The initial round of the NFL Draft takes place tonight, and the Detroit Lions are positioned to select at #28.
The NFL Draft is scheduled to start at 8 p.m. this evening, but it could take a few hours for Lions supporters to find out who will be arriving in Michigan. Holding the 28th overall pick, the Lions possess the fifth-to-last selection of the evening, unless a trade occurs.
The draft will be aired on ABC and NFL Network, while ESPN will provide coverage as well.
Identifying draft picks for the Lions has been notoriously challenging under GM Brad Holmes. Most notably, this was highlighted when the Lions selected running back Jahmyr Gibbs at the 12th pick in 2023.
This can be anticipated this year with forecasts, as it becomes increasingly challenging to predict how the initial round unfolds.
Below are 10 potential players that the Lions MIGHT select tonight in the first round, along with their rankings from ESPN, Daniel Jeremiah of NFL Network, and PFF:
Mykel Williams, Edge Rusher, Georgia
ESPN Big Board Ranking: #12
Daniel Jeremiah’s Top 150 Ranking: #22
Booker, Offensive Lineman, Alabama
ESPN Big Board Ranking: #51
Daniel Jeremiah’s Top 150 Ranking: #17
PFF Big Board: #48
Donovan Ezeiruaku, Edge Rusher, Boston College
ESPN Big Board Ranking: #28
Daniel Jeremiah’s Top 150 Ranking: #30 FF Big Board: #17
Shemar Stewart, Edge Rusher, Texas A&M
Daniel Jeremiah’s Top 150 Ranking: #23
PFF Big Board: #31
Grey Zabel, Offensive Lineman, North Dakota State
ESPN Big Board Ranking: #33
Daniel Jeremiah’s Top 150 Ranking: #26
PFF Big Board: #27
Josh Conerly Jr., Offensive Lineman, Oregon
ESPN Big Board Ranking: #32
Daniel Jeremiah’s Top 150 Ranking: #39
PFF Big Board: #30
Jalon Walker, Linebacker, Georgia
(Only in trade up scenario)
ESPN Big Board Ranking: #4
Daniel Jeremiah’s Top 150 Ranking: #5
PFF Big Board: #25
Luther Burden III, Wide Receiver, Missouri
ESPN Big Board Ranking: #45
Daniel Jeremiah’s Top 150 Ranking: #35
PFF Big Board: #15
Derrick Harmon, Defensive Tackle, Oregon
Daniel Jeremiah’s Top 150 Ranking: #24
PFF Big Board: #42
Nic Scourton, Edge Rusher, Texas A&M
ESPN Big Board Ranking: #64
Daniel Jeremiah’s Top 150 Ranking: #45
PFF Big Board: #29