It’s officially the week of the 2025 NFL Draft and the Detroit Lions are hard at work preparing to build on one of the league’s best rosters. While last season didn’t end as expected, the foundation that general manager Brad Holmes and head coach Dan Campbell have built is a sustainable one which should see this organization compete for years to come.
One of the Lions’ largest advantages has been in the draft. Whether it’s Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, Aidan Hutchinson, Penei Sewell, Jack Campbell, or Jahmyr Gibbs, Holmes has been one of the NFL’s best at acquiring talent throughout this process.
However, Detroit is hamstrung by picking No. 28 in the first round. There is one path to acquiring a true game-changing talent, though, and that’s trading up for a perfect Aidan Hutchinson partner.
Lions Trade Up to No. 11 for Jalon Walker in Projected Trade
In this projected trade, originally proposed by Vito Chirco of Detroit Lions on SI, the Lions move up to No. 11 in the first round with the San Francisco 49ers in exchange for Detroit’s first and second-rounders. In return, the Lions also receive the Niners’ third-round selection.
This would allow Detroit to pick standout Georgia linebacker Jalon Walker, who could become an elite pass rusher alongside Hutchinson and would instantly elevate the defense. Jayden Daniels and the Washington Commanders torched a short-handed Lions unit in the playoffs, so it’s obvious that Holmes needs to prioritize that side of the football.
The offense is ready to win a Super Bowl now, but the defense isn’t. Guys like Hutchinson and All-Pro safety Kerby Joseph are stars, yet they need complementary pieces in order to reach the next level.
Walker put up 11.5 sacks over the last two seasons as a Bulldog along with 19 tackles for loss. He has elite athletic traits, running a 4.50 40-yard dash while earning First-Team All-American honors from several publications.
Should the Lions have an opportunity to land a player like this, they need to take advantage of it. The gap between their second-round pick and the 49ers’ third isn’t that wide, and players like Walker don’t come around often.
At the very least, Holmes needs to make the call and see if a deal like this could be on the table.