The Detroit Lions secured the 28th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft following a season that ended disappointingly in the playoffs. This positioning reflects a shift for the Lions, who had previously selected higher in the draft, such as at No. 29 in 2024, where they traded up to No. 24 to acquire promising cornerback Terrion Arnold.
Despite popular names typically going early in the first round, there is still significant value to be found late in the draft. Looking back at the history of the 28th overall pick, prior to the last decade, there have been both successful and less favorable selections made at this spot. Fortunately, research shows that finding particularly poor picks at No. 28 has been a challenge since the NFL merger in 1970, indicating a high floor and the potential for Hall-of-Fame-level talent at this draft position for the Lions.