The five players who met with the Lions the most, the answer to who the Lions draft could be right in front of us

We're here, Detroit Lions fans. The 2025 NFL Draft is just days away. The pre-draft process is in the books. No more all-star games, pro days, virtual meetings, private workouts, top-30's or scouting combines.  The good thing about all those steps in the process is that we were able to track most of the meetings. […]

Mike Payton Detroit Lions Beat Writer
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We're here, Detroit Lions fans. The 2025 NFL Draft is just days away. The pre-draft process is in the books. No more all-star games, pro days, virtual meetings, private workouts, top-30's or scouting combines. 

The good thing about all those steps in the process is that we were able to track most of the meetings. Last year, we were able to catch on to a trend with Sione Vaki. The Lions met with him multiple times at different points, and it was clear they really liked him. 

So with multiple visits in mind, maybe we can find out who the Lions will take in the draft this week. Here are the guys we can confirm had multiple meetings with Detroit.

Josaiah Stewart, Edge, Michigan

The Lions have shown plenty of interest here. For starters, they had a top-30 visit with him. They also met with him virtually and went to his pro day. Stewart listed the Lions as one of the handful of teams that have reached out to him the most during the process. 

In Stewart, the Lions get a pretty good edge rusher who had a strong season for the Wolverines last year. He put up 37 pressures and nine sacks. He also showed to be a very solid run-stopper with 13 tackles for a loss. Stewart is projected to be a third-round pick. 

Kobe King, LB, Penn State

A local prospect from Cass Tech is just right down the way from Ford Field. The Lions had a formal meeting with him at the combine and then had him in for their local pro day. 

King had 74 tackles, 16 pressures, three sacks, nine tackles for a loss, and a pass breakup. He was a very good run-stopper as well. Pro Football Focus had him graded out at 89.2 in that department. King is projected to be a late day three pick. 

Pooh Paul, LB, Ole Miss

One of my personal favorite players in this draft. The Lions had a formal meeting with him at the Shrine Bowl and then had a formal meeting again at the combine

Paul is a lot like Alex Anzalone and could be his potential heir to the Will linebacker throne. He finished the season with 73 tackles, 24 pressures, six sacks, 11 tackles for loss, an interception, and four pass breakups. Paul is projected to go in the third round.

Jonas Sanker, S, Virginia

Sanker had a top-30 with the Lions and had a formal meeting at the combine. The Lions also went to his pro day. 

Sanker finished the season with 73 tackles, a pick-six, and five pass breakups. There's some comparison to Ifeatu Melifonwu in the sense that he could be a pass-rushing safety, but can also be good in coverage. Sanker is projected to be a fourth-round pick. 

Ian Kennelly, S, Grand Valley State

The Lions had a pro day meeting with him and then invited him to their local pro day.

Kennelly had a strong season for the Lakers with 64 tackles, three pass breakups, three interceptions, a forced fumble, and a blocked punt. He's projected to be an undrafted free agent.