The Lions added depth during the first week of free agency, but the biggest upgrades may still come in the draft. With four picks in the first four rounds, Detroit has a chance to add immediate contributors.
After one week of free agency, the Detroit Lions have signed seven new players to the roster. None of the moves qualify as major splashes. Instead, Detroit focused on filling holes and adding depth across the roster.
The most notable addition so far is center Cade Mays, who is projected to be the starter. Still, the Lions have not made a move that dramatically changes expectations for the upcoming season.
That may be by design. General manager Brad Holmes has built a reputation for drafting impact players, and Detroit could once again rely on the draft to add key contributors.
Through four rounds, the Lions currently hold four picks: No. 17 in the first round, No. 50 in the second round and two fourth-round selections at Nos. 118 and 128.
Here is a four-round mock draft projecting players who could make sense for Detroit.
Round 1 (No. 17): Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia
Freeling is a massive offensive tackle, standing 6-foot-7 and 315 pounds. He played primarily at left tackle at Georgia but has limited experience at right tackle.
If Detroit were to draft Freeling, the Lions would have an interesting decision to make — either trust a rookie at left tackle or potentially shift Penei Sewell to the left side.
Freeling would fit right into Detroit’s already massive offensive line. The Lions’ line averages roughly 6-foot-5, making size one of the group’s defining traits.
2025 PFF grades
• Overall: 71.4
• Pass blocking: 85.6
• Run blocking: 61.3
Freeling allowed one sack over 747 snaps, committed two penalties, allowed zero quarterback hits and gave up five total pressures.
Round 2 (No. 50): Zion Young, EDGE, Missouri
Landing Young in the second round would be an excellent outcome for Detroit, although there’s a good chance he could be selected earlier.
Still, the draft can be unpredictable.
The Lions allowed Al-Quadin Muhammad to leave in free agency and have not yet added another edge rusher. That leaves Aidan Hutchinson and Ahmed Hassanein as the only edge defenders currently on the roster. Young, 21 years old and 6-foot-5, could help fill that need.
2025 PFF grades
• Overall: 84.0
• Pass rush: 81.6
• Run defense: 85.1
2025 stats
• 8 sacks
• 2 forced fumbles
• 30 quarterback hurries
• 15 quarterback hits
• 53 total pressures
• 511 snaps
Round 4 (No. 118): Jaishawn Barham, EDGE, Michigan
Barham would add another young pass rusher to Detroit’s defensive front. At 6-foot-3 and 240 pounds, the 22-year-old brings a combination of athleticism and run defense ability.
2025 PFF grades
• Overall: 79.3
• Pass rush: 71.6
• Run defense: 90.4 (fourth best)
2025 stats
• 3 sacks
• 9 hurries
• 9 quarterback hits
• 21 pressures
• 1 batted pass
• 375 snaps
Combine results
• 4.64-second 40-yard dash (seventh among edge rushers)
• 1.61-second 10-yard split
• 33-inch vertical
• 10-foot-3 broad jump
Barham also measured 32 3/8-inch arms and 10 1/4-inch hands. According to Next Gen Stats, he received a 6.33 prospect grade.
Round 4 (No. 128): Darrell Jackson Jr., DT, Florida State
Detroit still has two solid defensive tackles in Alim McNeill and former 2025 first-round pick Tyleik Williams.
McNeill had a quiet season while returning from a torn ACL, while Williams developed slowly but looked like a potential starter by the end of the year.
With veteran D.J. Reader likely departing in free agency, Detroit may need additional depth at defensive tackle.
Jackson stands 6-foot-5 and 337 pounds, giving the Lions another massive presence on the interior. A five-year college player, Jackson could be ready to contribute early in his career.
2025 PFF grades
• Overall: 74.4
• Pass rush: 58.5
• Run defense: 81.3
2025 stats
• 1 sack
• 24 stops
• 12 quarterback hurries
• 522 snaps
Conclusion
Holmes and the Lions addressed several roster needs in free agency while continuing to build depth. The draft could be where Detroit adds its next wave of starters.
Don’t be surprised if the Lions become aggressive during the draft, potentially even trading up to secure a player they covet.
If this mock draft played out, each of these four players could contribute early for a Detroit team still chasing its first Super Bowl championship.