In the fast-moving NFL landscape, organizations don't have much time to sit and celebrate victories or wallow in defeat. This is especially true for an event like the NFL Draft since front offices must get back to work right away, adding undrafted free agents for the rookie minicamp. That said, fans and analysts are afforded the luxury of looking back and assessing how their teams did in the draft.
In the Detroit Lions' case, fans questioned one major decision they made. This move occurred in the third round when Detroit traded up to pick No. 70 from No. 102 with the Jacksonville Jaguars to select Arkansas wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa. In addition to sending the Jaguars' pick 102, the Lions sent them two 2026 third-round picks.
Many considered this an overpay for a player that didn't put up consistent production in college. Despite most fans only taking umbrage with this pick, Detroit made other questionable decisions with draft day trades. As a result, if you look at their draft class from an analytical perspective, it doesn't paint a great picture.
Lions Receive Poor 2025 Draft Grade Based on Analytics
"It’s fair to question whether I should doubt the Lions’ draft strategy after the run they’ve been on the past few years, but out of their seven picks, four were considered reaches by our consensus board, including all three in the top 70. "Austin Mock- The Athletic
As Austin Mock of The Athletic points out, questioning Detroit's draft strategy after their recent success is risky. Over the past three years, the Lions have subscribed to taking the best player available on their draft board in each round. This has helped them win back-to-back division championships and reach the conference title game once.
Still, selecting players that are considered reaches is a risky proposition. Moreover, compounding that potential mistake impacts the grade of the pick even more.
"They also lost quite a bit of value in the trade market, highlighted by their big move up for board for wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa. They lost the fourth-most value in trades during the draft, and the three teams below them either gained a first-rounder or had the chance to draft Travis Hunter. "Austin Mock- The Athletic
For good teams like Detroit, losing value on draft day trades typically doesn't matter. This is because even if a pick isn't viewed highly, most good organizations are able to develop players into decent contributors. Even so, being ranked below only teams who netted a first pick back or had the chance to draft Travis Hunter is not great.
Whilke draft grade are a fun exercise, no one knows what they have in a player until they step out on an NFL field. Hopefully, all of the Lions picks can prove the doubters wrong and prove Detroit had an outstanding 2025 NFL Draft.