The NFL Draft’s third day often separates the good teams from the great ones. While first-round picks grab headlines, championship rosters are built in the later rounds, where scouts earn their keep and general managers prove their worth. The Detroit Lions, fresh off their most successful season in decades, entered Day 3 of the 2025 NFL Draft with a clear vision: add depth and developmental talent to an already strong roster. Their selections of Miles Frazier, Ahmed Hassanein, Dan Jackson, and Dominic Lovett reflect not just careful planning, but a growing confidence in the franchise’s ability to identify and develop talent.
Lions’ First Day 3 Pick Is A Mauler
For their first Day 3 selection, the Lions showed their conviction by trading up to secure LSU offensive guard Miles Frazier with the 171st overall pick. According to the Detroit Lions, Frazier impressed at the combine with a 5.24-second 40-yard dash and a 31-inch vertical jump, impressive numbers for a 6-foot-6, 317-pound lineman. His college tape reveals a wide-bodied frame with long limbs and good play strength, traits that translate well to the NFL level. Bleacher Report’s analysis highlights his ability to cover up defenders effectively, suggesting he could provide immediate depth behind veteran guard Graham Glasgow while developing into a potential starter.
Possible Day 3 Gem Found By Brad Holmes
The Lions’ sixth-round selection of Boise State edge rusher Ahmed Hassanein at pick 196 might prove to be one of the steals of Day 3. ESPN reports that Hassanein recorded 9.5 sacks in 2024, bringing his career total to 24 – the fourth-most in school history. More impressively, Hero Sports notes that he was among the top three edge rushers in the country with 62 total pressures, 17 quarterback hits, and 35 QB hurries in 2024. His combination of production and athleticism, as evidenced by a blazing 4.77-second 40-yard dash at 267 pounds, suggests he could contribute immediately in passing situations.
Georgia safety Dan Jackson represents another calculated gamble by the Lions’ front office. Despite being controversially omitted from the NFL Combine, Sports Illustrated reports that Jackson’s film tells a different story than his pre-draft process might suggest. His production speaks volumes: Pride of Detroit notes that Jackson accumulated 140 tackles, five tackles for loss, five pass deflections, four interceptions, and three forced fumbles during his collegiate career. His aggressive playing style and special teams prowess could make him an immediate contributor in multiple phases of the game.
With the 230th pick of the 2025 @NFLDraft, the @Lions selected @GeorgiaFootball S @danjackson_10.
On 33 targets faced in 2024, he did not surrender a TD reception and allowed a passer rating of 56.3, per @PFF.#OnePride pic.twitter.com/rduCnchCs9
— Detroit Lions PR (@LionsPR) April 26, 2025
The Lions’ final selection of the draft, Georgia wide receiver Dominic Lovett, demonstrates the front office’s commitment to adding value regardless of roster needs. The Detroit Lions’ website confirms that Lovett brings legitimate 4.40 speed to Detroit’s receiving corps, primarily operating from the slot. Starting off at Missouri and then moving over to Georgia, his consistent production in the SEC speaks to his ability to perform against elite competition. Sports Illustrated’s analysis highlights his high football IQ and precise route running, traits that could make him a nightmare for defenders, particularly from the slot position.
What makes these selections particularly intriguing is how they align with Detroit’s broader strategic vision. The Detroit Free Press reports that the Lions entered the draft with a solid foundation but clear opportunities for depth enhancement, particularly along the offensive line and in the defensive backfield. Each of these Day 3 picks addresses specific needs while maintaining the team’s philosophy of acquiring players who bring both physical tools and high football character.
The Lions’ Day 3 draft class reflects a franchise that understands the delicate balance between immediate needs and long-term development. Frazier provides insurance for an offensive line that’s been crucial to Detroit’s success. Hassanein adds another pass-rushing threat to a defensive front that’s already among the league’s most promising. Jackson brings special teams ability and defensive depth, while Lovett offers explosive playmaking potential in an already dynamic offense. Together, these selections demonstrate why the Lions’ front office has earned a reputation for draft day excellence, finding value where others might see mere depth pieces.
Another draft in the books, how’re we feeling Lions fans? Do you feel good about this year’s draft class? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/pCNHFdRqyS
— Woodward Sports Network (@woodwardsports) April 26, 2025
Looking ahead, the success of this draft class will be measured not just in individual achievements but in how these players contribute to Detroit’s continued evolution as a championship contender. If recent history is any indication, don’t be surprised if at least one of these Day 3 selections emerges as a key contributor in the Lions’ pursuit of their first Super Bowl appearance. In the high-stakes game of NFL roster building, Detroit’s front office has once again shown why they’re among the league’s most respected talent evaluators.