This was a typical Brad Holmes draft. He traded up three times which required dipping into the 2026 picks, and didn’t trade down at all. He said he tried to trade up 30 times. His track record with the draft is pretty good, so I won’t obsess over his efforts to constantly trade up. He targeted players from the power programs in the power conferences, especially the SEC and Georgia. He got reinforcements for both lines, hoping to continue winning in the trenches. There wasn’t a ton that will move the needle from a fantasy standpoint. The total was 7 picks, with 4 on offense and 3 on defense. Let’s look at the picks:

1.28 (28) DT Tyliek Williams, Ohio State. I mentioned defensive tackle as a position of need in my report last month, and while some mocks had the Lions going with a defensive tackle I don’t recall seeing this name connected with the Lions, probably because he was projected as more of a second rounder. But the pick makes sense. Alim McNeill will almost certainly be on the PUP list into the regular season, giving Williams a clear path to immediate playing time. He has the size to be a run stuffer. The Lions think he has some pass rush ability as well. The Lions have had a strong run defense in recent years and that should continue in 2025 with Williams factoring in.

2.25 (57) OG Tate Ratledge, Georgia. Another position of need. Actually, I mentioned five positions in my report last month and those were the five positions they drafted, doubling up at guard and receiver. Ratledge will compete for a starting job as the Lions begin to get a little younger on the offensive line.

3.6 (70) WR Isaac TeSlaa, Arkansas. This was a pretty big move up from pick 102 to 70 to get TeSlaa, and it cost the Lions two third round picks in 2026. I mentioned him last month as he did visit the Lions in the predraft process so it wasn’t a surprise they took him. He is an interesting story as he is from the state of Michigan and started his college career at Hillsdale, a division II school in Michigan. He transferred to Arkansas. He didn’t put up huge numbers at Arkansas but I read that there was a coaching change during his time there which could have been a reason why. He has size and athletic ability. Maybe the Lions think he could be their Puka Nacua But I don’t see it happening right away. I think they will be patient and try to develop him this year so he can contribute in 2026. But he’ll be someone to watch closely in the preseason.

5.35 (171) OG Miles Frazier, LSU. You can see there was a big gap between the TeSlaa pick and this one, but because the Lions have a solid roster and are expecting to continue as a top contender there isn’t room for a large group of rookies to come in and make an impact. Frazier figures to compete for a backup job. The competition will be fierce as the Lions went into the draft with veteran Graham Glasgow and youngster Christian Mahogany penciled in as starters and they have some backup guards that have played a little bit too. I wouldn’t rule out the idea of the Lions maybe trading a guard in preseason.

6. 20 (196) Edge Ahmed Hassanein, Boise State. Many fans wanted the Lions to address the edge position earlier in the draft but they did not. We just have to pray that Aidan Hutchinson can return to form and stay healthy or else the pass rush will be subpar again. Hassanein is from Egypt and didn’t know what football was growing up. Seems like a project but if he can rush the passer he could work his way into a role on 3rd downs.

7.14 (230) S Dan Jackson, Georgia. The Lions gave Kerby Joseph a huge extension and Brian Branch also figures to be here long term so the starting safeties are set. But Jackson could make the team as a backup safety if he can play special teams.

7. 28 (244) WR Dominic Lovett, Georgia. Yep, another Georgia pick. Lovett profiles as more of a slot receiver while TeSlaa is an outside guy. Lovett might have a tough path to making the 53 man roster but he should be a lock for the practice squad as Brad Holmes historically doesn’t like to part with players he drafted.

UDFA (skill positions only): RB Anthony Tyus, Ohio, RB Kye Robichaux, Boston College. WR Jackson Meeks, Syrcause. WR Jakobie Keeney-James, UMass. TE Caden Prieskorn, Ole Miss. TE Zach Horton, Indiana. Please note that as of this writing the Lions have not officially announced their UDFA signings so these have been compiled based on various sources. The Lions didn’t really need to draft a running back but they are bringing in two UDFAs. Tyus has size and ran for over 1200 yards last year. Robichaux didn’t put up huge yardahe numbers and has 10 TDs. They are probably competing for a practice squad spot as the depth chart is pretty set at running back. Meeks got a nice signing bonus so he will get a serious look throughout the spring and summer. Prieskorn is rated as a better prospect than Horton, and could have a shot at squeezing onto the roster as the third tight end.

That’s it for this month. I will be back next month with a new report including a look at the schedule and any other news that develops from the OTAs and minicamps. One thing to note is that the Lions will be able to open training camp earlier than normal thanks to playing in the Hall of Fame game, so they are expected to dial it back a bit with their minicamps.

End.