3 Most Likely Lions Draft Targets for the No. 28 Overall Pick

The Detroit Lions were one of the best teams this season. They went 15-2 during the regular season, earning the No. 1 seed and a first-round bye. Despite all of these accomplishments, their season ended early.

In the Divisional Round, the Washington Commanders went into Ford Field and beat the Lions 45-31. Now that their season is officially over, the Lions have to start their offseason planning.

Detroit is expected to have around $57 million in cap space per OvertheCap. That is going to be one avenue for them, but so is the 2025 NFL Draft. That is set to go down in April but it's never too early to start speculation.

The Lions own the 28th pick in the first round and could go in multiple different routes with that pick. In this article, we'll discuss three potential targets for Detroit in the first round.

1. Jack Sawyer, EDGE, Ohio State

The Lions were ravaged by injuries this season, especially on the defensive side. The Lions lost Aidan Hutchinson, Marcus Davenport, and Alim McNeill along the defensive line.

It was difficult for them to overcome and played a factor in the postseason shortcomings. Davenport is going to hit free agency, while Hutchinson and McNeill will be back for the Lions in 2025. Regardless, they need more juice at EDGE, and Ohio State's Jack Sawyer is a name to watch.

Sawyer is a physical defender and uses his instincts to sniff out plays with ease. He is a solid pass-rusher and plays against the run well. Over 53 career games, Sawyer had 67 solo tackles, 29 tackles for loss, 23 sacks, and six forced fumbles.

He has the kind of play style and mindset that would excel in Detroit. Sawyer is also a team captain, highlighting his leadership qualities. This is a name that Lions fans should get familiar with.