Without a doubt, this 2025 NFL season was an absolute failure for the Detroit Lions. General manager Brad Holmes and head coach Dan Campbell understand that they have a great deal of work to do to get the team back to the playoffs. They already crossed hiring offensive coordinator Drew Petzing off their to-do list, and now must move on to the next task: preparing for the Shrine Bowl.
The Shrine Bowl, taking place on Tuesday, presents Holmes and Campbell with a perfect opportunity to evaluate the senior prospects in the upcoming draft. With several roster needs to address, these are the four players Lions’ fans should watch closely.
Lions Must Scout These 4 Shrine Bowl Prospects Next Week
1. Domani Jackson, CB — Alabama
The biggest need for the Lions heading into the offseason is cornerback, as the secondary was burned to crisps this season. The Lions’ defense gave up the second-most air yards (2,558) last season, and with five of their corners being free agents, they must emphasize upgrading their secondary unit.
That’s where Domani Jackson comes in. Quarterbacks hardly ever dared to throw to Jackson’s side, targeting him just 21 times through 15 games. Jackson was locking down opposing wide receivers this season, allowing just 16 receptions for 135 yards and one touchdown, earning a 74.4 coverage grade, per Pro Football Focus.
He’s got all the tools you want in a cornerback; from physicality and speed, the lock-down capability, and the stats to back it up. The Lions thought they got this with cornerback Terrion Arnold two years ago, and so far, he hasn’t lived up to the expectations.
Jackson could help alleviate that pressure from Arnold, while also adding depth to a thin cornerback group. With Lion’s defensive quality control assistant Dre Thompson coaching the defensive backs for the West team, they’ll get an up-close look to see if Jackson fits their scheme.
2. Pat Coogan, C — Indiana
Following the CB room, the interior offensive line is another crucial need for the Lions. The retirement of Frank Ragnow forced the Lions to move Graham Glasgow to center, who struggled mightily.
The Lions need to acquire a long-term starting option at center, and Pat Coogan could be their answer. Coogan had a tremendous year with the Indiana Hoosiers, playing a huge part in their National Championship run and winning the 2026 Rose Bowl MVP for the offense. From his leadership to his production, Coogan was undoubtedly the leader of the offensive line.
In 16 games, Coogan allowed just 10 hurries and zero sacks, earning an 84 pass block grade and a 75.3 run grade per PFF. While Coogan has excelled at center, he’s also displayed his versatility to play guard.
In 2023, Coogan started all 769 of his snaps at left guard for Notre Dame, allowing one sack and 17 hurries. Of all the interior linemen, Coogan is arguably the best fit for the Lions. With the Lions’ offense being a down-hill team, Coogan’s versatility and athletic ability would fit the team’s approach.
3. Riley Mahlman, T — Wisconsin
With Dan Skipper announcing his retirement and Taylor Decker’s future with the Lions being uncertain, Detroit is in the market for a tackle. They should look no further than Wisconsin’s Riley Mahlman.
In his last three years with the Badgers, Mahlman has been the staple to their offensive line and displayed his versatility this season by moving to left tackle after the team’s first game. Although he’s proven to be much better on the right side, Mahlman still had a solid season, allowing just three sacks, seven hurries, and earning a 72.0 pass blocking grade, per PFF.
Mahlman’s size, along with his outstanding performance as both a run and pass blocker, should intrigue the Lions. With five years under his belt, Mahlman is one of the few NFL-ready tackles in the draft, accumulating 2,823 snaps over his career.
If the Lions lose out on both Skipper and Decker, they should deeply consider drafting Mahlman. He could slide back over and compete for the team’s starting right tackle spot while the team moves Penei Sewell to left tackle.
Given their injury history over the last two years, the Lions cannot enter next season with the lack of quality depth at tackle.
4. Ethan Burke, EDGE — Texas
Texas Longhorns’ edge rusher Ethan Burke boosted his draft stock with his performance this season. Burke was arguably one of the most important players on the Longhorns this season, logging three sacks, 20 hurries, 40 total tackles, and one forced fumble.
While he proved to be a capable pass rusher, he stood out against the run, recording seven tackles for loss. The Lions desperately could use Burke’s versatility, given their current situation at edge rusher.
Marcus Davenport, Al-Quadin Muhammad, and Tyrus Wheat are entering free agency, and outside of Aidan Hutchinson, the Lions lack a true quality passing rush threat that can ease the pressure off him. Although Muhammad had an impressive season, he’ll be 31 entering next season, and isn’t a long-term solution.
By drafting Burke, it would be beneficial for him to learn and develop behind Hutchinson while providing solid contributions. Burke would be an immediate impact for the Lions and would help fill their need for depth at edge rusher.