A New Dawn for Lions Fans: Why the 2025 NFL Draft Feels Different

By Scott Kong

Twitter/X: @NFLFantasy_More

Growing up as a Detroit Lions fan, I’ve seen the highs, the lows, and the seemingly endless stretches of mediocrity. As a kid in the late ‘80s and early ‘90s, I remember the Lions being okay—a team with flashes of brilliance, led by legends like Barry Sanders. They drafted players who were good, sometimes even great, but the team never quite got over the hump. Playoff appearances were rare, and when they came, they were fleeting. For most of the last 25 years, though, “okay” would’ve been a compliment. The Lions were often downright terrible, perpetually stuck in the NFL’s basement, drafting in the top 10 or even top 5, yet somehow never building a quality team. Those years felt like a cycle of hope and heartbreak, with high draft picks who either flamed out or couldn’t lift the franchise out of its funk.

But now? Now, it’s different. The Brad Holmes and Dan Campbell (MCDC) era has changed what it means to be a Lions fan. For the first time in my lifetime, the Lions aren’t just drafting to plug holes or chase fleeting relevance—they’re building a team, a legitimate contender with a foundation that feels rock-solid. The 2025 NFL Draft, which kicks off tonight in Green Bay, Wisconsin, is the latest chapter in this transformation. As a fan, this draft doesn’t just feel exciting—it feels promising, like adding the perfect piece to a puzzle that’s already taking shape.

The Dark Days: A Fan’s Frustration

Let’s take a step back. For decades, being a Lions fan was an exercise in masochism. The team’s draft history was a mixed bag of busts, bad luck, and missed opportunities. From the Joey Harringtons to the Charles Rogers of the world, high picks often turned into cautionary tales. Even when the Lions hit on talent—like Calvin Johnson or Matthew Stafford—the surrounding roster was too porous to compete. Drafting in the top 10 year after year became a grim ritual, a reminder that the team was starting from scratch again. The Lions were the NFL’s punching bag, a franchise that couldn’t get out of its own way.

I remember the excitement of those early picks, though. As a kid, I’d dream of the next superstar who’d finally turn things around. But the reality was always the same: a few highlight-reel plays, a 6-10 season if we were lucky, and another year of “wait ‘til next year.” The Lions weren’t building a team—they were throwing darts blindfolded, hoping for a miracle.

The Holmes and Campbell Revolution

Enter Brad Holmes and Dan Campbell. Since Holmes took over as general manager in 2021 and Campbell became head coach, the Lions have undergone a cultural and strategic overhaul. They’ve turned the draft into an art form, finding starters and contributors in every round, not just the first. Look at their recent track record: Penei Sewell (2021), Aidan Hutchinson (2022), Jahmyr Gibbs (2023), Sam LaPorta (2023), Brian Branch (2023), and Terrion Arnold (2024). These aren’t just good players—they’re foundational pieces, Pro Bowl-caliber talents who fit the Lions’ gritty, physical identity.

What’s different now is the intentionality. Holmes doesn’t draft for need alone; he drafts for fit, culture, and long-term upside. As Yahoo Sports noted, despite the Lions’ 15-2 season in 2024, Holmes avoids “needs-based drafting,” focusing instead on adding versatile, high-character players who elevate the roster. Campbell, meanwhile, has instilled a toughness and belief that’s palpable. This isn’t the “same old Lions” anymore—it’s a team that went 15-2, won the NFC North, and is now picking 28th overall, a spot that feels foreign to fans used to single-digit draft slots.

Why This Draft Feels Different

As a fan, the 2025 draft feels like uncharted territory—not because the Lions are desperate for a savior, but because they’re building on a solid foundation. For once, we’re not praying for a franchise-altering pick; we’re excited to see what Holmes and Campbell add to an already competitive roster. The Lions have seven picks in this draft, including No. 28 in the first round, and while it’s anyone’s guess who they’ll take, it’s a safe bet it’ll be a player who fits their vision.

So, what might the Lions target? The consensus among experts is that they’ll focus on bolstering the trenches and adding defensive depth, though Holmes’ unpredictable nature keeps us guessing. Here’s a breakdown of the key areas fans are buzzing about:

• Defensive Line/EDGE: The Lions’ pass rush took a hit after Aidan Hutchinson’s leg injury in 2024, and with Za’Darius Smith gone in free agency, they need another edge rusher to complement Hutchinson. Names like Texas A&M’s Nic Scourton, Boston College’s Donovan Ezeiruaku, or Michigan’s Kenneth Grant keep popping up in mock drafts. A versatile defensive tackle like Ole Miss’ Walter Nolen could also be in play to bolster the interior alongside Alim McNeill. MLive called this draft a “perfect storm” for the Lions’ D-line needs, with a deep class of talent available.
• Linebacker: The Lions struggled when Derrick Barnes went down last season, exposing a need for depth at linebacker. Texas A&M’s Shemar Stewart, projected as a hybrid SAM linebacker, could add speed and versatility opposite Hutchinson. Penn State’s Kobe King, a MIKE linebacker with 53 tackles and three sacks in 2024, is another name to watch for depth behind Jack Campbell.
• Offensive Line: Detroit’s O-line is a strength, but with Kevin Zeitler’s departure and Graham Glasgow’s late-season struggles, they could target interior depth. Alabama’s Tyler Booker and Georgia’s Tate Ratledge are popular mock draft picks for their run-blocking prowess and NFL-ready frames. Ohio State’s Josh Simmons, a tackle, could be a dream pick if he’s available at No. 28 despite his injury history.
• Wide Receiver: This one’s less certain but intriguing. Amon-Ra St. Brown is a star, but Jameson Williams’ inconsistent availability has sparked trade rumors, with Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer reporting the Lions might move him and draft a replacement. Texas’ Matthew Golden, a first-round talent with speed and sure hands, visited Detroit recently, raising eyebrows. Day 3 prospects like San Jose State’s Nick Nash or Arkansas’ Andrew Armstrong (a Michigan native) could also be late-round steals.

The beauty of this draft is that the Lions aren’t locked into one position. As one X post put it, “One of the problems with drafting as well as Brad Holmes did in his first three seasons is that it has made some Lions fans believe that every draft is all about reloading starters. That’s not who the Lions are anymore. They’re now drafting specifically for the future and depth.” With a roster this strong, Holmes can afford to take the best player available or trade up/down to maximize value, as he’s done in 12 draft-day trades over four years.

A Fan’s New Perspective

As I sit down to watch the draft tonight, I’m not filled with the nervous desperation of years past. I’m not begging for a miracle pick to save the franchise. Instead, I’m excited—genuinely excited—to see what Holmes and Campbell add to this team. Whether it’s a disruptive edge rusher, a mauling guard, or a speedy receiver, I trust it’ll be a piece that fits the puzzle. This Lions team isn’t chasing relevance; they’re chasing a Super Bowl.
For the first time in my life as a Lions fan, the draft feels like an opportunity to enhance, not rebuild. The Holmes-MCDC era has given us a team we can believe in, a team that’s not just good but sustainable. The 15-2 record, the NFC North crown, the swagger—it’s all real. And as Roger Goodell steps to the podium to announce the 28th pick, I’ll be grinning, knowing that whoever we get, they’re joining a squad that’s ready to compete.

This draft is different because the Lions are different. And for a fan who’s endured decades of disappointment, that’s the sweetest feeling of all.

Let’s go, Lions. One Pride.