With the 2025 NFL draft in the rearview mirror, experts have begun putting out their updated power rankings ahead of this coming season. But did the Detroit Lions improve or hurt their standing?
The Lions came away with seven players in the 2025 NFL draft, and while they were lauded for some picks, an expert consensus of draft grades placed the Lions tied for the second-worst graded class in the NFL with the Miami Dolphins. The Cincinnati Bengals brought up the rear in those rankings.
General manager Brad Holmes drew some criticism for not addressing edge rusher earlier than he did, and the trade up for Arkasas wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa also surprised many.
But was the Lions' draft enough to see them move down in the power rankings of experts, even with their already stellar roster? Let's find out.
NFL power rankings 2025
Vinnie Iyer, Sporting News: 5 (+1)
Iyer: "The Lions were in position to focus on depth for a change given what GM Brad Holmes did in recent offseasons to build them into an NFC powerhouse. They are still on the short list to win the conference, now with improved offensive and defensive line depth."
Eric Edholm, NFL.com: 5 (no change)
Edholm: "It's becoming easier, with each passing draft, to identify whom the Lions will like as prospects. Dan Campbell always talks about their types of guys, and the 2025 draft class only reinforced that archetype more. Defensive tackle Tyleik Williams is a bull and a handful up front. Tate Ratledge and Miles Frazier are two street-tough guards. The Day 3 picks were a mix of upside and floor. And then there's the curious case of Isaac TeSlaa, the ultimate draft guy's draft guy. TeSlaa wasn't a top-100 prospect for me, but he absolutely makes sense in Detroit as a stalk blocker, a red-zone weapon and another target with some length and juice. Many people viewed him as an early Day 3 option, though, so it's worth noting what the Lions gave up to select him 70th overall: two third-round picks next year. That's more than just, you know, a case of Faygo and a box of Better Made chips. But that's what I am talking about with the Lions: They don't care how other teams value players, only how they value them, and that approach has served this franchise beautifully over Brad Holmes' five drafts."
Nate Davis, USA TODAY: 7 (no change)
Davis: "Hard to argue with any draft that strongly resources the trenches. The biggest question in Motown remains how well the two-time defending NFC North champs transition to two new coordinators."
Pete Prisco, CBS Sports: 4 (-1)
Prisco: "They lost both coordinators to head-coaching jobs, which will be challenging. But they still have a deep roster if they can all stay healthy, which they didn't do on defense last year."
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