Mel Kiper Jr.’s newest mock draft shows the Detroit Lions with several strong defensive line choices at pick 28.
With the 28th pick in the 2025 NFL Draft just two weeks away, many Detroit Lions fans are hoping for a defensive line selection. That’s what happens in Kiper’s latest mock, but what stands out most are the numerous solid options still available when Detroit is on the clock.
Before the Lions selected, these defensive linemen had already been picked:
EDGE Abdul Carter (3, Giants)
DT Mason Graham (5, Jaguars)
EDGE Jalon Walker (8, Panthers)
EDGE Mike Green (15, Falcons)
DT Derrick Harmon (21, Steelers)
EDGE Mykel Williams (23, Packers)
Six defensive linemen—including four edge rushers—off the board is a lot, but thanks to the depth of the class, Detroit still has several quality picks to consider at 28. Among the most notable:
Pearce has long been viewed as a questionable fit for Detroit. Aside from vague critiques of his effort, he hasn’t shown the run defense skills required in a three-down role. His 17.0 sacks last season are impressive, but he may be better suited elsewhere.
Ezeiruaku, by contrast, fits the Lions’ mold well—and he recorded 16.5 sacks last season. Though he’s a bit small (6-2, 248), his long arms (82.75” wingspan) help him hold his own against blockers. He’s also a two-time team captain, which Detroit values.
Stewart made a huge impression with a near-flawless NFL Combine. He exemplifies traits over stats, having just 4.5 sacks in three seasons.
Despite the low sack total, Stewart has ideal size and plays with an edge, making him strong against the run. With his burst, it’s realistic to expect sack numbers to improve over time.
Grant might not fill an urgent need at nose tackle given DJ Reader, Roy Lopez, and Brodric Martin are on the roster, but none are guaranteed past 2025. Grant’s pass rush upside makes him intriguing. He’s already strong vs. the run and could shift to three-tech, especially while Alim McNeill recovers.
“Ezeiruaku jumped to No. 21 in my recent Big Board update, meaning he’d not only take care of that pass rush need but also do so at value,” Kiper noted. “His 65 pressures led the FBS last season, and he turned them into 16.5 sacks.”
Later in Kiper’s two-round mock, he gives the Lions NC State lineman Anthony Belton at pick 60. Belton was a left tackle for the Wolfpack, but Kiper believes the 6-foot-6, 336-pound blocker could move inside in the NFL.
“Belton (6-foot-6 and 336 pounds) has played all but 11 of his 2,146 career snaps at left tackle. However, he could slide inside in the pros — and the Lions might opt for that in Year 1,” Kiper wrote.
