In the most recent NFL mock draft, the Detroit Lions strike the trenches in Field Yates.

Throughout their tenure with the Detroit Lions, Brad Holmes and Dan Campbell have made it quite evident that this club prevails in the trenches. Building from the inside out has become the cornerstone in Detroit, whether it is using the offensive line to intimidate opponents or causing havoc up front on defence.

In his latest NFL mock draft, ESPN’s Field Yates leans right into that identity, predicting the Lions will double down on the trenches in the first two rounds.

Round 1:

Derrick Harmon, DT, Oregon

Yates predicts Detroit will take Oregon’s disruptive defensive tackle Derrick Harmon with the No. 28 pick.

Yates clarified, “The Detroit defence suffered injuries in the closing minutes of the previous season, and some of them will persist into this coming season — including stalwart defensive tackle Alim McNeill’s torn ACL.” “Harmon’s breakthrough 2024 season could help fill that gap.” Of all the FBS defensive tackles, he had by far the most pressures—34—during his one season with the Ducks. He can make an impact as a rusher because of his length, power at the moment of attack, and pursuit speed.

Harmon seems like a very sensible and high-upside choice to anchor the centre alongside McNeill in the long run, especially as Alim McNeill is still healing and Detroit still needs more depth and explosiveness up front.

Round 2:

Tate Ratledge, OG, Georgia

Yates has the Lions focussing on the attacking end of the ball with the No. 60 choice, choosing Georgia’s polished guard Tate Ratledge. Yates noted, “Kevin Zeitler left the Lions in free agency.” Ratledge would be a fantastic choice if they don’t think Christian Mahogany or Kayode Awosika would start at right guard. He is one of the class’s most skilled players.

Ratledge is rugged, dependable, and technically sound, which matches Detroit’s football style. The starting right guard position is very much up for grabs going into 2025, and he might enter camp and be a part of a three-way competition.

The bottom line

Dominating the line of scrimmage has been the foundation of Detroit’s recent success, and this mock draft maintains that reputation. This two-round haul would be as Lions as it gets, given Ratledge’s high-floor consistency on offence and Harmon’s disruptive defensive potential. In the trenches, physicality, depth, and adaptability? That is the blueprint created by Dan Campbell.