The Detroit Lions are making waves with their bold draft decisions, particularly at the cornerback position. After selecting Terrion Arnold and Ennis Rakestraw in the 2024 NFL Draft, the focus is now on how these rookies will perform in their second year. Arnold showed promise with increased playing time and development, while Rakestraw's limited snap counts last season leave many questions unanswered. As the Lions look to bolster their defense, the potential of these young cornerbacks could play a pivotal role in the team's aspirations for the upcoming season.

The Detroit Lions have aspirations of a prime-time match-up to open the 2025 NFL season, particularly against the Philadelphia Eagles. However, they will not feature in the international games and have missed out on the coveted opening matchup, which has been awarded to the Dallas Cowboys. Amon-Ra St. Brown previously expressed eagerness for this matchup following the Eagles' Super Bowl victory, reflecting a strong belief in the Lions' competitive standing.

Cornerback Terrion Arnold also voiced his disappointment over not being selected for this prestigious early game. The Lions, looking to capitalize on their momentum, are keen to enhance their national profile and demonstrate their growth in the league. With a strong roster and increasing expectations, the team's aspirations for a marquee season opener highlight their ambitions as they aim to establish themselves as playoff contenders.

Brad Holmes, the Detroit Lions' general manager, has been incredibly active on draft day since 2021, executing 13 trades. In 2024, he orchestrated four notable trades to secure CB Terrion Arnold, OL Gio Manu, RB Sione Vaki, and DL Mekhi Wingo. The 2023 draft saw six trades, including a strategic move down to acquire Jahmyr Gibbs and Sam LaPorta, while also moving up to select DB Brian Branch. In 2022, the Lions traded up to snag WR Jameson Williams, showcasing Holmes' aggressive approach to building a competitive roster. These maneuvers position the Lions as a team keen on enhancing their talent pool through strategic draft capital management.

As the 2025 NFL mock draft season heats up, ESPN's Peter Schrager's predictions for Michigan football players have caught attention for their surprising placements. While most analysts predict the Wolverines will see multiple players in the first round, Schrager suggests a different order. Colston Loveland leads the pack, projected to go No. 10 to the Indianapolis Colts as the first Michigan player off the board, despite not being considered the highest-rated player. Following closely behind, Mason Graham, expected to be a top-five pick, is projected at No. 13 to the Miami Dolphins. Kenneth Grant's fall to No. 22 with the Los Angeles Chargers raises eyebrows, while Will Johnson's drop to No. 28 with the Detroit Lions comes as a shock due to his prior status as a top-five prospect. Schrager's predictions could redefine expectations for the Wolverines.