The Detroit Lions are gearing up for a critical offseason, especially with the absence of former offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, who joined the Chicago Bears as their head coach. The Lions are expected to focus heavily on improving their defense during the upcoming NFL draft, with priorities placed on defensive linemen, right guard, and cornerback. If rumors hold true, the Lions may again draft a cornerback in the first round, following last year’s selection of Terrion Arnold and Ennis Rakestraw.
Some visits today:
— #Kentucky CB Maxwell Hairston visited the #Lions today and has the #Raiders tomorrow.
— #UCLA LB Carson Schwesinger was visiting the #Panthers today.
— #Texas WR Isaiah Bond visited the #Browns today.
— #NotreDame WR Beaux Collins visited the #Bears…— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 8, 2025
One of the cornerbacks the Lions have shown interest in is Maxwell Hairston, a standout player from Kentucky. Despite an injury-plagued 2024 season, Hairston’s resilience and strong performance when healthy—such as five interceptions and two touchdowns in 2023—make him an intriguing prospect. His ability to lock down routes and read the field has garnered attention, and his visit to Detroit has sparked further speculation about the Lions drafting him.
Dan Campbell remains confident in his team, especially with the core of players like Jared Goff, Amon-Ra St. Brown, and David Montgomery, alongside a returning offensive line. With the addition of John Morton as the new offensive coordinator, questions remain about whether he can replicate Johnson’s success and bring a creative spark to the offense. Nonetheless, Campbell’s faith in his players is clear, and the team’s success will ultimately hinge on how well the roster performs in 2025.
The upcoming draft and Campbell’s decisions will be critical for the Lions, as they look to strengthen both their defense and offensive creativity in the face of significant changes.