The Senior Bowl serves as a pivotal event for NFL teams to evaluate top college talent ahead of the draft. For the Detroit Lions, who are aiming to strengthen their roster, several players stood out as potential draft picks, while others did not meet expectations.
12 Senior Bowl Players Who Stood Out as Potential Lions:
- Mike Green, Edge Rusher, Marshall
- Performance: Green led the FBS in sacks with 17 last season, showcasing exceptional pass-rushing skills. His performance at the Senior Bowl solidified his status as a top prospect.
- Fit for Lions: The Lions have a pressing need for a dynamic edge rusher to bolster their defense. Green’s ability to disrupt the quarterback aligns with Detroit’s defensive priorities.
- Princely Umanmielen, Edge Rusher, Ole Miss
- Performance: Umanmielen recorded 11 sacks and 55 pressures in the 2024 season, demonstrating his prowess in both pass-rushing and run defense.
- Fit for Lions: His versatility and consistent pressure make him a valuable asset for the Lions’ defensive line. Umanmielen’s ability to impact the game from the edge could provide the Lions with a formidable pass-rushing presence.
- Tyler Booker, Offensive Guard, Alabama
- Performance: Booker has been praised for his fit with Detroit’s team DNA, showcasing strong blocking skills and versatility on the offensive line.
- Fit for Lions: The Lions could benefit from adding a powerful and adaptable guard like Booker to their offensive line, enhancing both the running and passing games. His experience at Alabama provides a solid foundation for immediate NFL contributions.
- Azareye’h Thomas, Cornerback, Florida State
- Performance: Thomas has demonstrated strong coverage skills and the ability to make plays on the ball, making him a standout in the secondary.
- Fit for Lions: The Lions are looking to reinforce their secondary, and Thomas’s skills could provide the necessary boost to their defensive backfield. His potential to contribute early would be valuable for Detroit’s defense.
- Jalon Walker, Linebacker, Georgia
- Performance: Walker has been noted for his versatility and ability to cover ground quickly, making him a dynamic presence on defense.
- Fit for Lions: The Lions could utilize a linebacker with Walker’s skill set to enhance their defensive schemes, particularly in coverage situations. His athleticism and football IQ would be assets to Detroit’s defense.
- Derrick Harmon, Defensive Tackle, Alabama
- Performance: Harmon has shown the ability to disrupt plays in the backfield and control the line of scrimmage, making him a formidable defensive presence.
- Fit for Lions: The Lions could benefit from adding a powerful defensive tackle like Harmon to their roster, strengthening their interior defensive line and improving their run defense. His experience at Alabama provides a solid foundation for immediate NFL contributions.
- Mason Graham, Defensive Tackle, Michigan
- Performance: Graham has been a consistent force on the defensive line, showcasing his ability to disrupt plays and control the line of scrimmage.
- Fit for Lions: The Lions could benefit from adding a powerful defensive tackle like Graham to their roster, strengthening their interior defensive line and improving their run defense. His experience at Michigan provides a solid foundation for immediate NFL contributions.
- Jaxson Dart, Quarterback, Ole Miss
- Performance: Dart has demonstrated mobility and a strong arm, making him a dual-threat quarterback capable of making plays both in the air and on the ground.
- Fit for Lions: The Lions could consider Dart as a developmental quarterback, providing depth and potential future leadership at the position. His athleticism and skill set would be valuable assets to Detroit’s offense.
- Jalen Milroe, Quarterback, Alabama
- Performance: Milroe has showcased his mobility and arm strength, making him a dynamic quarterback prospect.
- Fit for Lions: The Lions could consider Milroe as a developmental quarterback, providing depth and potential future leadership at the position. His athleticism and skill set would be valuable assets to Detroit’s offense.
- Jayden Higgins, Wide Receiver, Iowa State
- Performance: Higgins is a 6’5″ receiver with speed and athleticism, capable of stretching the field and making contested catches.
- Fit for Lions: The Lions could benefit from adding a tall, fast receiver like Higgins to their roster, providing a deep threat and complementing their existing receiving corps. His size and speed would add a new dimension to Detroit’s passing game.
- Marcus Mbow, Offensive Guard, Purdue
- Performance: Mbow has shown strong blocking skills and versatility on the offensive line, making him a valuable asset.
- Fit for Lions: The Lions could benefit from adding a powerful and adaptable guard like Mbow to their offensive line, enhancing both the running and passing games. His experience at Purdue provides a solid foundation for immediate NFL contributions.
