Lions Pair 1,000-Yard WR With Amon-Ra St. Brown in New Mock Draft: A Game-Changing Move for Detroit

The Detroit Lions are poised to make waves in the 2025 NFL Draft, with analysts projecting a bold strategy to bolster their already potent offense. A recent mock draft suggests the Lions will pair their star wide receiver, Amon-Ra St. Brown, with another 1,000-yard playmaker, creating a dynamic duo that could elevate Detroit’s passing game to new heights. This move aligns with general manager Brad Holmes’ vision of building a roster capable of competing for a Super Bowl. Let’s dive into the details of this exciting projection, its implications for the Lions, and why it could be a perfect fit for head coach Dan Campbell’s gritty, high-energy team.

Amon-Ra St. Brown: The Cornerstone of Detroit’s Offense

Amon-Ra St. Brown has emerged as one of the NFL’s premier wide receivers since being drafted in the fourth round in 2021. His work ethic, route-running precision, and ability to gain yards after the catch have made him a cornerstone of the Lions’ offense. In 2024, St. Brown recorded 115 receptions for 1,263 yards and 12 touchdowns, earning First-Team All-Pro honors for the second consecutive year. His consistency is unmatched, as he ranks among the franchise leaders in receptions and receiving yards through a player’s first four seasons.

Despite St. Brown’s dominance, the Lions’ receiving corps lacks depth beyond him and Jameson Williams. While Williams brings elite speed, his inconsistency and the team’s need for a reliable third option have prompted speculation about adding another high-caliber wideout. The 2025 NFL Draft presents an opportunity to address this need, and analysts believe Detroit could target a proven talent to complement St. Brown’s skill set.

The Mock Draft Projection: Tory Horton Joins the Lions

According to Pro Football Focus analyst Mason Cameron, the Lions are projected to select Colorado State’s Tory Horton in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft. Horton, a Fresno native, brings an impressive resume with two 1,000-yard seasons in college. His 2023 campaign saw him haul in 96 receptions for 1,136 yards and eight touchdowns, showcasing his ability to dominate defenses. Unfortunately, a knee injury limited him to just 26 catches for 353 yards in 2024, causing his draft stock to dip slightly.

Horton’s skill set makes him an intriguing fit for Detroit. At 6-foot-3, he offers a bigger frame than St. Brown, excelling at contested catches and stretching the field. His quick feet and instincts allow him to create separation, while his competitive fire aligns perfectly with Campbell’s team culture. Cameron notes, “Horton has the competitive fire to fit in perfectly with Dan Campbell’s team culture,” suggesting he could thrive in Detroit’s high-intensity environment.

Why Horton and St. Brown Could Be a Lethal Combination

Pairing Horton with St. Brown would give the Lions a versatile and explosive receiving tandem. St. Brown thrives in the slot, using his precise route-running to exploit underneath zones and rack up yards after the catch. Horton, meanwhile, projects as an outside receiver capable of winning jump balls and stretching defenses vertically. This complementary dynamic would force defenses to pick their poison, creating opportunities for both players and opening up the playbook for offensive coordinator Ben Johnson.

Additionally, Horton’s experience against top competition adds to his appeal. In 2023, he torched Colorado for 16 receptions and 133 yards in a single game, proving he can perform under pressure. His ability to deliver in big moments mirrors St. Brown’s clutch performances, such as his 66-yard touchdown against the San Francisco 49ers in 2024. Together, they could form a duo that keeps defensive coordinators up at night.

Addressing the Lions’ Wide Receiver Depth

The Lions’ current wide receiver room includes St. Brown, Williams, Tim Patrick, and Kalif Raymond, but depth remains a concern. Patrick, at 31, is a short-term solution, and Raymond is better suited as a return specialist and situational player. With only St. Brown and Williams under contract beyond 2025, adding a long-term option like Horton makes sense.

Horton’s injury history may raise questions, but his upside is undeniable. His ability to high-point the ball and make tough catches through contact draws comparisons to players like Tee Higgins, who excel in physical matchups. If Horton can return to his pre-injury form, he could be a steal late in the first round, especially for a team like Detroit picking at No. 28 overall.

How Horton Fits Dan Campbell’s Culture

Dan Campbell’s Lions are built on toughness, grit, and a relentless work ethic—qualities that Horton embodies. His willingness to block in the run game and fight for every yard aligns with Campbell’s “kneecap-biting” mentality. St. Brown, who famously keeps a list of the 16 receivers drafted before him as motivation, sets the tone for Detroit’s receiver room. Horton’s competitive nature suggests he’d embrace this environment, pushing himself and his teammates to new heights.

Moreover, Horton’s versatility would give Ben Johnson more flexibility in designing the offense. Whether lining up outside, running jet sweeps, or contributing in the red zone, Horton’s skill set adds another dimension to an already explosive unit. With running backs Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery, plus tight end Sam LaPorta, the Lions could boast one of the NFL’s most dynamic offenses in 2025.

Other Draft Options for the Lions

While Horton is an exciting projection, the Lions have other needs to consider. The defensive line, particularly the edge rusher spot opposite Aidan Hutchinson, remains a priority after injuries derailed their 2024 playoff run. Offensive line depth is another area of focus, with guard Kevin Zeitler’s departure creating a potential hole. Analysts like Vinnie Iyer have mocked Ohio State edge rusher Jack Sawyer to Detroit, citing his fit in Aaron Glenn’s aggressive defensive scheme.

However, the allure of adding a playmaker like Horton may be too tempting to pass up. Brad Holmes has a history of finding value in later rounds, as evidenced by St. Brown, Brian Branch, and Alim McNeill. If Horton’s injury concerns cause him to slide, Holmes could pounce, securing a high-upside talent to pair with his franchise receiver.

The Bigger Picture: Detroit’s Super Bowl Aspirations

The Lions entered 2024 with Super Bowl expectations, finishing the regular season with a 15-2 record before falling short in the playoffs. Despite losing both coordinators and several key players, their roster remains one of the NFL’s strongest. Adding Horton would signal Holmes’ commitment to staying aggressive, ensuring Jared Goff has the weapons needed to compete with elite NFC offenses like those of the Philadelphia Eagles and San Francisco 49ers.

St. Brown’s leadership and production set a high standard, but he can’t do it alone. Horton’s addition would lighten the load, giving Detroit a balanced attack capable of exploiting any defense. As the Lions prepare for the 2025 season, this mock draft projection offers a glimpse of what could be a transformative offseason.

Conclusion: A Bright Future for the Lions’ Offense

The idea of pairing Tory Horton with Amon-Ra St. Brown is a tantalizing one for Lions fans. Horton’s size, athleticism, and competitive fire make him an ideal fit for Detroit’s culture, while his 1,000-yard pedigree ensures he can contribute immediately. Together, they could form one of the NFL’s most dangerous receiving duos, giving the Lions the firepower to chase a Super Bowl in 2025. As the draft approaches, all eyes will be on Brad Holmes to see if he pulls the trigger on this game-changing move.