With the Detroit Lions eliminated from the 2025-26 playoffs, many fans have turned their attention to the offseason—and for many, that means turning their attention to the NFL Draft. Whether you’re just getting into the process or have been studying this draft class all year, the College Football Playoffs are an excellent opportunity to watch several of this year’s top prospects, while also consuming some entertaining football.
One of the most intriguing games in the College Football Playoff is Miami vs. Ohio State on December 31, 2025, at 7:30 p.m. ET. This game features a plethora of players that should interest the Lions based on projected needs and schematic fits.
So, let’s take a look at a dozen players Lions’ fans should be paying attention to.
Fixing the offensive line
Detroit will enter the offseason looking to add talent to its offensive line, and depending on a few potential retirements, the Lions may need to replace multiple starters or secure future starters, both at tackle and on the interior.
Top prospect: Francis Mauigoa, RT, Miami (6-foot-6, 325)
One of the most talented and consistent offensive tackle prospects in this draft class, Mauigoa should be a plug-and-play right tackle in the NFL, though it’s also being reported that some teams like him inside at guard as well. The Lions should very much have Mauigoa on their radar in the first round, regardless of how their offensive line shakes out this offseason.
Other players to watch:
- Austin Siereveld, LT, Ohio State (6-foot-5, 325) is a redshirt sophomore who is expected to return to school, but could surprise. With experience at LT, LG, and RG, he’s a talent on the rise.
- Anez Cooper, RG, Miami (6-foot-6, 347) is a three-year starter at right guard with the size and power to fit the Lions’ scheme. Likely a Day 3 prospect who could rise with a good offseason.
Finding an EDGE
While the best edge player in this game most certainly is Arvell Reese (LB/ED, Ohio State, 6-foot-4, 240), it would be surprising if the Lions were within striking distance to get this hybrid demon. A Micah Parsons/Frankie Luvu/Kyle Van Noy-type of player, Reese would completely change the Lions’ defense if they traded up to acquire him.
More than likely, the Lions will stick with a more traditional edge player, which leads up to…
Top prospect: Rueben Bain Jr., EDGE, Miami (6-foot-2, 277)
Bain has first-round talent, but his body type doesn’t match what NFL teams typically look for on the edge. He is shorter than most and lacks the desired length. However, for the Lions, his body type isn’t too far away from Josh Paschal’s (6-foot-2 1/2, 270) — though Bain’s arms are quite a bit shorter. In addition to his pass rush promise, Bain also has the positional range to move up and down the defensive line.
Other players to watch:
- Akheem Mesidor, EDGE, Miami (6-foot-2 1/2, 273) starts on the opposite edge from Bain but offers a similar skill set and maybe even more positional range. Mesidor is even closer to a Paschal-like clone and could end up making his living in the NFL as a 3-technique.
- Kenyatta Jackson, Jr., EDGE, Ohio State (6-foot-6, 260) plays a lot of 4i in the Buckeyes’ scheme, which is easily translatable to the current Lions scheme, and why the Lions drafted Tyleik Williams out of Ohio State in the first round last year. Jackson could be an option for the Lions on Day 2.
Replacing Alex Anzalone?
With Alex Anzalone on an expiring contract—and coming off a recent contract dispute with the Lions—Detroit may be in the market to find a starting WILL linebacker.
Top prospect: Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State (6-foot-4, 238)
A freaky athlete that would be a plug-and-play WILL linebacker, but would likely cost the Lions a first-round pick to acquire, but his upside is Jack Campbell-esque.
Other players to watch:
Wesley Bissainthe, LB, Miami (6-foot-2, 226) is a four-year contributor for the Hurricanes with appealing coverage traits. He’s not a complete package for most NFL teams, but there’s enough to get him drafted, and he has the skills to carve out a specialty role at the next level.
Enhancing the secondary
The Lions will enter the offseason with a potential starting slot/nickel role to fill (Amik Robertson is a pending free agent), as well as needing a starting-level safety (or two) to carry the load while Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph recover from injuries.
The out-of-the-box prospect: Caleb Downs (SAF, Ohio State, 6-foot-0, 205).
One of the most complete and reliable football players in this draft class, Downs can play two-deep, drop into the box as a rover, play over the slot, rarely misses tackles, and is a dynamic playmaker. There is an argument to be made that Downs is the most talented player in this draft class, but with the NFL not valuing the safety position, he could slide into the Lions’ range. For as much responsibility as the Lions put on their safeties, there’s an argument to be made that they can’t pass up a player with his talents, and when Branch and Joseph return, you live in three-safety sets.
Starting NB: Keionte Scott, DB/NB, Miami (5-foot-11, 195)
Every year, I tend to fall in love with a defensive back (Devon Witherspoon in 2023, Mike Sainristil in 2024, and Malaki Starks in 2025). This year, Scott is closing in on that title. While he’ll be listed as a corner in most draft guides, I see him as a starting nickel, who is more likely to be cross-trained at safety rather than at outside corner. Aggressive, hits like a linebacker, closes with conviction, and is a more than capable blitzer, Scott is an exciting prospect to watch.
Don’t be surprised if…
While adding to the running back room would be a luxury, I also believe you can’t have enough talented running backs, especially with the way the new special teams rules are designed in the NFL.
Sleeper prospect: Mark Fletcher Jr., RB, Miami (6-foot-2, 225)
A bruising downhill runner with experience in multiple blocking schemes, he’s productive both on the ground and in the passing game. If available on Day 3, he’d be a solid complement piece in the Lions running back room, would challenge Jacob Saylors for a reserve power role with the potential to be a David Montgomery replacement a few years down the road.
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