NBC Sports Rogers (Detroit Lions - Grade: A-. The Lions simply find a way each year to become a tougher, more physical football team. Tyleik Williams is hard to move at the point of attack and should make quite the tandem next to Alim McNeil. I thought Tate Ratledge was a future high-end starter at guard, while Miles Frazier had no business falling to the fifth round. They doubled up on a need while getting value with players that fit their identity. Isaac TeSlaa played the slot for Arkansas, but his size and speed intrigues me as a perimeter threat in the NFL.): https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/draft/news/2025-nfl-draft-grades-winners-losers-best-picks-sleepers-for-all-32-teams-from-connor-rogers
SI Lions Booher (Overall draft grade: B+. Holmes was active throughout the draft, making a trio of trades to move up in the middle rounds. Ultimately, the team made deals to move up in the second, third and fifth rounds. The Lions waited to address their biggest need until the sixth round, but found good value along the way. Each of their first five selections will compete for big roles right away, which is ideal for a team picking later in rounds. Development will be key for this group. It's hard not to like the potential of these picks, but it's up to the coaching staff to get the most out of them. If Williams finds an extra gear as a pass-rusher and Ratledge and Frazier anchor the offensive interior the way they did for their respective colleges, then this class has the potential to be looked back on fondly in several years.): https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/detroit-lions-2025-nfl-draft-class-grades
PFN (Overall Lions Draft Grade: B+. Many people were taken aback by the Detroit Lions’ first-round selection. Interior defensive line may not have been the most pressing need for Brad Holmes and company, but Tyleik Williams is an exciting defensive tackle prospect who possesses the kind of raw athleticism and physical tools that get defensive coordinators excited. He’s drawn comparisons to Alim McNeill, and now, he’ll be joining him. Detroit also addressed the trenches on the other side of the football. After losing Kevin Zeitler in free agency, the Lions needed to add some talent on the interior of their offensive line. Tate Ratledge is an elite athlete with rare explosiveness, agility, and second-level mobility. His power and athleticism should be a good fit on one of the best offensive line units in the NFL. He should compete with Christian Mahogany for a starting spot next season. Miles Frazier is another guard who played against elite competition in the SEC and could develop into a starter. The Isaac TeSlaa selection was an underrated pick. He’s a natural talent who needs to expand his route tree, but he’s a high-level athlete with great size and run-after-catch ability. With some development, he has the tools to become a WR3 in the Lions’ offense. While Detroit added plenty of value, it’s disappointing that they didn’t address their need for edge rushers until Round 6. This was a relatively deep class at the position, and it would’ve been nice to see them go after a player with more upside. Other than that, Holmes came away with a haul that features a good mix of NFL-readiness and potential.): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/detroit-lions-final-draft-grades-2025/
CBS Wilson (24. Detroit Lions: B+. Favorite pick: Yes, the Lions gave up TWO third-round picks to move up for Isaac Teslaa, but I think he's going to be a lot of fun in this Lions offense alongside Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, Sam LaPorta and Jahmyr Gibbs. Best value: I had a Day 2 grade on Miles Frazier, who I described in my notes as a "tone-setter in the run game. ... He will absolutely blow your ass up on counters."Most surprising pick: The surprise was that Dan Jackson didn't go a tad sooner. He was a combine snub who was a heat-seeking missile in Georgia's secondary who tested really well during the pre-draft process.): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/ranking-each-teams-2025-nfl-draft-class-bills-raiders-49ers-come-up-aces-browns-bengals-raise-questions/
2025 NFL Draft: Final snap grades for all 32 teams (Lions - Grade: B): https://www.nfl.com/news/2025-nfl-draft-final-snap-grades-for-all-32-teams
USA Today (18. Detroit Lions (B). It’s gotten to a point where GM Brad Holmes and HC Dan Campbell are almost above reproach as it pertains to their roster-building acumen. Did DT Tyleik Williams seem like a bit of a reach at the end of Round 1? Maybe … but you tell Holmes and Campbell they’re wrong. Second-round G Tate Ratledge seems made to order for this culture while patching a hole.): https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/columnist/nate-davis/2025/04/26/nfl-draft-grades-ranking-classes-2025-browns-shedeur-sanders/83271495007/
Yahoo (Detroit Lions - Grade: B. Here's why: It was a very “eat your vegetables” draft for the Lions. Four linemen and a big, athletic wide receiver to develop in Isaac TeSlaa. Tyleik Williams and Alim McNeill are going to be an incredibly imposing duo for teams to try and block on the interior and Tate Ratledge gives Detroit a potential starting guard to develop. These guys might not be the sexiest players to add, but this team has consistently shown the value of good trench play and the Lions tried to keep it strong with this draft. Most interesting pick: Isaac TeSlaa, WR, Arkansas: TeSlaa was a scouting combine star, but didn’t have too much production during his time at Arkansas. Considering the Lions traded two future third-round picks to select him in the third, Detroit clearly sees him as a starter. It’ll be interesting to see what his role ends up being alongside Jameson Williams and Amon-Ra St. Brown.): https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/article/2025-nfl-draft-picks-and-grades-for-all-32-teams-002713009.html
CBS Trapasso (Detroit Lions - Every Lions draft seemingly gets a giant Dan Campbell stamp of approval every year. Williams in Round 1 was much earlier than I'd pick a run-stuffing nose tackle. The Lions did need more beef up front. Rateledge and Frazier are nasty, athletic guards, and TeSlaa makes the middle of the field even more dangerous when facing the Lions. He's a big slot with serious vertical juice who catches everything. Hassanein was a sneaky-good add late because of his burst and bend around the corner. I would've liked to see the Lions address defensive end earlier, though -- Aidan Hutchinson still needs help! Grade: B): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2025-nfl-draft-grades-for-every-team-giants-raiders-commanders-deliver-steelers-49ers-receive-poor-marks/
CBS Douzable (Grade: B. Taking Tyleik Williams was a bit of a reach in the first round, especially when you have Alim McNeill, who I know is coming off an injury but has a similar skillset, as does DJ Reader. Love the Tate Ratledge pick, as he will compete to start this year at guard. Isaac TeSlaa is a big slot receiver who is a mismatch for slot corners. OG Miles Frazier will be a starter in the future.): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/nfl-draft-grades-2025-former-nfl-player-evaluates-each-teams-class-reveals-favorite-picks-biggest-reaches/
Pride of Detroit (Overall Grade: B-. This draft class needed some big bodies in the trenches, and Holmes found them. While the edge spot wasn’t taken as early as fans would have liked, the Lions got two guards with starter potential, a starting defensive tackle, and a possible future starter at defensive end. It wasn’t just in the trenches where the Lions could have used help; the wide receiver room needed some assistance for the future. Both receivers might not see much playing time in 2025, but they are more for future additions. The Lions also addressed a need for depth at safety with Dan Jackson, which gives Loren Strickland and Erick Hallett some competition in training camp. My biggest gripes with this class is the trade Holmes made for TeSlaa, as I believe the picks in 2026 are more valuable than the picks in this draft class. The Lions could have gotten someone like Elic Ayomanor (went 136th overall) for better value. The other issue I have is the double dip at guard. While Frazier is a good player, the trade value was good, and I understand how you can’t pass up on someone like him, the team could have gotten a more impactful defensive end, safety, or possibly help at linebacker or tight end instead. This class isn’t expected to have a big impact in their first year, with Williams being the lone player who might start, let alone play. It’s a draft focusing on the future more than the present, and while it isn’t loved right now, this class could be one we look back on as a great class.): https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2025/4/27/24417845/2025-nfl-draft-grades-evaluating-detroit-lions-entire-rookie-class
Fox sports Rang (Detroit Lions - I was fascinated to see how GM Brad Holmes and the Lions would approach this draft given all their coaching departures in the offseason. Tyleik Williams could audition as a stunt double for injured standout defensive tackle Alim McNeill, offering similar size, power, agility and leadership skills. Meanwhile, the Lions might have found a clone of their head coach Dan Campbell in second-round guard Tate Ratledge, one of the more imposing and intense players of this class. Between Ratledge and fifth-round pick Miles Frazier, the Lions' lineage up front is secure. In terms of value, I liked the sixth-round selection of defensive end Ahmed Hassanein more than the third-round pick of wideout Isaac TeSlaa, though the latter's intriguing size/speed combination is a welcome complement to the shiftiness and speed of Detroit's current receiving corps. Finally, don't be surprised if seventh-round pick Dan Jackson makes this club. Grade: B-): https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nfl/2025-nfl-draft-grades-analyzing-all-32-teams-classes
SI (Detroit Lions Grade: B-. Analysis: The Lions didn’t care about value or best player available, and went with their successful formula of adding mean dudes to the trenches. Williams might have been a reach in the first round, but he was regarded as the best run stopper in this class. Ratledge is another physical player, one who could compete for the opening at right guard. Taking TeSlaa on Day 2 was a surprise, but he has the size and athleticism to possibly give Jared Goff another versatile weapon. Once again, the Lions thought outside the box and went away from what the draft boards were saying on the internet. —GM): https://www.si.com/nfl/2025-nfl-draft-grades-analysis-for-every-team#_4ud98wj50
AP Pro (DETROIT LIONS: B-. DT Tyleik Williams (28) is a massive run defender taken higher than expected. G Tate Ratledge will upgrade the run game. Traded up to get WR Isaac TeSlaa (70), who gives Jared Goff a big target in the slot. G Miles Frazier (171) fits offense nicely. Edge Ahmed Hassanein (196) has strong sleeper potential in the sixth round.): https://apnews.com/article/nfl-draft-sanders-ward-grades-a8e2c2a46a9b470fcd2bf46a99770bcf
Athlonsports (Detroit Lions - Steal of the Class: OL Miles Frazier (5th Round, No. 171 overall): If you came to Dan Campbell's team looking for flash, that's your own fault. First-round DL Tyleik Williams is a run-stuffing mauler who will anchor the defensive front, and second-round OL Tate Ratledge brings top-end athleticism and tons of starting experience against SEC competition to the right guard spot. WR Isaac TeSlaa is an intriguing prospect, but he was a late-round grade on my board, making him a curious pick in the third round. Frazier was the opposite as a solid value pick to continue bolstering the interior of the offensive line in the fifth round, and they finally addressed their need for an edge rusher with Ahmed Hassanein in the sixth round. Williams and Ratledge are tone-setters who came off the board in the right range, and should be able to make an instant impact in the starting lineup, but TeSlaa feels like a significant reach based on the other options available, and the Lions waited way too long to dip into this year's loaded class of edge defenders.
GRADE: B-): https://athlonsports.com/nfl/2025-nfl-draft-grades-instant-analysis-full-breakdowns-every-team
FTW (26. Detroit Lions: C+. First three picks: Round 1, 28th overall: DT Tyleik Williams, Ohio State. Round 2, 57th overall: G Tate Ratledge, Georgia. Round 3, 70th overall: WR Isaac TeSlaa, Arkansas. Best pick: Round 2, 57th overall: G Tate Ratledge, Georgia. Value pick: Round 5, 171st overall: G Miles Frazier, LSU. It was a weird draft for Detroit. Williams is a nice piece and Ratledge is a perfect Dan Campbell Guy (tm). But trading away draft assets to reach for TeSlaa was poor value and strikes at the team's inability to add low cost starters around an increasingly expensive star-studded lineup. If TeSlaa doesn't turn his potential into production (at a position where the Lions already had a solid 1-2 punch), it's gonna ripple through 2026.): https://ftw.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2025/04/26/2025-nfl-draft-grades-raiders-browns-cowboys-chiefs/83300278007/
Touchdown wire (Detroit Lions: C+. I like the selection of Tyliek Williams in the first round, and Boise State edge rusher Ahmed Hassanein was a fun pick in the sixth round. Outside of that, Tate Retledge was a slight reach in round two, as was Isaac TeSlaa in round three.): https://touchdownwire.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2025/04/27/nfl-draft-grades-teams-report/83304588007/
Mel Kiper (Lions Grade: C+): https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/detroit-lions/news/lions-nfl-draft-grades-mel-kiper-jr-experts-detroits-2025-class/d55c6f8c119e76118fecf32a
CBS Prisco (Detroit Lions: C-. Best Pick: I love second-round guard Tate Ratledge. He will compete to start at right guard right away. He's a nasty player, who fits their offense perfectly. Worst Pick: I think taking defensive tackle Tyleik Williams in the first round was a bit high. He plays a lot like Alim McNeil, who they have on their roster. There were better options in my book. The Skinny: This isn't a draft that I loved, which is a departure from their recent drafts. Williams is a good player, but was that really a need? Why not an edge? Third-round receiver Isaac TeSlaa is a project who didn't do a lot in college and they traded up to get him. Fifth-round guard Miles Frazier has starting experience.): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/priscos-nfl-draft-2025-grades-for-each-team-including-best-and-worst-picks-bucs-earn-one-of-three-a-marks/
SN (23. Detroit Lions - Draft picks: DT Tyleik Williams, G Tate Ratledge, WR Isaac TeSlaa, G Miles Frazier, EDGE Ahmad Hassanein, S Dan Jackson, WR Dominic Lovett Analysis: GM Brad Holmes has hit the past few offseasons out of the park and operated well in 2025 free agency. Williams and Ratledge were solid picks for needs, but there were some questionable reaches save for Hassanein, the ideal lunchpail grinder for Dan Campbell to develop opposite Aidan Hutchinson.): https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/news/nfl-draft-grades-2025-best-worst-classes/6ace9794d6468f367c2e5f1e
NBC Sports (Detroit Lions - Draft Grade: D+. Tyliek Williams is a fine interior defensive lineman prospect, having racked up 11.5 sacks and 28 TFLs in four years at a major program. Georgia’s Tate Ratledge looked underrated to me throughout the process. He was a three-year starter at Georgia with solid film grades and a 9.96 RAS. With that out of the way, this was not a good draft. Returning to Hasan’s big board, Williams was forecasted to go nearly 20 picks later, ditto for Ratledge, for Isaac TeSlaa was projected to be a late Day Three pick. Not only did the Lions take him over 100 spots before his projected draft slot, they traded a pair of future third-round picks to get him.Was he at least productive at Arkansas? Of course not. He finished third on the team in catches and nearly 600 yards behind their leading receiver.): https://www.nbcsports.com/fantasy/football/news/2025-nfl-draft-grades-for-all-nfc-teams-giants-draw-praise-falcons-get-flunked
Walter football (28. Detroit Lions: D Grade. Goals Entering the 2025 NFL Draft: The Lions were ravaged by injury last year, particularly on defense. They need to make sure that they find depth players so they’re not damaged by constant injuries once again. Positions that were hurt by these injuries are edge rush, defensive tackle, and cornerback. With so few needs otherwise, the Lions can obtain the best player available. 2025 NFL Draft Accomplishments: The Lions have drafted incredibly well under their curent regime, but that doesn’t appear to be the case this year. Their shockingly poor draft began in the opening round when they appeared to be shell shocked that Tyler Booker and Donovan Jackson were off the board. They made a major reach for Tyleik Williams, who was considered a mid-second-round pick. Detroit used its second-round choice on Tate Ratledge, which was a quality selection, but then the Lions made an inexplicable move to trade up for Isaac TeSlaa. The Arkansas receiver is athletic, but was considered to be a third-day prospect. It made no sense why the Lions believed they needed to surrender substantial draft capital to secure him. Of the Lions’ seven picks, three were graded “C” or lower, with the TeSlaa pick being marked down as a Millen. Detroit took players at positions of need, but completely sacrificed value in the process.): https://walterfootball.com/nfldraftgradesteam.php
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