2025 NFL Draft

[RatkoVarda]

PFF; I guess this is a C

28) Detroit Lions: DI Tyleik Williams, Ohio State

Pick Grade: Average

It was inevitable that the Lions were going defensive line, and they didn’t disappoint with a run-stuffing tackle. Williams’ 88.6 run-defense grade was one of the best of the class, as was his 7.8% run-stop rate. While he doesn’t win as a pass-rusher consistently, he fits the Lions' need for pocket pushers from the interior to let Aidan Hutchinson clean up on the edge. While he has the frame to play 3-technique, he likely fits better as a nose tackle for the Lions.

[MichiganCardinal]

I didn't do nearly the kind of research I did in the last few years, but I'm not pressed by the pick (as the kids would say).

The upset crowd comes from him being selected at #28 with a 2nd round grade? I mean... okay? Does that mean that if the Lions had selected him at pick #35-40, a pick they don't have, it would have been fine? It takes two to tango with trading, and there really wasn't a lot on the board worth jumping Washington, Buffalo, KC, and Philadelphia for. It's like the Jack Campbell pick - just because you think he would be there 10-15 picks later doesn't mean he would actually be there. You like him, he's there for the taking, don't overthink it.

I'm guessing he didn't have a 1st round grade from Holmes either, but you can't expect Holmes to jump 10 spots every draft to get the last guy who's falling that meets that criteria. Williams was the best player on their board, and if he is in fact an Alim McNeill who is getting a nine-figure extension in a couple years, he will be well worth the 28th pick.

[Shinzaki]

looks good to me...

 

[RatkoVarda]

day 2 mocks: I'd be happy with either

PFF: 60. Detroit Lions: EDGE Landon Jackson, Arkansas
Jackson is a fundamentally sound player with alluring length and surprising cornering ability for a player of his size. His overall pass-rush win percentage has been low throughout his career, which presents him as a high-floor, versatile defensive end who can be a solid starter for odd or even fronts.

CBS: 60. Wyatt Milum OT The Lions select a grinder who knows how to win ugly and can play guard or tackle in the NFL.

 

[Mr.TaterSalad]

 

 

[RatkoVarda]

the only DTs signed for 2026 are Amil, Williams, and Wingo. I think this pick is going to be much more appreciated 18 months from now.

[Motown Bombers]

 

[Motown Bombers]

This is a recent pic of Martin. He looks like he lost a lot of weight. 

[buddha]

5 minutes ago, Motown Bombers said:

This is a recent pic of Martin. He looks like he lost a lot of weight. 

hopefully he learned a little bit about leverage this year.  he was god awful and almost unplayable last year.

[buddha]

3 hours ago, RedRamage said:

Is DT really the biggest need though? I'd say DE is a much higher need. Sure DT is a need, but you have guys who can play there. Now, I'm probably way over analyzing what was likely a semi-joke of a reply, but I don't see this as a pick to fill the biggest hole. Imho, DE and OG are bigger needs with DT probably slotting in at 3rd.

Not the rehash an argument (which means I'm gonna rehash an argument), but yeah... needs should always be taking into account. It's not a question of IF, but of HOW MUCH, does the need influence the selection. Holmes has shown that it matters a lot less for him than for most GMs.

To directly respond to last years draft: Yeah, CB was a huge need, but not the only one by far. So once we filled CB it would make sense to address other needs, right? But Holmes goes back to CB in the second round.

Okay, I'll step off the soap box responding to a tongue-in-check reply now. Feel free to laugh at me for over analyzing at this time.

dt was a huge need this year and especially long term.

i post "pundit" stuff because its a fun talking point, but i dont really believe they know more than most gms do.  but its what makes the draft so fun.  to laugh at the bears and to wonder what the heck brad holmes is going to do next.  to fall in love with prospects and have brad holmes break your heart every year.

draft grades right after the draft are dumb.  dumb fun.

[buddha]

pride of detroit did a "grit index" for who the lions would pick.

williams wasnt even close to being at the top.  he was toward the bottom.

nobody knows nothin'.

[Mr.TaterSalad]

DT is a big need in the short term because of the injury to Alim. We may be without McNeill for half the season or more and that will significantly impact this defense, both in terms of pass rush and against the run. It's a need long term because DJ Reader is north of 30 and his play is clearly declining. It's a need anyway you look at it. I would have preferred an Edge like Mike Green or the DE from Boston College. But DT was most certainly a need. 

[Motown Bombers]

The video by Joe Douglas shows the pundits are off from what the GMs think. Gibbs wouldn't have made it past 15. The Lions weren't the only team who viewed him highly. 

[RedRamage]

1 hour ago, Motown Bombers said:

This is a recent pic of Martin. He looks like he lost a lot of weight. 

We need to see if his socks are high or not.

[1984Echoes]

1 hour ago, buddha said:

... i post "pundit" stuff because its a fun talking point, but i dont really believe they know more than most gms do.  but its what makes the draft so fun.  to laugh at the bears and to wonder what the heck brad holmes is going to do next...

He's going to trade Jamo and a 2026 3rd rounder to the Bears for their two second round picks.

Ben Johnson wants him. 

[AlaskanTigersFan]

1 hour ago, Mr.TaterSalad said:

DT is a big need in the short term because of the injury to Alim. We may be without McNeill for half the season or more and that will significantly impact this defense, both in terms of pass rush and against the run. It's a need long term because DJ Reader is north of 30 and his play is clearly declining. It's a need anyway you look at it. I would have preferred an Edge like Mike Green or the DE from Boston College. But DT was most certainly a need. 

I can't wait to see Alim and Williams side by side with Hutch pushing the side. That'll be pretty neat the second half if everyone stays healthy.

 

(For the record, didn't love the pick but not totally against it. Woulda liked to see them try to trade down an get this guy but Holmes has earned enough street cred to say Williams might not have been there if we traded down....) Hopefully he's Tony Wilfork 2.0. 

Edited 3 hours ago by AlaskanTigersFan

[Mr.TaterSalad]

By Tony Wilfork I am guessing you either mean Vince Wilfork or Soprano's actor Tony Siragusa. If Williams is half the player Wilfork or Siragusa were then this pick is a huge success (no pun).

[Motown Bombers]

 

[RandyMarsh]

Holmes with the cliche GM  quote of "he was our top target" in regards to Williams. Funny how teams always seem to end up getting the guy they wanted all along every pick. 

[Jason_R]

DT would have been a medium-term need even without McNeil’s injury. I thought they might have gone with an athletic freak like Stewart or Campbell (since Anzalone’s contract is up soon) and drafted a DT later, but there are a lot of tolerable ends still out there.