The 2025 NFL Draft is just a week away, and the Detroit Lions currently hold seven selections. It’s fair to say there aren’t seven obvious open spots on their 53-man roster right now, even with the strong “best man wins” mentality that defines role and roster decisions.

As much as he values draft picks, general manager Brad Holmes is never shy about maneuvering around the board to secure players Detroit is targeting. If the right opportunity presents itself, trading up from No. 28 overall in the first round is on the table. Holmes has also traded up on Day 2 in recent drafts to land players (even if opinions are still forming on those picks).

To move up, the Lions might consider parting with a player during the draft, either in the first round or later. Selecting a prospect at a given position could trigger a trade, or Detroit might look to regain a lost pick by dealing a player.

5. RB Craig Reynolds

Reynolds perfectly represents the Lions’ culture and embraces the “do what’s needed” philosophy head coach Dan Campbell stresses. However, his already small offensive role (96 snaps, 31 carries last year) faces pressure from second-year back Sione Vaki. His special teams role is also replaceable, and Vaki actually outperformed him there in 2024.

Reynolds has proven he can contribute when called upon, but Detroit hasn’t offered him a bigger role in recent years. If another team fails to add running back depth early in the draft, trading Reynolds on Day 3 could become a real option.

4. CB Amik Robertson

We’ve pushed back against the idea of Detroit trading Robertson before the draft, even as some analysts floated him as a potential trade chip. That time may come, but it doesn’t seem likely just yet.

Still, if Detroit adds a cornerback early in the draft (as they do in Dane Brugler’s latest mock for The Athletic), it would raise competition in the secondary.

Holmes, like many GMs, claims “you can never have too many corners.” But if a high draft pick cuts into Robertson’s projected role, keeping him becomes harder to justify—and trade rumors may suddenly carry more weight.

3. WR Jameson Williams

Let’s address the biggest name here. Based on Brad Holmes’ vague comments about an extension for Williams at the league meetings, and Detroit’s hosting of a top WR on a pre-draft visit, Mike Payton of AtoZ Sports suggested Williams could be trade bait. It wasn’t a prediction—just a “don’t be shocked” kind of take.

Some say the NFL salary cap isn’t real, but Payton pointed to the difficult math coming for Detroit’s future extensions. Holmes seems to be preparing for that cost, possibly even explaining some offseason inaction or recent roster cuts.

Williams had a 2024 breakout, and expectations are rising for 2025. That may line him up for a big-money deal like Amon-Ra St. Brown’s. But concerns remain—from a PED suspension to a gun incident last fall.

A trade still feels unlikely, and the Lions may just ride it out until Williams hits free agency. Still, it would be unwise to rule out the possibility entirely.

2. DE Josh Paschal

Three years removed from being a top-50 pick, Paschal has just five sacks and fewer than 15 missed games. Detroit took him 46th overall in 2022, but his return has been limited. Though 34 pressures in 2024 seems solid, his pass rush win rate (5.5%) ranked outside the NFL’s top 100.

Injuries weren’t a major issue last season. Two of his three absences stemmed from a minor health discovery during his annual post-cancer checkup. But Paschal still didn’t flash—he was PFF’s No. 106 edge rusher out of 119.

Another edge rusher on the Lions is feeling more heat going into the draft, but Paschal might be replaced outright. If another team believes they can tap into his potential and sends a fair offer, Detroit should entertain it.

1. QB Hendon Hooker

The Lions’ messaging on Hooker hasn’t matched their actions. Bringing back Teddy Bridgewater late last year—fresh off coaching high school—then elevating him to backup for the playoff game versus Washington sent a message. Campbell noted Bridgewater’s edge in playoff “experience,” which amounts to one start and a few games on the sideline.

Here’s the bottom line on Hooker: He’s 27, halfway through his rookie deal, and blocked from starting with Jared Goff under contract through 2028. He might have trade value—if Detroit hadn’t hurt that value over the last several months.

As noted by John Maakaron and Christian Booher of SI.com, the New Orleans Saints could be a fit. Developmental QBs appeal to plenty of teams.

Hooker tops this list for good reason. If Detroit is ready to cut ties with what’s looking like a third-round miss, and has a plan to replace him, a move makes sens