The 2025 NFL Combine starts on Tuesday and we're going to start getting some real answers about what the Detroit Lions are looking for and who they're looking at. 

Before that, it's time to take one last look at what we know now and make some picks. Here's our final mock draft ahead of the 2025 NFL Combine:

Trade

At this point, it would seriously be a shock if the Lions don't trade this pick. It makes a lot more sense that they would trade down to recoup some picks lost and really give themselves a chance to move back up later if they want. The Browns wanted to get back into the first round, so here's the deal we made: 

Lions get: 33rd pick, 94th pick and 178th pick

Browns get: 28th pick and 229th pick

I'm sorry to show you a trade with the Browns that doesn't get the Lions Myles Garrett, but this is still a pretty good move for Detroit. They get two extra day two picks and an extra sixth-rounder. 

Princely Umanmielen, Edge, Ole Miss

We’re going to get a lot of answers about the edge rushers in this class during the combine, but right now the expectation is that a lot of them are going to be gone by the time the Lions pick at either 28 or lower. Umanmielen is someone who should remain in range for Detroit and this is no consolation prize. He had 55 pressures and 11 sacks for the Rebels in 2024. 

This is part of one of the defensive line's big score in this mock draft. 

60th pick: Donovan Jackson, G, Ohio State

With all the questions about the Lions’ guards, the smart thing to do is invest in a pretty good one in the second-round. Jackson had a pretty strong season at Ohio State. He allowed 19 pressures and two sacks. He might not be ready to start out of the gate and the good thing is that he doesn’t have to. The Lions should have both starters back in 2025 and will have Christian Mahogany too. But the potential of having two starting guards ready to go in 2026 is too good to pass up. 

94th pick: Sai’Vion Jones, Edge, LSU

Here’s where the defensive line continues to score. Jones was a monster at the Senior Bowl and he brings a lot of power to his side of the defensive line. So the Lions get finesse with Umanmielen and power with Jones. If Jones can continue to build out his tool chest with moves, he’s going to be a real problem in this league. 

102nd pick: Aeneas Peebles, DT, Virginia Tech

*We’re projecting that the Lions will have the 102nd pick in the third round based on projected compensatory picks. This pick number could change.

And here's the third part of the Lions' big score for their defensive line. Peebles was Pro Football Focus's highest-graded pass rusher among defensive tackles. He had a 91.2 pass rush grade. With that, he put up 37 pressures and three sacks. This is a guy who jumps Brodric Martin on day one and could be the team's third interior lineman if they lose Levi Onwuzurike in free agency. 

132nd pick: Pat Bryant, WR, Illinois

While there are other receivers that I personally like more, Bryant is the best fit for the Lions. He brings the size and speed that they need at WR3, but he’s also one of the best blocking receivers in the nation and is a team captain. All things that are right up Dan Campbell’s alley for this offense. 

178th pick: Willie Lampkin, OL, North Carolina

Who’s ready for a project? I know that word tends to scare Lions fans a bit and I get it, but this is where the team is at this point. They’re really good and they’re not so much drafting for immediate starters anymore, they’re drafting for depth and ideas too. Lampkin gives the Lions a piece of clay that they can make an offensive lineman, tight end, full back, or defensive lineman out of. This team loves guys that can do multiple things. Here’s one for them.

194th pick: O’Donnell Fortune, CB, South Carolina

Fortune is coming off a pretty good season of the Gamecocks. He allowed a reception percentage of 58.5% and picked off three passes. He took one of them to the house. He’s kind of a lanky corner and you wonder if he could also play a little safety in a pinch. The problem is that he’s 185 pounds. You have to wonder how he plays against bigger receivers. 

226th pick: Malachi Moore, S, Alabama

Did you really think that Brad Holmes would walk out of the draft without an Alabama guy? Seriously? Moore had a good season at Bama last year with seven pass breakups and two picks. We don’t know if Ifeatu Melifonwu will be back, but if he’s not, safety is a sure bet in the draft for Detroit. 

245th pick: Steve Linton, OLB, Baylor

How about one more pass rusher? How about one with a connection to the Lions coaching staff? Linton just spent the last four years working with new Lions defensive assistant Caleb Collins who was Baylor’s outside linebackers coach. Linton had 25 pressures and four sacks in 2024.

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