Jonathan Jones, CBS Sports: Josh Conerly Jr., OT, Oregon
Why: Detroit obviously needs an edge rusher, but great teams keep their strengths strong. Conerly has a great athletic background that showed in his pre-draft testing, and Campbell will love how much he loves ball.
Jones’ full mock
Tyler Sullivan, CBS Sports: Donovan Ezeiruaku, Edge, Boston College
Why: Even with Hutchinson coming back from injury, the Lions need to add another pass-rushing piece opposite of him. Ezeiruaku is coming off a final collegiate season at Boston College where he tallied 16.5 sacks and three forced fumbles.
Sullivan’s full mock
Pro Football Focus staff: Jalon Walker, LB, Georgia (No. 22 after trade with Chargers)
Why: Walker — a pass rusher with elite potential who can also play off the ball and, by all accounts, is of extremely high character — is an obvious Lions target. He recorded a 17.2% pass-rush win rate at Georgia last year and is expected to be selected much earlier than 22nd overall in the actual 2025 NFL Draft.
PFF’s full mock
Tyler Dragon, USA Today: Donovan Ezeiruaku, Edge, Boston College
Why: The ACC Defensive Player of the Year finished second in the FBS with 16.5 sacks and third with 20.5 tackles for loss. The Lions’ defense was ravaged by injuries this past season and needs more depth up front.
Dragon’s full mock
Geoff Schwartz, Fox Sports: Maxwell Hairston, CB, Kentucky
Why: The Lions need all the help they can get in the secondary and Hairston will be the pick here for that reason. A healthy Lions defense with Hairston is a good start toward a better defense in 2025.
Schwartz’s full mock
Seth Quinn, Newsweek: Shemar Stewart, Edge, Texas A&M
Why: Stewart is a nice prospect for a team that can afford to have patience with his development. The Lions fit that bill, and need a pass rusher. Stewart’s athleticism is off the charts, but his college production doesn’t quite line up. Campbell seems like a great coach to get the most out of him.
Quinn’s full mock
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