2025 draft loaded with defensive tackle talent for Lions to consider in early rounds
Continuing our film-based introduction to the 2025 draft class ahead of the scouting combine at the end of this month, we're evaluating the best defensive tackles in the class; more than a dozen prospects who top analysts project will be selected in the first three rounds.
As a reminder, the prospects will be sorted into three categories — top of the board, first-round talent and Day 2 options — and listed alphabetically within the tiers.
Top of the board suggests the player is projected to be selected in the top half of the first round. The Lions are scheduled to pick No. 28. The remaining first-round options aren't necessarily expected to be available at that spot, but they could fall within a range where the Lions could reasonably trade up to snag a specific target.
I'll include some summarizing thoughts about this group of prospects and how they relate to Detroit's roster needs at the end of this post, after the individual scouting reports.
Top of the board
Mason Graham, Michigan
Listed height/weight: 6-foot-3, 320 pounds
2024 stats: 12 games, 45 tackles (seven for a loss), 3.5 sacks, 34 QB pressures
A 3-technique who can situationally play as a big end, Graham has an excellent blend of power and athleticism. As a pass rusher, he threatens interior blockers by utilizing explosive lateral agility and a variety of pass-rush moves to get an edge and penetrate the backfield. He also has an effective bull rush to drive a blocker into the pocket, as shown by the way he secured a sack against Washington.
As a run blocker, Graham is stout. He rarely gives up ground against a single blocker and consistently anchors when facing double teams. In one-on-one situations, he does a nice job keeping blockers off his body despite average arm length, allowing him to shed and stop his run gap.
Graham and present-day Alim McNeill share many similarities in terms of their size and skill sets. Early in his career, the Lions defender successfully converted from a nose tackle to a thickly built but athletic 3-tech. Both players are effective against the run and can affect the quarterback in multiple ways as interior rushers.
Graham is a safe prospect with a high floor and ceiling. If he meets his potential, he can be a well-rounded 3-tech who will be a stellar run defender capable of tallying 6-8 sacks.
First-round talent
Derrick Harmon, Oregon
Listed height/weight: 6-foot-5, 310 pounds
2024 stats: 14 games, 45 tackles (11 for a loss), 5.0 sacks, two forced fumbles, 55 QB pressures
Harmon, a Detroit native, spent three years at Michigan State before concluding his college career playing with a season in Oregon. If Graham reminds me of McNeill, Harmon's profile more closely resembles what we saw from a healthy Levi Onwuzurike in 2024, with the added benefit of a little more height and length.
Harmon lined up across the defensive front for the Ducks, seeing action from the 1-tech (the gap between the center and guard) to just outside the offensive tackle's outside shoulder.