2025 NFL Draft

[Jimbo]

Just because a draft pick is a need does not mean its not BPA.  I do think Arnold was BPA when he was drafted.  Every team has a different board but who at the time of the draft was considered to have a higher grade.  Two things can be true.  They loved him and he was the the BPA.

[Mr.TaterSalad]

42 minutes ago, Jimbo said:

Just because a draft pick is a need does not mean its not BPA.  I do think Arnold was BPA when he was drafted.  Every team has a different board but who at the time of the draft was considered to have a higher grade.  Two things can be true.  They loved him and he was the the BPA.

In last year's draft if they had a talented player, who was a cultural/character fit, that they graded higher on their board, but the position they played wasn't as big of a need, I think they'd take that player instead of Arnold. Example, in the 2023 draft many fans wanted the Lions to take a pass rusher/Edge or CB with their first, 1st round pick. Fans wanted Jalen Carter when he was sitting there for them to take and they traded back instead of drafting him. Once they traded back, Christian Gonzalez was sitting there for them to take, fans wanted him, and they went with Gibbs instead. I think they grade out their talent, ensure they are a culture fit, and rank them on their board.

Take Player A and Player B are being graded in the draft by the Lions front office and coaching staff. Player A and Player B play different positions. Player A is graded out by this organization slightly higher on their board than Player B is in-terms of overall talent + culture/character + scheme fit + need than Player B. Player B is still a very good player in the eyes of the organization and fits a need more in the eyes of most fans and pundits. However, Player A is ranked higher on their big board than Player B is and thus, I think they are sticking to their board and taking Player A over B, all things factored in. 

Edited Friday at 07:09 PM by Mr.TaterSalad

[Hongbit]

I’m not quite sure what the debate is here anymore.  Buddha made a comment that the Lions still draft for need.   I don’t think that’s true. 

There is no magic draft board that the whole league uses.  Of course, the Lions have a tailored draft board based on all of the qualities they look for in players.  Those qualities probably look a lot what was listed by 84.     That’s what sets their rankings and determines who the best player available on the Lions board.    I would also assume it varies quite a bit from what the draft community has as their best players list especially when you start to get into the late teens and beyond.   

I do believe that Arnold was the best player on the Lions board.  He checks all the boxes and they love Alabama players.    The reality is that we will never know for sure.  Only the Lions internal guys know the truth.  

Dan and Brad also seem like no bs kind of guys that wouldn’t share this entire draft philosophy as some type of ruse to throw off other teams. I tend to take them at their word.  But again, nobody really knows for sure,  

 

[Sports_Freak]

https://ftnfantasy.com/nfl/jeff-ratcliffes-2025-nfl-mock-draft-1-0

[Stanley70]

23 hours ago, Sports_Freak said:

https://ftnfantasy.com/nfl/jeff-ratcliffes-2025-nfl-mock-draft-1-0

Sounds like Josh Paschel, pass.

[Stanley70]

In Arnold the Lions traded up to get a player they liked at a position of need. I don't think they trade up to get someone who is not a need, at least that early in the draft. 

They will probably follow the same formula this year. Unless they don't resign/replace starters Davis, Levi, and Zeitel they will focus on the pass rush most likely early. If a player falls that they have rated too high to pass up would be the exception.

[4hzglory]

1 hour ago, Stanley70 said:

Sounds like Josh Paschel, pass.

I think Sawyer’s pash rush is much better than that suggests.  If they go DE at 28, he’s the guy I want.  He’d be perfect opposite Hutch IMO

[Hongbit]

Not a great leader.  Came up empty in too many big games and is a poor loser.   Doesn’t seem like a good culture fit.  

[1984Echoes]

I like Shemar Stewart better.

More dominant against the run.

Not pass-rushing stats but there is upside there with NFL coaching (I believe) and he can play anywhere along the line.

If he lives eats & breathes football, and lives to dominate his opponent...

He might fit exactly what the Lions would be looking for. Think: A young and healthy Marcus Davenport?