Lindsay Miller

The big day is finally here. The first round of the 2025 NFL Draft kicks off tonight at 8 p.m. EDT in Green Bay.

The Lions have a solid roster heading into draft weekend, which gives GM Brad Holmes plenty of flexibility with the No. 28 overall pick. If the Lions stay at 28, who will they select?

I asked the Detroitlions.com crew, and here's what they had to say:

Tim Twentyman: OL Grey Zabel, North Dakota State

Maybe this is just wishful thinking on my part he makes it this far because I think he's a perfect fit in Detroit. Zabel is one of my favorite prospects in the class because of the versatility he offers upfront. He was an All-American left tackle but has also started at right tackle and both guard spots.

He focused on playing some center in the pre-draft process he played there at the Senior Bowl and was terrific and could be one of those rare O-line prospects who can play all five spots if needed. Zabel is tough, technically sound and excels as a run blocker. His leadership and character traits are off the charts too. All things that fit Detroit.

Dannie Rogers: WR Tetairoa McMillan, Arizona

First thing's first, I don't see Holmes trading out of the first round. I do anticipate most fans favoring an Edge or offensive lineman calling Detroit home after night one. However, Holmes selecting back-to-back defensive backs last year with the draft in the Motor City makes me want to go in the opposite direction of what my gut is telling me (Edge) and pivot towards the wide receiver position.

I'm eyeing the Detroit Lions selecting Arizona wide receiver Tetairoa "T-Mac" McMillan in the first round. This is the year Detroit can draft their lengthy downfield target to help open up the offense more in 2025. McMillan registered two seasons in a row of 1,300-plus receiving yards. He had a six-week drought in 2025 without a touchdown, but still registered over 100 yards in two of those games.

I'm having fun with this pick this year and T-Mac is my top choice.

Cole Bambini: Edge Donovan Ezeiruaku, Boston College

I agree with Tim that Zabel would fit perfectly in Detroit, but I think he will be off the board by No. 28. My inclination leans toward Detroit drafting an edge rusher and Ezeiruaku fits the bill. Ezeiruaku would provide youth and depth on the edge to supportMarcus DavenportandAidan Hutchinson.

This past season, he ranked second and third in the FBS with 16.5 sacks and 20.5 tackles for loss, respectively, and won the Ted Hendricks Award for the nation's best defensive end the same honor Hutchinson won in 2021 while at Michigan. Ezeiruaku, the ACC Defensive Player of the Year, is explosive off the snap, allowing him to be a disruptive force in the backfield to help a Lions' defense that struggled to sack the quarterback in 2024.

Editor's Pick: OL Donovan Jackson, Ohio State

If it falls right, the end of the first round can be a great place to find value at the interior offensive line position. Jackson's athleticism makes him a perfect fit for the Lions here.

He primarily played at left guard for Ohio State, but started nine games at left tackle this past season (filling in for injured starter Josh Simmons) so he has some position versatility. Jackson was named First-team All-Big Ten and Second-team Associated Press All-American for the national champion Buckeyes.