Lions mull pass rushers in Thursday's NFL Draft
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The Lions' defensive woes sunk their Super Bowl chances last season, but Thursday's NFL Draft could lead them — finally — to championship glory.
Why it matters: Beginning with the 28th pick in Round 1, the Lions have a total of seven draft picks to infuse their roster with new talent and depth.
State of play: This is the first time the NFL's smallest market, Green Bay, is hosting the major event.
- The first round starts at 8pm, but the Lions' pick isn't expected until 11:30pm.
Flashback: Detroit hosted the NFL Draft last year in a nationally televised celebration of football and the city's comeback.
The intrigue: This year, Detroit is expected to target pass rushers early. Shemar Stewart (Texas A&M) and Mykel Williams (Georgia) are among the names being floated.
Yes, but: General manager Brad Holmes has a record of Draft-Day trades, so don't be surprised if Detroit moves up — or down — before making its pick.
The big picture: The Tennessee Titans have the No. 1 pick and are considering Miami quarterback Cam Ward.
Zoom in: The NFL Draft was more exciting in Detroit when the Lions lost more games and had higher draft picks.
- While they won't land a big name like Aidan Hutchinson or Matthew Stafford, the front office has a chance to build a deeper roster that will survive the playoff gauntlet.
How to watch: ABC, ESPN and NFL Network will broadcast the 2025 NFL Draft.
- It can be livestreamed on NFL+, NFL.com, the ESPN App and ABC App.
- Rounds 2 and 3 start at 7pm Friday.
- Rounds 4 through 7 start at noon Saturday
What's next: The Lions play San Diego in the NFL's first preseason game on July 31 in Canton, Ohio, the league announced Wednesday.