As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, the Detroit Lions find themselves in a pivotal moment. The franchise is riding a wave of momentum, with a renewed sense of optimism following their 2024 season, and fans are brimming with hope for the future. General Manager Brad Holmes and Head Coach Dan Campbell have worked tirelessly to create a team that is competitive, aggressive, and built for long-term success. Now, the Lions are looking to make a bold statement in the draft—a statement that involves aggressive movement in the first round.
In a bold move that could shape the trajectory of the team for years to come, the Lions are reportedly eyeing a trade-up in the draft to select a dynamic playmaker: a linebacker from the University of Georgia, one of the nation’s top defensive talents.
This mock draft examines why the Lions are making this aggressive move, who the linebacker is, and how this selection could elevate Detroit’s defense to the next level.
Detroit Lions: A Team on the Rise
The Detroit Lions have undergone a dramatic transformation since the arrival of Head Coach Dan Campbell in 2021. Known for his fiery passion and no-nonsense approach, Campbell has instilled a hard-nosed, physical identity in the team. The 2024 season was a breakout year for the Lions, with the team finishing with a winning record and clinching a playoff spot for the first time in several seasons.
However, despite their improvements, the Lions are not content with simply being a competitive team. They want to become a perennial contender, and for that, they understand the importance of building a championship-caliber roster. While the offense, led by quarterback Jared Goff and a dynamic group of skill players, has shown promise, it’s the defense that still presents the most significant question mark. The Lions finished in the middle of the pack in total defense last season, but it’s clear that if they want to make a serious push in the NFC, they need to fortify their defensive front, specifically at linebacker.
This is where their bold move in the draft comes into play.
The Trade-Up Strategy
The Lions currently hold the 13th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, but they are reportedly willing to move up into the top 10 to land a player who can immediately elevate their defense. After several successful drafts, including landing cornerstone players such as Aidan Hutchinson (defensive end) and Jameson Williams (wide receiver), Detroit has positioned itself to be aggressive in the draft. They’ve accumulated young talent, and the next step is to target a key difference-maker who could be an instant starter and leader for their defense.
The trade-up strategy is not a new one for Detroit. Under Brad Holmes, the Lions have demonstrated a willingness to move up for the right player, making the aggressive approach a key aspect of their draft philosophy. With several teams in the top 10 looking for immediate-impact players on both sides of the ball, the Lions believe they can leapfrog certain teams to grab the linebacker they covet.
While the identity of the specific team they will trade with remains unclear, it is expected that they could engage in negotiations with teams such as the Chicago Bears or the Carolina Panthers, both of whom are likely to have needs on the defensive side of the ball and may be open to trading down for more draft capital. The Lions’ aggressive approach to this trade could also involve moving up to the 7th or 8th overall pick—positions currently occupied by teams in need of wide receivers, quarterbacks, or other positions.
The Linebacker: A Dynamic Playmaker
The linebacker that Detroit is eyeing is none other than Jalen Carter, a versatile, sideline-to-sideline linebacker from the University of Georgia. Carter has quickly emerged as one of the most highly sought-after defensive players in the 2025 NFL Draft. Known for his high football IQ, exceptional athleticism, and leadership on the field, Carter is the type of linebacker who can make an immediate impact at the next level.
What Makes Jalen Carter Special?
Jalen Carter is the complete package. Standing at 6’3” and weighing 240 pounds, Carter has the ideal size to play inside linebacker in the NFL, but he also possesses the athleticism and versatility to excel in various defensive schemes. His ability to read offenses, cover ground quickly, and make plays in both the running and passing games sets him apart from many of his peers in this draft class.
Carter was a standout player for the Georgia Bulldogs, helping lead them to a national championship in 2023. His playmaking ability was on full display in several critical games, including his performance in the College Football Playoff, where he demonstrated his ability to sidestep blockers, read the quarterback’s eyes, and generate turnovers. His leadership and experience in big-game situations make him a rare talent, and many scouts have projected him as one of the top defensive players available.
While Carter is predominantly known for his instincts and speed, his ability to play in coverage is another crucial trait that sets him apart. At Georgia, he showed a natural ability to track tight ends and running backs in the passing game, often getting in position to break up passes or intercept the ball. This skill would make him a valuable asset in Detroit’s defense, as it would allow the Lions to use him in various roles, whether it be as a traditional linebacker or in pass-coverage situations.
Comparing Carter to Other Linebackers
Carter is widely regarded as the top linebacker in this class, but there are other talented prospects who will also be in contention for a top-10 pick. Players like Tyler Stover from Alabama and Sam Fields from Ohio State are strong prospects who could also make an impact in the NFL. However, many analysts believe that Carter’s combination of size, speed, and football IQ makes him the most complete linebacker in the draft.
In comparison to other linebackers in the draft, Carter is particularly effective against the run. His ability to shed blockers and stop running backs behind the line of scrimmage would significantly improve the Lions’ run defense, an area they struggled with in 2024. Additionally, Carter’s leadership qualities and ability to communicate effectively in the huddle would bring a calming influence to a young and improving defense.
Why the Lions Need a Player Like Jalen Carter
Despite the Lions’ significant improvements on offense, it’s clear that their defense remains the key to their long-term success. Detroit’s defense struggled to stop the run in 2024, finishing near the bottom of the league in rushing yards allowed per game. The middle of the defense, particularly at linebacker, was a critical area of concern. While Malcolm Rodriguez and Alex Anzalone provided solid play at times, neither has shown the consistent game-changing ability that Carter would bring to the table.
By acquiring Carter, the Lions would add a true centerpiece to their defense. His ability to cover ground and read plays before they develop would instantly improve Detroit’s run defense, while his coverage skills would allow defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn to create more dynamic, blitz-heavy schemes. The Lions’ front seven would become much more versatile, and Carter’s presence would allow Hutchinson and the rest of the defensive line to be more aggressive, knowing they have a linebacker who can handle coverage duties and clean up tackles behind them.
Furthermore, Carter’s leadership and experience in big games would help solidify the Lions’ defense as one of the more formidable units in the NFC. In a division that includes potent offenses like the Minnesota Vikings and Green Bay Packers, a top-tier linebacker would be a game-changer for the Lions.
The Trade Package: What Could Detroit Give Up?
In order to move up from the 13th overall pick to the top 10, the Lions will likely need to part with some draft capital. Given that Detroit has a relatively deep roster and a solid core of young players, it may be willing to part with future picks in order to land a player of Carter’s caliber.
A possible trade scenario could involve Detroit sending their 13th overall pick along with their 2026 second-round pick to a team like the Chicago Bears or Carolina Panthers in exchange for the 8th or 9th overall pick. The Lions may also consider packaging a 2025 third-round pick to further sweeten the deal. This would allow them to leapfrog other teams in need of a linebacker or defensive playmaker, ensuring that they land their target.
Conclusion: A Bold Move with Big Rewards
The Detroit Lions are not content with being just another team in the NFL—they want to build a perennial contender, and that starts with making aggressive, calculated moves in the draft. By trading up for a player like Jalen Carter, the Lions would be securing a dynamic, playmaking linebacker who can immediately contribute to a defense that has the potential to become one of the league’s best.
With the 2025 NFL Draft on the horizon, it’s clear that Detroit’s aggressive approach, paired with their growing team culture, could lead them to even greater success. A trade-up for Carter would not only address an immediate need but would also provide the Lions with a cornerstone defensive player who could be a key figure in their championship aspirations for years to come.
As the draft draws nearer, expect the Lions to continue to be active, exploring all avenues to add the right pieces to their defense. With a move for a linebacker like Jalen Carter, Detroit is poised to make a major leap forward—and prove that they are ready to compete at the highest level.
