![\"Clemson](\"https:\/\/pbs.twimg.com\/media\/FsjwPjLaAAAvzei?format=jpg&name=4096x4096\")
<\/p>\nMel Kiper Jr.\u2019s final mock draft has the Lions taking a high-upside Georgia pass rusher at No. 28, followed by key picks on the offensive line and linebacker.<\/p>\n
The 2025 NFL Draft is just days away, and the final wave of mock drafts is rolling in \u2014 complete with fresh speculation, bold predictions, and a whole lot of wishful thinking.<\/p>\n
Among the most respected voices in the business, ESPN\u2019s Mel Kiper Jr. has released his final three-round projection, tag-teaming with Field Yates to cover all 32 teams. And for Detroit Lions fans, the haul he cooked up looks both smart and satisfying \u2014 especially when it comes to upgrading the defense.<\/p>\n If there\u2019s one need the Lions haven\u2019t fully addressed this offseason, it\u2019s finding a true running mate for Aidan Hutchinson on the edge. Mel Kiper has Detroit landing one of the best remaining pass rushers in the class with Mykel Williams out of Georgia.<\/p>\n \u201cWe talk a lot about the Lions\u2019 pass-rush hole opposite Hutchinson,\u201d Kiper wrote. \u201cLet\u2019s fix it. Williams can beat blockers with his explosiveness, and he has even more upside for new Lions defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard to unlock.\u201d<\/p>\n At 6-foot-5 and 265 pounds, Williams brings size, power, and first-step burst, making him a perfect developmental piece who could contribute immediately on passing downs. With new DC Kelvin Sheppard taking the reins, getting a raw but high-ceiling talent like Williams could be exactly what this defense needs to reach the next level.<\/p>\n On offense, Detroit is expected to shore up the interior offensive line, particularly at right guard \u2014 and Kiper thinks Marcus Mbow out of Purdue might be the guy.<\/p>\n \u201cThere\u2019s an opening at right guard in Detroit, and Mbow could compete with Kayode Awosika and Christian Mahogany to start,\u201d Kiper noted. \u201cHe has spent two seasons at right tackle but started at right guard for Purdue in 2022.\u201d<\/p>\n A starting guard spot is up for grabs, and Mbow would enter camp as a legitimate contender to start Day 1. He\u2019s long, powerful, and familiar with multiple positions along the line \u2014 exactly the kind of versatility the Lions value.<\/p>\n Linebacker isn\u2019t a glaring weakness on the Lions\u2019 roster, but it\u2019s definitely a spot that could use some future-proofing. With Alex Anzalone heading into the final year of his contract and injuries taking a toll on the position last year, Kiper sends Clemson\u2019s Barrett Carter to Detroit in Round 3.<\/p>\n \u201cHe could contribute in a lot of ways,\u201d Kiper wrote. \u201cCarter had 77 tackles, 3.5 sacks, and 9 pass breakups last season.\u201d<\/p>\n Carter is known for his range, coverage instincts, and versatility \u2014 traits that could allow him to develop into a three-down linebacker. And with Jack Campbell looking to take on an even bigger role in Year 3, Carter would round out a young, athletic LB corps that could grow together for years.<\/p>\n Mel Kiper\u2019s three-round mock draft gives the Lions a potential edge-rushing star, a plug-and-play guard, and a high-upside linebacker \u2014 all from top Power Five programs. It\u2019s a draft class that checks boxes, fills needs, and builds for the future.<\/p>\n Of course, anything can happen on draft night \u2014 but if things shake out the way Kiper sees it, Brad Holmes and Dan Campbell should be pretty happy with their haul.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Mel Kiper Jr.\u2019s final mock draft has the Lions taking a high-upside Georgia pass rusher at No. 28, followed by key picks on the offensive line and linebacker.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":20587,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[5],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-20586","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-detroit-lions"],"yoast_head":"\n![\"Mel](\"https:\/\/detroitsportsnation.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Screenshot-2025-04-15-at-9.34.35-AM.png\")
<\/figure>\nRound 1, Pick 28: Mykel Williams, EDGE, Georgia<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Round 2, Pick 60: Marcus Mbow, G, Purdue<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Round 3, Pick 102: Barrett Carter, LB, Clemson<\/strong><\/h3>\n
The Bottom Line<\/strong><\/h3>\n