Bold Moves That Could Make or Break Lions’ Championship Hopes

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Will the Lions take a chance or play it safe?


The 28th Pick, A Strategic Shift in Detroit: Something may be brewing in Allen Park. The Detroit Lions could be on the verge of adopting a bold new model—one already tested by successful franchises like the Philadelphia Eagles and Baltimore Ravens.

These teams have remained competitive, letting key players walk in free agency, earning compensatory draft picks, and turning those picks into young, inexpensive talent. The Lions, who hold the 28th pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, are reportedly considering such an approach.

The Lions have constructed one of the NFL’s strongest rosters thanks to clever drafting and an eye for value. With success comes more problems, like financial strain, and as the salary cap tightens, the need to find cost-effective solutions has become critical. Adopting the compensatory pick model could help the Lions stay competitive without overspending on vets.

James Pierce Jr. (photo courtesy CFB Football)

Draft Day: Safe Bet or Star Potential: With the 28th overall pick in hand, the Detroit Lions face a pivotal decision. Some insiders believe Detroit could gamble on a high-risk, high-reward edge rusher—players like James Pearce Jr. or Mike Green, who boast elite upside and red flags that may scare off more conservative teams. It’s a move that would mark a departure from the Lions’ recent draft history, where calculated, low-risk selections have been the norm. But the draft class is deep this year, and there’s growing pressure to secure premium pass-rushing talent while planning for the long haul. The Lions could trade up if the right player starts to slip. It’s a gamble that could pay off immensely if the right pick develops into a franchise cornerstone.

Detroit Lions GM in Focus: Holmes’ Crucial Choice: General Manager Brad Holmes stands at a crossroads.

Does he stick with the proven, conservative draft strategy that has helped build the current contender? Or does he shift gears to a more aggressive and forward-thinking model that has propelled teams like the Eagles into consistent playoff relevance?

The Lions already appear to be on that path–with potential compensatory picks in 2026, an eye toward optimizing rookie contracts, and receiving a third-rounder in 2025 and possibly more, depending on how things unfold. Balancing the team’s current momentum with future sustainability will be the ultimate test.

The draft won’t just shape the 2025 season for Detroit—it could define their long-term trajectory. Will the Lions take a chance on raw talent or play it safe with a polished name at 28? The answer may determine whether Detroit lifts a Lombardi Trophy—or watches the window close.



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