The 2025 Senior Bowl is just around the corner, and with it comes a fresh crop of talent that could potentially impact the upcoming NFL Draft. As the Detroit Lions continue their evolution under head coach Dan Campbell and general manager Brad Holmes, they will be looking to address several key positions to continue their upward trajectory in the NFC. While the team has shown progress in recent years, they still have areas to improve, including defense, wide receiver depth, and the overall roster’s quality.
The Senior Bowl provides a great opportunity for NFL teams to evaluate top-tier talent, especially those from smaller programs or lesser-known schools. It’s an event that frequently highlights future NFL stars who may not have received as much attention throughout the season. For the Lions, the goal is simple: find players who can immediately contribute, and who can elevate the team to the next level in 2025.
1. Jared Verse (Edge Rusher, Florida State)
One of the most explosive edge rushers in the draft, Jared Verse from Florida State, could be a game-changer for the Lions. Detroit’s defense, though improved, still struggles at times to generate pressure on opposing quarterbacks, and Verse would immediately help fill that gap.
Verse’s combination of speed, strength, and relentless motor makes him a top-tier pass-rusher with the potential to become a cornerstone of the Lions’ defense. Standing at 6’4” and weighing 250 pounds, he possesses a powerful first step and an array of pass-rushing moves that allow him to win both inside and outside. His production at Florida State, especially in his ability to consistently disrupt opposing offenses, has already caught the attention of scouts and evaluators.
The Lions currently have Aidan Hutchinson on one edge, but they need more dynamic players in their defensive front to take the pressure off their star pass rusher. Verse would give them another immediate threat, which could drastically improve their sack numbers and overall defensive performance.
Why he fits the Lions: Detroit is in need of a reliable pass rusher opposite Hutchinson. With Verse’s motor and versatility, he would make an immediate impact on the Lions’ defensive line and provide them with the edge pressure they’ve been lacking.
2. Caleb Williams (Quarterback, USC)
Although Jared Goff has been solid for the Lions, the team has to consider the long-term future of the quarterback position. Caleb Williams, the reigning Heisman Trophy winner, is a transcendent talent that could elevate any offense in the NFL.
Williams possesses a unique skill set that combines elite mobility, a big arm, and exceptional poise under pressure. His ability to make plays outside the pocket while keeping his eyes downfield is what makes him stand out from other quarterbacks in this draft class. In addition to his physical tools, Williams has demonstrated high football IQ, making smart decisions and quickly processing information.
With Detroit in the hunt for long-term success, taking a quarterback like Williams could be the move that secures the franchise’s future. Though Goff has had a good run in Detroit, it’s hard to pass up on a talent like Williams if he’s available. Learning behind a veteran like Goff for a year or two could allow Williams to develop even more before taking over the starting role.
Why he fits the Lions: While Goff has played well, bringing in a future star like Williams gives Detroit a chance to lock in their quarterback position for the next decade. The Lions’ offense is already stacked with talent, and adding a quarterback of Williams’ caliber would push them into championship contention in the future.
3. Emeka Egbuka (Wide Receiver, Ohio State)
The Lions have a talented receiving corps with Amon-Ra St. Brown and others, but they still lack a true No. 2 receiver who can consistently challenge defenses on the outside. Emeka Egbuka from Ohio State is one of the top wide receiver prospects in this draft, and his playmaking ability could elevate Detroit’s offense to new heights.
At 6’1” and 210 pounds, Egbuka combines size with elite athleticism. He is quick, explosive, and runs crisp routes. His ball tracking skills, coupled with his ability to make spectacular catches in tight coverage, make him a true downfield threat. Egbuka also has the agility to make defenders miss in the open field, adding an element of after-the-catch playmaking that would make him an ideal fit in the Lions’ offense.
Detroit’s offense thrives when they have multiple weapons at Jared Goff’s disposal. Adding a dynamic weapon like Egbuka would not only provide another solid target but also help open up the field for St. Brown, creating more mismatches for opposing defenses.
Why he fits the Lions: The Lions need a complementary piece to St. Brown who can stretch the field. Egbuka would give them an explosive playmaker who can take advantage of defensive schemes geared toward stopping St. Brown. His route running and ability to make contested catches make him a perfect fit in Detroit’s system.
4. Kelee Ringo (Cornerback, Georgia)
The Lions’ secondary has some solid pieces, but they’re still in need of a true shutdown corner to pair with standout cornerback Jeff Okudah. Kelee Ringo from Georgia is one of the top cornerback prospects in the draft, and his size and ability to shut down receivers make him a fantastic fit for Detroit’s defense.
Ringo has the ideal build for a cornerback at 6’2” and 210 pounds, with the speed and athleticism to match up against both big-bodied receivers and smaller, quicker players. His ball skills are exceptional, as evidenced by his playmaking ability at Georgia, and he excels in both man and zone coverage.
The Lions would benefit immensely from adding a top-tier cornerback who can lock down top receivers, freeing up the rest of the defense to focus on the pass rush. With Okudah playing better than in previous seasons, adding Ringo would give Detroit one of the strongest cornerback duos in the NFL.
Why he fits the Lions: Detroit’s defense needs a true lockdown corner to elevate the entire unit. Ringo’s physical tools, experience in big games, and ability to perform in all coverage schemes make him a perfect addition to the Lions’ secondary.
5. Brock Bowers (Tight End, Georgia)
The Lions have a strong offense, but Brock Bowers would be a game-changing addition to their already explosive attack. Bowers is considered one of the top tight end prospects in recent years due to his rare combination of size, speed, and playmaking ability.
Standing at 6’4” and 240 pounds, Bowers is a mismatch nightmare for defenders. He has the agility to make defenders miss after the catch, the strength to break tackles, and the hands to make difficult catches in critical situations. His ability to stretch the field down the seam or serve as a red-zone threat would immediately make him a valuable asset for Jared Goff and the Lions’ offense.
In Detroit’s offense, where tight ends can be vital to both the passing and run games, Bowers would fit perfectly. His ability to block and create space in the run game, in addition to being a dangerous pass-catching threat, would make him a versatile weapon for offensive coordinator Ben Johnson.
Why he fits the Lions: With Detroit already boasting a high-powered offense, adding a player like Bowers would give them another dynamic weapon. His playmaking ability, combined with his blocking prowess, would provide Goff with yet another weapon to utilize, further increasing the efficiency and unpredictability of the Lions’ offense.
