4-round Detroit Lions mock draft, Brad Holmes finally finds the edge and takes a big chance on the future

Here we are, Detroit Lions fans, on the final day of the 2025 NFL Draft. The Lions have walked out with three pretty good players so far: Tyleik Williams, Tate Ratledge, and Isaac TeSlaa. But with the trade-ups, the Lions now have quite a break between picks unless they trade up again.  We'll see if […]

Mike Payton Detroit Lions Beat Writer
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Here we are, Detroit Lions fans, on the final day of the 2025 NFL Draft. The Lions have walked out with three pretty good players so far: Tyleik Williams, Tate Ratledge, and Isaac TeSlaa. But with the trade-ups, the Lions now have quite a break between picks unless they trade up again. 

We'll see if that winds up happening. Until then, here's a four-round mock draft for day three:

182nd pick: Riley Leonard, QB, Notre Dame

Notre Dame quarterback Riley Leonard (13) runs the ball down the field during a NCAA college football game against Virginia at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024, in South Bend.
Notre Dame quarterback Riley Leonard (13) runs the ball down the field during a NCAA college football game against Virginia at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024, in South Bend.MICHAEL CLUBB/SOUTH BEND TRIBUNE / USA TODAY NETWORK

The quarterbacks in this draft haven’t been getting picked as high as anyone thought they would, and that should push Leonard into the Lions’ range. You might say, “Why would they take a quarterback?” Part of my answer is, has anything in this draft worked out like you thought it might? 

The other part is with the decent quarterbacks finding themselves in range in the sixth round, why wouldn't you do it? At 22, Leonard is one of the youngest quarterbacks in this draft, and he has a lot of upside that just needs to be unlocked. We already know he can mobile, he can throw pretty well too. With development, maybe he can find himself being the guy of the future. Even if that doesn't happen, he can be a premium backup.

196th pick: Ahmed Hassanein, Edge, Boise State

Dec 31, 2024; Glendale, AZ, USA; Boise State Broncos defensive end Ahmed Hassanein (91) celebrates a play against the Penn State Nittany Lions during the Fiesta Bowl at State Farm Stadium.
Dec 31, 2024; Glendale, AZ, USA; Boise State Broncos defensive end Ahmed Hassanein (91) celebrates a play against the Penn State Nittany Lions during the Fiesta Bowl at State Farm Stadium.© Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Personally, I love this player. He’s a lot like Ezekiel Ansah was back at BYU. A young player who came over from another country and is super new to football, but just gets it. 

Hassanien has great athleticism and a lot of strength from a professional CrossFit background. Last year, he racked up 62 pressures and 10 sacks. From a culture side of things, he would fit everything the Lions are about, coming off an Academic All-American senior season. 

228th pick: Jabbar Muhammad, CB, Oregon

Robert Hanashiro-Imagn Images

What a steal this player would be at this point in the draft. I’m telling you, if Muhammad is 6-foot-2 instead of 5-foot-9, he’s going early on day two. So what if he’s small? This guy plays well, and as we know, the Lions don’t care about the measurables if a player is really good. 

230th pick: Willie Lampkin, OL, North Carolina

Sep 7, 2024; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels quarterback Conner Harrell (15) looks to pass as offensive linemen Trevyon Green (78) and Willie Lampkin (53) block in the second quarter at Kenan Memorial Stadium.
Conner Harrell (15) looks to pass as Trevyon Green (78) and Willie Lampkin (53) block in the second quarter at Kenan Memorial Stadium.Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

Another undersized player at 5-foot-11, but this guy plays his heart out, and he brings the opportunity to do so many things to the table. He can be a guard, a fullback, a defensive lineman, and even a blocking tight end. Why wouldn’t you take a shot on that versatility? 

244th pick: Lan Larison, RB, UC-Davis

UC Davis Aggies running back Lan Larison (3) flips the ball into the air after scoring a touchdown against the California Golden Bears during the second quarter at California Memorial Stadium.
UC Davis Aggies running back Lan Larison (3) flips the ball into the air after scoring a touchdown against the California Golden Bears during the second quarter at California Memorial Stadium.Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

Here’s another guy with versatility. Probably the best offensive player in the entire FCS. He accounted for over 2,000 yards and nearly 30 touchdowns last year. He played running back in college, but he might be better at receiver in Detroit.