5 Lions Targets To Keep Your Eye On At The Senior Bowl
Credit: Vasha Hunt-Imagn Images
With the Detroit Lions’ unfortunate early playoff exit, it’s time to head to Mobile, Alabama to get a look at the next generation of players! The Lions are slated to pick 28th in the upcoming NFL Draft and will have plenty of room to rebuild, particularly on defense. With the Senior Bowl just three short days away, Detroit fans will get to watch potential new players for the team’s 2025 Super Bowl run.
Of course, there’s no need to pay attention to all of these guys, as Detroit’s roster is loaded and some players may not make sense from a schematic fit. So let’s take a look at players who Lions fans should keep an eye on this weekend.
Shemar Stewart, EDGE, Texas A&M
Shemar Stewart is a polarizing prospect whose current scouting report is strikingly similar to that of Ezekiel Ansah. While he’s far from a finished product technique-wise, the general consensus is that his explosive physical attributes will be enough to win teams over.
Texas A&M EDGE Shemar Stewart drawing a loud crowd reaction after this dominant bull rush #GigEm #TheDraftStartsInMOBILE pic.twitter.com/fEavcpjLLS
— Tommy Yarrish (@tommy_yarrish) January 28, 2025
“Stewart is still a little raw and inconsistent as a pass rusher, but his physical traits are off the charts,” wrote ESPN draft expert Mel Kiper Jr. “I could definitely see him rising up the board as we get closer to the draft; he is going to test well in pre-draft events. He has quickness and power, and he’s going to continue developing. And his scheme versatility is a bonus.”
With Za’Darius Smith entering the final year of his contract, Stewart would be a strong candidate to be brought in and paired with Aidan Hutchinson. Considering the physically gifted prospect has a lot of room to develop as a player, bringing him along next to one of the NFL’s premiere pass rushers should give Stewart ample opportunity to maximize his potential.
Trey Amos, CB, Ole Miss
Famous Amos! Huh? Who’s with me?
Trey Amos, who was a teammate of Terrion Arnold at Alabama in 2023, is a physical corner prospect who has the ability to match up against bigger receivers. His 83.0 Overall PFF grade of 83.0 in 2024 had him ranked 21st out of 858 eligible corners. His coverage numbers drastically improved in his final year at Ole Miss, as he intercepted three passes, had ten pass breakups, and limited quarterbacks to a 56.4 passer rating when targeting receivers covered by him.
I know I’m late, but I just watched All-22 of Trey Amos for the first time today & I am so in.
Closing speed is absurd, love his length, slippery hips, +ball skills.
I do have concerns about his top gear & a tendency to be grabby at the top of a route.
Could sneak into Day 1. https://t.co/D6t0KZQFCF
— Hunter Haas (@Haas_Football) January 28, 2025
Due to his strong season, Amos was given First-Team All-SEC honors. Due to his ability as a physical corner, he has a chance to rocket up draft boards. However, like Arnold, his aggressive style of play leads to an overzealous style at times, which leads to occasional missteps and big plays given up, which may make some teams hesitant to draft him.
Demetrius Knight II, LB, South Carolina
The best kind of linebacker is one with a nose for the football. Demetrius Knight, one of the top linebacker prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft, possesses that premium skill set.
Came to check out the South Carolina defensive line, and got distracted watching LB Demetrius Knight II (#17)… former Charlotte transfer. Legit range at 6’1 5/8” and 248 pounds.
We have a live one, folks. pic.twitter.com/T8PKBVVH5F
— Ryan Roberts (@RiseNDraft) November 7, 2024
Knight, a distant cousin of Detroit’s very own Aretha Franklin, has excellent downhill speed and is willing to be a physical player when it comes to taking on blockers. He particularly excels as a run defender, garnering an 85.9 grade from PFF, in addition to only missing four tackles in all of 2024. Many scouting reports also lauded his strong character and work ethic, which would make him fit like a glove in Dan Campbell’s culture.
Alfred Collins, DT, Texas
The 2025 Draft class may be a bit all over the place, and there aren’t as many surefire stars as there have been in previous draft classes. However, the defensive tackle position is rich with depth, and Alfred Collins is one of the headliners among the group.
Alfred Collins (DL, Texas #95) is one of the strongest DTs in this class.
Gets through a double team to get a tackle for a zero-yard gain. pic.twitter.com/xmMacypYnu
— Tyler Brooke (@TylerDBrooke) January 15, 2025
Collins was the ninth-highest graded defensive tackle (87.2 Overall) out of 895 eligible players in 2024, comes from a program that had two top 40 picks in 2024 (Byron Murphy II and T’Vondre Sweat). While he’s not much of a pass rusher, he had the fifth-highest Run Defense grade in all of college football last season (89.6) and only just one tackle. He is projected to be a Day Two selection.
Miles Frazier, OG, LSU
With Kevin Zeitler potentially on his way out after this season, offensive line depth is needed. One player to keep an eye on (especially since the guard pool is very shallow) is LSU’s Miles Frazier.
I’ve planted my flag during the fall on Miles Fraizer being discussed in the upper echelon of this IOL draft class
Play strength is through the roof & for a big guy, he plays with real good burst to seal on those reach blocks
He’s in the best shape of his career and he’s got a… pic.twitter.com/DQVxtqHpEv
— Dom C (@DC_NYJets) January 28, 2025
Frazier is not the fastest or the quickest prospect. However, he is a strong player who excelled in pass protection, having not allowed a sack Week 6 of the 2023 season against Missouri. He has a wealth of experience playing multiple positions on the offensive line; however, he truly shined as a player once he was moved to right guard full-time at LSU. He’s currently projected as a Day 3 selection with room to move up if he impresses enough at the Senior Bowl and the NFL Combine.
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