After a shocking early exit in the playoffs, the Detroit Lions will need to address their biggest needs in order to not only get back to the playoffs but go further than they did this year. Their most pressing issues lie on both the offensive and defensive lines, with the absence of Aidan Hutchinson on defense felt deeply down the stretch and into the postseason. With the 2025 NFL Draft right around the corner, the Lions will have an opportunity to address these gaps and strengthen their front lines.
Two-Round Mock Draft Has the Lions Focusing on the Trenches
In a two-round mock draft by Sports Illustrated’s John Maakaron, the Lions address both the offensive and defensive lines with two high-upside selections. With their first-round pick (No. 28), Maakaron projects the Lions to select Oregon offensive lineman Josh Conerly Jr. In the second round, they address their pass rush by picking Ole Miss edge rusher Princely Umanmielen with the No. 60 pick.
Josh Conerly Jr. Could Be a Major Upgrade on the Lions’ Offensive Line
Conerly was a standout tackle at Oregon, establishing himself as one of the top linemen in the country. Pro Football Focus (PFF) awarded him strong grades across the board, including an 83.5 in pass blocking and a 72.5 in run blocking.
The Lions excelled in run blocking but were only average in pass protection. PFF gave the team a 69.5 grade in pass blocking—a solid figure but one that leaves room for improvement, especially in an offense as explosive as Detroit’s. Conerly’s proficiency in pass protection could make him a valuable addition, helping to shore up the Lions’ offensive line.
“During drills at the Senior Bowl, Conerly drew praise for his work ethic and consistently won reps during one-on-one periods,” Maakaron wrote.
Princely Umanmielen Could Help the Lions Form a Formidable Pass-Rush Combination
Umanmielen had a standout season at Ole Miss, recording 10.5 sacks and a career-high 14 tackles for loss, along with 37 combined tackles and 55 total pressures.
Pairing him opposite Hutchinson could create a formidable pass-rushing duo while addressing a key defensive need. Detroit had the second-fewest tackles in the league with 635 and recorded the ninth-fewest sacks with 37, underscoring their lack of a strong defensive front outside of Hutchinson prior to his injury.
Umanmielen’s potential to develop into an elite pass rusher could significantly bolster the Lions’ defense. Maakaron noted that veteran leadership on the team could accelerate his growth:
“Detroit currently has veteran Za’Darius Smith on the roster. Adding a young pass rusher who he could mentor may pay dividends in the long run,” Maakaron wrote.
Ultimately, the Lions aim to position themselves for a deeper playoff run next season. Addressing their most glaring needs in the draft will be a critical first step toward achieving that goal.
