THE DAILY DRIVE: 2025 Senior Bowl: Five prospects that could be first-round matches for the Lions
THE DAILY DRIVE: 2025 Senior Bowl – Five Prospects That Could Be First-Round Matches for the Detroit Lions
The 2025 Senior Bowl is an excellent platform for college football’s top seniors to showcase their skills in front of NFL scouts, coaches, and decision-makers. As the Detroit Lions continue their rebuild and attempt to push for sustained playoff success, the team needs to make savvy moves in the draft to solidify their future. With a strong nucleus of young talent, Detroit’s front office must target positions of need and potential impact players who can contribute right away. Below are five prospects who could be ideal first-round targets for the Lions after their performances at the Senior Bowl.
1. Jared Verse, EDGE, Florida State
Height: 6’4”
Weight: 257 lbs
Projected Pick: Top 15
Why the Lions Need Him:
The Detroit Lions have made great strides on offense with Jared Goff and their potent receiving corps, but their defense remains a critical area of focus. Detroit’s pass rush was inconsistent in 2024, and while they have some pieces, adding another dynamic edge rusher could take their defense to the next level. Jared Verse is one of the most talented edge rushers available in the 2025 draft, and he could become an immediate difference-maker for the Lions.
Senior Bowl Impact:
At the Senior Bowl, Verse has the potential to impress scouts with his ability to rush the passer, win with power, and display an excellent array of moves that make him a versatile weapon. His ability to set the edge against the run while being a constant disruptor on passing downs would make him a perfect fit for Detroit’s defensive front, which has struggled to generate consistent pressure. Verse has already flashed the kind of explosiveness and technique that NFL teams covet, and he could work his way into a top-10 pick if his Senior Bowl performance confirms that his trajectory is heading upward.
2. Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia
Height: 6’4”
Weight: 245 lbs
Projected Pick: Top 10
Why the Lions Need Him:
The Detroit Lions offense has become one of the most exciting units in the NFL, largely due to the presence of Jared Goff, Amon-Ra St. Brown, and Jameson Williams. However, one area that could still use improvement is the tight end position. While Sam LaPorta showed flashes in 2024, the Lions could use a more complete, dynamic tight end who can dominate in both the passing and running games. Brock Bowers, the Georgia tight end, could be exactly what the Lions need to further elevate their offense.
Senior Bowl Impact:
Bowers is widely considered the best tight end prospect in the 2025 class, and his performance at the Senior Bowl will go a long way in solidifying his status as a top 10 pick. His combination of size, athleticism, and route-running ability makes him a matchup nightmare for defenders. Bowers has the tools to be a difference-maker from Day 1, offering Detroit a weapon in the middle of the field who can stretch defenses, make difficult catches, and provide solid blocking in the running game. Pairing him with Goff’s accuracy could lead to an explosive offensive attack for years to come.
3. Myles Murphy, EDGE, Clemson
Height: 6’5”
Weight: 270 lbs
Projected Pick: Top 15
Why the Lions Need Him:
While Jared Verse could be a more explosive rusher, Myles Murphy brings a different set of tools that would also fit Detroit’s defensive needs. The Lions could use an edge rusher who combines power, size, and speed to collapse the pocket and disrupt opposing quarterbacks. Murphy has all the traits teams covet in a premium edge rusher—he’s big, strong, fast, and relentless.
Senior Bowl Impact:
Murphy’s performance at the Senior Bowl could solidify him as a potential top 15 pick, as scouts will be keen to see how his athleticism and physicality translate to one-on-one matchups against some of the best offensive linemen in the country. He is known for his ability to get after the quarterback and has shown flashes of being a complete edge rusher capable of stopping the run and getting after the passer. Detroit could benefit from his versatility on defense and his ability to disrupt plays on early downs as well as third and long.
4. Trenton Simpson, LB, Clemson
Height: 6’2”
Weight: 225 lbs
Projected Pick: Mid-to-late first round
Why the Lions Need Him:
The linebacker position remains an area where the Detroit Lions could use an upgrade. While they have young talent like Malcolm Rodriguez and Jack Campbell, neither player has truly solidified themselves as elite, every-down players. Detroit could use a linebacker who has the ability to cover the field sideline to sideline, excel in coverage, and still be a physical force in the run game. Trenton Simpson from Clemson has all the traits needed to make an immediate impact at the NFL level.
Senior Bowl Impact:
Simpson’s ability to showcase his versatility at the Senior Bowl could be critical for his draft stock. His athleticism and ability to cover tight ends, running backs, and even some wide receivers could make him a three-down linebacker at the NFL level. He’s also shown the ability to rush the passer on occasion, giving Detroit another weapon to use in their blitz packages. His high football IQ and ability to read plays quickly could help elevate the Lions’ defense and allow them to better contain mobile quarterbacks.
5. Zay Flowers, WR, Boston College
Height: 5’10”
Weight: 175 lbs
Projected Pick: Late first-round
Why the Lions Need Him:
While the Detroit Lions have one of the league’s most dangerous receiving corps in Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams, they could still use a dynamic playmaker who can contribute right away. A speedy, route-savvy receiver who can stretch the field and provide a deep threat would give Goff another weapon and force defenses to pick their poison. Zay Flowers could be just what Detroit needs to take their passing attack to the next level.
Senior Bowl Impact:
Flowers’ performance at the Senior Bowl will be crucial for his draft status, especially after a strong showing in college. Known for his quickness, separation, and reliable hands, Flowers will look to prove that he can be more than just a speedster. He’ll need to show that he can run a full route tree and create consistent separation against high-level cornerbacks. If Flowers can excel in the one-on-one drills at the Senior Bowl, he could lock in his status as a first-round pick. The Lions could use his speed to complement the receiving skills of St. Brown and Williams, potentially forming one of the league’s most explosive trios.
