensive tackle room is relatively thin. Alim McNeil will be recovering from an ACL tear, Levi Onwuzirike is on a one-year deal, and DJ Reader is getting older and struggled to stay healthy last season.

Williams will provide an immediate impact on the defensive line rotation. He is physical at the line of scrimmage, and his size makes it difficult for guards to handle him. He was one of the best run-stoppers in the entire draft class and will be an instant presence for the Lions’ run defense. Williams struggled with pass-rush finesse, but he has the tools to develop into an above-average pass-rusher.

Grade: B

Round 2: Tate Ratledge, OG – Georgia

Tate Ratledge fills a clear need for the Lions. After the departure of Kevin Zeitler, the Lions needed an infusion of youth and athleticism at the position to fight for the starting role. 

Rateledge is an athletic guard who won All-American honors in his last two seasons at Georgia. He played over 2,000 snaps at right guard, where he was a dominant, physical pass and run-blocker. He plays with good leverage and discipline, as he was only penalized three times in college.

Ratledge has had injury concerns, missing at least one game in each of his five seasons at Georgia. However, he should get a fair opportunity to win the starting right guard job in training camp. 

Grade: A

Round 3: Isaac TeSlaa, WR – Arkansas

Isaac TeSlaa was a shocking pick out of Arkansas. He wasn’t projected to be picked until mid-Day 3, but Brad Holmes pulled the trigger on the big-bodied wide receiver. 

TeSlaa didn’t lead Arkansas in production, but he’s toolsy and is a big, physical wide receiver at the NFL level. He’s nearly 6-foot-4 with a 4.43 40-yard dash and 6.93 three-cone, which makes him one of the most agile and fastest players in the NFL at his size. TeSlaa provides a big-bodied deep threat the Lions have needed for the past four seasons. With Tim Patrick turning 32 this season, he could see immediate playing time.

Grade: C-

Round 5: Miles Frazier, OG, LSU

Miles Frazier was a steal in the fifth round. Most analysts saw the guard from LSU as a third or fourth-round talent. 

Frazier, like most of the Lions’ draft picks, is a freak athlete at guard. His explosiveness in pass protection is his biggest strength. While he needs to improve as a run blocker, he will immediately be valuable depth for a team seeking interior offensive depth with the ability to start in a couple of seasons.

Grade: A+

Round 6: Ahmed Hassanein, EDGE – Boise State

Ahmed Hassanein is an edge out of Boise State, who will become the first Egyptian NFL player. Hassanein was a four-time all-MWC player and a 2023 Academic All-American.

Hassanein has a smaller frame than ideal, but he plays with a relentless motor that is perfect for Dan Campbell. While he can get overpowered, his drive is what keeps him active in plays. He will be a good rotational defensive lineman for a team in desperate need of them.

Grade: B

Round 7: Dominic Lovett, WR – Georgia

Dominic Lovett is a small wide receiver at just 5-foot-10-inches out of Georgia who runs a 4.40 40-yard dash. He’s a solid route runner, but he could contribute significantly on special teams as a return specialist.

Grade: C+

Round 7: Dan Jackson, S – Georgia

Dan Jackson is a safety from Georgia who profiles as a special teams specialist for the Lions, mainly on the coverage units. 

Grade: B-

Final Thoughts

The Lions were able to fill some major holes regarding starting talent and depth, specifically wide receiver, defensive line, and offensive guard. Overall, the Lions got younger and more athletic, bringing in experienced starters from top-tier universities that all have the potential and opportunity to make an impact on the 53-man roster in 2025. With that in mind, and the grades of the draft picks the Lions made thus far, their overall grade deserves a “B”.

Overall Grade: B