10 best prospects available for Detroit Lions on Day 2

A look at the best remaining 2025 NFL Draft prospects available for the Detroit Lions on Day 2.

The Detroit Lions enter Day 2 of the 2025 NFL Draft with two selections, Nos. 60 and 102. Last year, Detroit had just one pick (No. 61) to make on the second day after moving up in the first round to select Terrion Arnold. But with that extra capital gained from the New York Jets hiring Aaron Glenn, the gears are already turning for general manager Brad Holmes ahead of Friday.

As we enter rounds two and three of this year’s NFL draft, here are the ten best available prospects—in no particular order—for the Detroit Lions.

1. Donovan Ezeiruaku, EDGE, Boston College

Donovan Ezeiruaku is a high-motor edge rusher known for his relentless pursuit and disruptive presence off the edge. Standing at 6-foot-3 and 248 pounds, he combines agility with power, making him effective in both pass rush and run defense. His ability to consistently pressure quarterbacks and his knack for turning those pressures into sacks (led FBS with 1.38 sacks per game) would add depth and playmaking ability to a Lions’ defensive front that could really use a boost in that respect.

Ezeiruaku’s leadership qualities (two-year team captain) and work ethic align with the culture the Lions have cultivated. Adding Ezeiruaku to the roster would bolster the pass rush rotation and provide a young, ascending talent for the future.

2. JT Tuimoloau, EDGE, Ohio State

JT Tuimoloau is just the kind of edge defender Detroit covets. His unique blend of size (6-foot-4), athleticism (9.33 RAS), and technique makes him a consistent threat on the defensive line. Tuimoloau’s ability to play both with his hand in the dirt and two-point stance offers versatility for the Lions’ defensive schemes. His disciplined approach and football IQ would be an asset in Detroit’s system. He excels in setting the edge against the run and applying pressure on passing downs (12.5 sacks in 2024). Despite his lack of elite bend, his power moves and hand usage compensate effectively for his pass rush, and his effectiveness in run defense (87.3 PFF grade) would make him a seamless fit opposite of Aidan Hutchinson at the team’s closed end spot.

3. Jonah Savaiinaea, OL, Arizona

Jonah Savaiinaea is a versatile offensive lineman with experience at both guard and tackle during his time at Arizona (345 snaps at LT, 985 at RG, and 1,057 at RT). At 6-foot-4 and 324 pounds, he brings a powerful frame and strong hands—or ”bear claws” as put by Dane Brugler—excelling particularly as a run blocker. His 9.85 RAS at OG is impressive, and his 1.72-second 10-yard split—the fastest at the combine among prospects weighing 315 pounds or heavier—would lend itself well to an offense that loves to see their guards get out and move in space. His experience and adaptability make him a strong candidate to provide depth and compete for a starting role on Detroit’s offensive line as soon as his rookie season, and the Lions certainly have room for competition along their interior.

Savaiinaea’s addition would reinforce the Lions’ commitment to controlling the line of scrimmage. His physicality, swagger, and athleticism align well with Detroit’s offensive philosophy, and Hank Fraley could help refine his technique and transition to guard.​

4. Carson Schwesinger, LB, UCLA

Carson Schwesinger is an athletic linebacker known for his instincts and coverage abilities, making him a modern asset in today’s NFL defenses. He possesses the speed and agility to cover tight ends and running backs effectively at 6-foot-2, 242 pounds, while also offering contributions as a blitzer (4.0 sacks in 2024).

Schwesinger’s relentless motor and football IQ would fit well within the Lions’ defensive culture, and though he has only one year of starting experience, his rapid development and leadership qualities are promising indicators of his potential. His ability to contribute on special teams from the day one adds immediate value, and his potential to grow into a starting role bodes well for a Lions linebacker room that could use more of a long-term vision. Schwesinger’s versatility and athleticism align with Detroit’s emphasis on adaptable defenders. His addition would bolster the linebacker corps and enhance the team’s defensive flexibility.​

5. Elic Ayomanor, WR, Stanford

Elic Ayomanor is a through and through X-receiver at 6-foot-2, 206 pounds, combining size with speed to create mismatches against defenders. His 4.44-second 40-yard dash and impressive overall athleticism (9.71 RAS) pair well with his competitiveness and plus-blocking in the run game—traits that align with the Lions’ offensive philosophy.

While his route tree may need expansion and his technique needs to be refined, his ability to stretch the field, provide a big catch radius, and make plays on the outside would add a new dimension to Detroit’s passing attack. His physicality and competitiveness would complement the existing receiving corps, providing quarterback Jared Goff with another reliable target. His work ethic and football intelligence suggest he could quickly adapt to the NFL level, and the chance to learn under a veteran like Tim Patrick would be invaluable. Adding Ayomanor would not only enhance the depth and provide stability for Detroit’s wide receiver room in 2025, but it would give them a very solid plan moving forward.

6. Tate Ratledge, iOL, Georgia

Tate Ratledge is a powerful interior offensive lineman who brings a blend of size, strength, and technique to the trenches. At 6’6” and 320 pounds, he excels in run blocking, consistently creating lanes for ball carriers. His experience in Georgia’s pro-style offense has prepared him for the complexities of NFL schemes. Ratledge’s ability to anchor against interior pass rushers would enhance the Lions’ pass protection. His physicality and aggressive playing style align with Detroit’s commitment to dominating the line of scrimmage. Adding Ratledge would provide depth and competition along the interior offensive line, potentially solidifying the guard position. His leadership and championship experience would be valuable assets in the locker room. Ratledge’s skill set makes him a strong fit for the Lions’ offensive line unit.

7. Nic Scourton, EDGE, Texas A&M

Nic Scourton is a high-upside pass rusher who blends power, technique, and relentless effort. He boasts a thick frame with a strong center of gravity, allowing him to generate significant power through bull rushes and a spin move he’s developed to varying degrees of success. His violent and attacking style would fit right in under new defensive line coach Kacy Rodgers, but there’s room for growth in his technique and pass-rush plan that make him a prime candidate to fit opposite Hutchinson as the team’s closed end. Scourton’s tenacity and persistence in run defense (29 tackles for loss over his last 23 games) would also endear him to Detroit.

8. Landon Jackson, EDGE, Arkansas

Landon Jackson is a physically imposing edge defender at 6-foot-6, weighing 264 pounds with a freakish 83″ wingspan. His size and length, combined with a relentless motor and nifty pass-rushing moves, give him an edge when it comes to disrupting plays. Jackson’s versatility is noteworthy: he has experience playing multiple positions along the defensive line, including the three-technique defensive tackle in pass-rushing situations and lined up outside the tackle.

For the Lions, Jackson’s size, versatility, and leadership—another two-year team captain who plays for his team and not his own stats—could be instrumental in enhancing not only their defensive front, but defense as a whole.

9. Nohl Williams, CB, California

Nohl Williams is a ball-hawking cornerback known for his physicality and playmaking abilities. In 2024, he led the FBS with seven interceptions and added nine passes defended. Williams’ aggressive style and ability to contest passes make him a valuable asset in man coverage schemes. His physical approach at the line of scrimmage disrupts receivers’ routes, and he played the second-most man coverage snaps among FBS corners in 2024 (236, 45.4% of coverage snaps), so he’ll presumably fit in with Kelvin Sheppard’s defense.

Williams has some movement and athleticism limitations, leaving him vulnerable to double moves and faster NFL receivers, but his ball skills and competitive toughness could provide valuable depth to the Lions’ secondary, especially in sub-packages or special teams roles.​

10. Jackson Hawes, TE, Georgia Tech

Jackson Hawes, a sixth-year senior tight end recognized for his in-line blocking, brings a strong, physical presence to the line of scrimmage with his 6-foot-5, 253-pound frame. Hawes’ experience and commitment to blocking make him a reliable option immediately for a team that loves to run the football as much as the Lions do.

Hawes does have his limitations in the passing game. His route-running and receiving skills are considered modest by most scouts, and he lacks eye-popping athleticism (7.83 RAS), and those factors may limit his appeal league wide—which could help him be in play for Detroit at 103. For the Lions, who value versatile tight ends capable of contributing in both blocking and receiving, Hawes could serve as a valuable utility player, particularly in heavy personnel packages or short-yardage situations.