I’ve been covering the Detroit Lions since 2014, working through three different general managers. Of the three, it seems that Brad Holmes is the one that some media and fans think they have all figured out. Despite his unpredictability over the years, some still feel like they can predict his next move.
Holmes spoke at the 2025 NFL Combine about the Lions’ strategy, explaining that they don’t follow a needs-based approach when it comes to the draft. Instead, they focus on selecting the best football player available. He emphasized that they don’t get fixated on specific positions, highlighting that their approach is about getting the best talent for the team.
This mindset aligns with how the Lions have drafted in recent years. In 2021, they took a tackle when most expected a quarterback or receiver. In 2022, they traded up for a receiver, and in 2023, they surprised everyone by selecting a running back and then a linebacker. 2024 was the only draft where it seemed clear they’d pick a cornerback—and they did.
As for the 2025 draft, there’s been a lot of speculation about the Lions selecting an edge rusher early, but given Holmes’ track record, it’s not a guarantee. While the team has been scouting edge rushers, they’ve been showing even more interest in linebackers, receivers, tight ends, and offensive linemen. Excluding tight end, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see the Lions go in any of these directions in the first round.
One thing that is certain is that the Lions value the trenches. Holmes made it clear that the team prioritizes this area, stating that both he and head coach Dan Campbell are aligned on this philosophy. He emphasized that the game is won in the trenches, and they believe you can never have enough players there.
So, for Lions fans heading into the draft, the key takeaway is to expect the unexpected. The good news is that this year’s draft is deep in defensive linemen, so even if the Lions don’t take one early, they can still pick up a quality player later on. We’ll see what unfolds in April.
(Note: A potential target could be Jihaad Campbell, a linebacker from Alabama, but the draft is full of possibilities.)