The Detroit Lions managed to land a new starting cornerback in DJ Reed during the early stages of NFL free agency, but Dan Campbell and Brad Holmes have largely stayed on the sidelines as they try to save up enough financial breathing room to sign their stars to long-term deals.
While there are still a few extra moves to be made on the defensive side of the ball, it might be prudent for Campbell and Holmes to target offensive role players in the 2025 NFL Draft. Keeping Jared Goff clean and giving him weapons may be the biggest determining factor in Detroit's title push.
The Lions have the ability to pull away from the rest of the NFC and establish themselves as the most noteworthy contender in the conference. Following this 3-round 2025 NFL Mock Draft should be able to help them achieve that very lofty goal.
Detroit Lions 3-round post-free agency NFL Mock Draft
Round 1, Pick 28: James Pearce Jr, EDGE, Tennessee
While Pearce has been taking a bit of a slide down draft boards due to some character concerns and a good, not great, final season, he was regarded as a possible No. 1 overall pick before the season began. Detroit's culture is strong, and they should be able to get the most out of this extremely talented youngster.
Pearce plays like he was shot out of a cannon, as he can use his extreme speed and violent approach to block-shedding to help him become an immediate starter. Even if he won't be an every-down lineman like Aidan Hutchinson due to his size, he should still be able to start right away.
Round 2, Pick 60: Jonah Savaiinaea, IOL, Arizona
While Savaiinaea played tackle in college, he profiles as a tremendous starting guard in the NFL. With Graham Glasgow about to turn 33 and Kevin Zeitler having left to join the Titans in free agency, the Lions will need to use one of their picks in the first two days of the Draft on a possible long-term answer.
Savaiinaea isn't the best athlete in the world (despite his 40-yard dash), but his mammoth frame and upper body strength could make him a perfect road-grader on the interior. Both Goff and Jahmyr Gibbs would be big fans of this move, especially if he plays right away.
Round 3, Pick 102: Tory Horton, WR, Colorado State
Tim Patrick coming back to serve as the No. 3 wide receiver behind underneath ace Amon-Ra St. Brown and speedy deep threat Jameson Williams should help make life easy for Goff and the passing game without Ben Johnson and a host of assistants. However, given Patrick's age and injury history, Horton may end up eventually surpassing him.
Not only has Horton established himself as a quality downfield threat due to superior ball-tracking skills, but he has some very interesting reps with the ball in his hands. Detroit needs to feel confident in him after the injury problems.
