2025 NFL Draft winners and losers: Giants go big; Steelers still in limbo

At this point in our draft-consuming history, I'd like to think we've grown a bit. 

The true purpose of the NFL Draft is to build for the long term, making decisions that will play out slowly over the course of several years. We're all aware that the true value of this draft won't be fully known until 2027 or 2028.

But the purpose of pro sports is ultimately entertainment, and what's the point if we're not having some fun?

Understanding that we can't see the future, we can still evaluate strategies and decision-making from this past weekend's festivities.

Here are some of the most exciting and most puzzling hauls from the 2025 NFL Draft.

Detroit Lions

I feel like I'm alone on an island in liking the Lions' draft, but maybe that's because I've learned to trust general manager Brad Holmes.

No, the Lions didn't find a starting edge rusher, but I deeply appreciate their commitment to the line of scrimmage. Drafting Tyleik Williams in the first round is a great way to beef up the defensive front, and it should make life easier on Aidan Hutchinson. More importantly, the Lions found two guards who could push for serious playing time in Tate Ratledge and Miles Frazier. That offensive line is the most important piece of Detroit's roster, so stocking it with talent is just fine with me.

Yes, the Lions did commit one of this draft's biggest "reaches," according to the experts: a massive trade up to snag Arkansas receiver Isaac TeSlaa. It was a steep price to pay, giving up two third-round picks in next year's draft. But if you're going to make a move like that, at least TeSlaa fits the bill: 6-foot-4, 214 pounds with off-the-charts athleticism. It's a gamble, but I think Holmes deserves the benefit of the doubt with hits like