Detroit Lions Eyeing Youth at Receiver in 2025 NFL Draft: A Breakdown of the Best Prospects

The Detroit Lions are confident in the receiver group they currently have, but head coach Dan Campbell recently expressed his desire to add youth to that position to increase competition. While the Lions aren’t a needs-based drafting team, it’s clear that the receiver spot could be a key focus in the 2025 NFL Draft. Given the talent available at various stages of the draft, the Lions have a unique opportunity to bolster their receiving corps. Here’s a breakdown of the best receiver options for Detroit in each round of the 2025 NFL Draft.

First Round: Matthew Golden, Texas – The Speedster

The Lions already have a game-changing receiver in Jameson Williams, known for his blistering speed. Now, imagine adding another burner to the mix in Matthew Golden. Golden turned heads at the NFL Combine, running an astonishing 4.29 in the 40-yard dash. While he might not be quite as fast as Williams, his speed is still elite and could open up the field for the Lions.

Golden isn’t just a speed guy, though. He also has the ability to be productive, going up and winning contested catches. Pairing two speedsters who can stretch the field would give Jared Goff a dynamic receiving duo, creating nightmares for opposing defenses. Golden could be the perfect addition to take the Lions’ offense to the next level.

Second Round: Jayden Higgins, Iowa State – The Big Body

At 6-foot-4, Jayden Higgins is one of the biggest receivers in this year’s draft. His size alone makes him an intriguing option for the Lions, especially in red-zone situations where contested catches are key. Higgins is a physical receiver who uses his height and strength to make plays over cornerbacks. His ability to go up and high-point the ball would make him a valuable asset in the end zone.

Additionally, Higgins has familiarity with new Lions tight ends coach, Tyler Roehl, as they worked together at Iowa State last year. Roehl knows how to unlock the best in Higgins, which could help him integrate quickly into the Lions’ offense. A big-bodied receiver like Higgins would add a different dimension to the Lions’ already explosive receiving corps.

Third Round: Pat Bryant, Illinois – A Balanced Threat

If I were in the Lions’ shoes, my ideal pick for the receiver position in the third round would be Pat Bryant. Bryant has the size, speed, and contested catch ability that would fit perfectly with Detroit’s offensive scheme. But what sets him apart is his blocking. Bryant was one of the best blocking receivers in college football last season, which is something the Lions highly value, especially in their run-heavy offense.

Having a receiver who can block downfield and help with the running game would make Bryant a versatile weapon in Detroit’s offense. His combination of skills would make him a great fit for the Lions and their need for a well-rounded receiver.

Fourth Round: Kyle Williams, Washington State – A Rising Star

Kyle Williams may currently be a fourth-round pick, but there’s speculation that his stock could rise quickly. He’s a talented receiver with great potential, though his size at 5-foot-11 is slightly smaller than what the Lions typically look for. Despite that, Williams has the skills to contribute in a big way. He could develop into a valuable piece for the Lions if they decide to take a chance on him.

Williams has been known to show flashes of brilliance, and with some development, he could become an important asset for the Lions. He’s certainly one to watch, especially if his stock continues to rise in the lead-up to the draft.

Fifth Round: Nick Nash, San Jose State – The Versatile Playmaker

Nick Nash is an intriguing prospect, and his potential could be a steal in the fifth round. Originally a quarterback, Nash has converted to receiver and has excelled in his new role. Last season, he had 104 receptions for 1,382 yards and 16 touchdowns, showcasing his ability to make big plays.

Nash is a dynamic playmaker who can contribute in various ways. His background as a quarterback gives him a unique perspective on the game, allowing him to read defenses and make adjustments on the fly. He could provide an extra layer of versatility to the Lions’ offense, making him a smart pick in the middle rounds.

Sixth Round: Kobe Hudson, Central Florida – A Bounce-Back Candidate

Kobe Hudson didn’t have the most impressive 2024 season, but his 2023 tape shows the potential that could be a steal for the Lions in the sixth round. If Detroit is able to secure the 2023 version of Hudson, they could land a talented receiver who can contribute immediately.

Hudson has solid skills as a receiver, and with the right coaching, he could find a role in the Lions’ offense. If he can return to his previous form, he would be a valuable late-round pick for the Lions.

Seventh Round: Bru McCoy, Tennessee – The Late-Round Flier

If the Lions are looking for a potential hidden gem in the seventh round, Bru McCoy might be worth considering. At 6-foot-3, McCoy has good size and can move well, but his production has been inconsistent. He has the potential to become a solid contributor, but he’s a bit of a wildcard.

McCoy reminds me of a younger Tim Patrick—a player who can make some catches but might not be able to do much after the ball is in his hands. Despite his inconsistencies, McCoy’s size and potential make him an interesting option for the Lions to take a flier on. He could develop into a valuable depth piece if given the right coaching.

Conclusion: The Lions’ Receiver Prospects

The Detroit Lions are looking to add youth and competition to their receiving corps, and the 2025 NFL Draft offers a plethora of exciting options at various stages. From speedsters like Matthew Golden in the first round to intriguing late-round picks like Bru McCoy, the Lions have the opportunity to add a dynamic playmaker who can take their offense to new heights. Whether they’re looking for speed, size, or versatility, Detroit’s front office has plenty of talent to consider in this draft class.

The question remains: which prospect will the Lions choose to help complement their already strong offensive weapons and elevate their game even further? Fans will be eagerly watching as Detroit looks to add another key piece to their growing offensive arsenal.