Lions Eyeing Small-School Star in Latest 2025 NFL Mock Draft Amid Injury Challenges

The Detroit Lions have shown incredible resilience this season, overcoming a series of injuries to maintain the best record in the NFC at 13-2. With their sights firmly set on a Super Bowl victory, the team and its passionate fan base are laser-focused on the immediate future. Yet, it’s never too early to think about the upcoming NFL Draft, and a new mock draft from A to Z Sports suggests the Lions could address a pressing need brought to light by this year’s injury struggles.

Lions Target Explosive Edge Rusher Mike Green in Mock Draft

In the latest mock draft, the Lions are projected to select Marshall edge rusher Mike Green, a small-school standout who has caught the attention of scouts and analysts alike. Despite the Lions’ acquisition of Za’Darius Smith earlier in the year, the long-term need for a consistent pass-rushing partner to complement superstar Aidan Hutchinson remains evident. Green, with his remarkable athleticism and production, could be the answer.

According to the mock draft analysis:

“The Lions traded for Za’Darius Smith, but they need a long-term partner for Aidan Hutchinson in their pass-rush room. At this point in the first round, teams are going to be looking for traits. If you haven’t had a chance to watch Mike Green, do so immediately. He’s explosive off the snap and surprisingly more physical against the run than you would expect given his size.”

A Year to Remember for Mike Green

Mike Green’s breakout season at Marshall has turned heads across the football world. The 6’4”, 250-pound defensive end finished the year with a staggering 17 sacks and 23 tackles for loss, leading not only the Mid-American Conference (MAC) but the entire FBS. His ability to disrupt opposing offenses made him one of the most productive defenders in college football, despite playing outside of the Power 4 programs.

While some scouts may label Green a “one-year wonder” due to his lack of sustained college production, his 2024 campaign showcased elite traits that teams covet in a first-round prospect. The Lions, known for their willingness to take risks on high-upside players from smaller programs, could see Green as a perfect fit. They’ve done it before—most notably with fourth-round pick Giovanni Manu, a University of British Columbia product who has become a developmental success story.

Why Mike Green Fits the Lions

The Lions’ need for a complementary pass rusher is pressing. While Za’Darius Smith has been effective, he’s a short-term solution, and the team’s defensive line could benefit from a young, dynamic playmaker to partner with Hutchinson.

Green’s potential transition to the NFL is made easier by the Lions’ existing infrastructure. By playing alongside established stars like Hutchinson and Smith, Green would avoid the pressure of being the immediate focal point of the defense. Instead, he could focus on translating his college dominance into professional success.

Additionally, the Lions’ coaching staff has a reputation for developing talent and creating roles that maximize individual strengths. Green’s explosiveness off the snap and underrated ability to defend against the run would allow him to slot seamlessly into Detroit’s defensive schemes.

A Risk Worth Taking

Drafting Green would undoubtedly come with questions. Critics will point to his lack of experience against top-tier competition and the small-school stigma that follows prospects from programs like Marshall. However, the Lions have shown time and again that they are unafraid to take calculated risks on players they believe in.

As Detroit prepares for the playoffs and dreams of a Super Bowl, the thought of adding a high-ceiling prospect like Mike Green to their already impressive roster is tantalizing. His selection would signal the Lions’ commitment to building a defense capable of contending for championships for years to come.

Looking Ahead

While the Lions are fully committed to the present, the mock draft paints a promising picture of the future. Mike Green, with his elite production, physical tools, and determination to prove himself, could be the perfect addition to a team that has already established itself as a powerhouse in the NFC.

Detroit fans may not be thinking about the draft just yet, but if this mock scenario comes to fruition, Green could become a name to remember in the Lions’ quest for sustained success.