Reviewing contributions from Detroit Lions' 2025 draft class and setting early expectations for 2026
It’s irrational to suggest drafting is ever easy for an NFL general manager, but when Brad Holmes took the Detroit Lions job in 2021, opportunity was far less of a barrier for his selections.
Penei Sewell, Aidan Hutchinson, Jahmyr Gibbs and Jack Campbell would likely have been Day 1 starters almost anywhere. But later-round choices, such as Amon-Ra St. Brown, Kerby Joseph, Derrick Barnes, Alim McNeill and Malcolm Rodriguez each had roles develop earlier than anticipated because the Lions lacked quality depth to deny them their opportunities.
That’s not to say the cream wouldn’t have risen eventually, it just happened quicker here because of the situation. However, because Detroit’s rookies saw such significant playing time each of those three seasons, they finished top four in NFL.com’s annual ranking of draft classes.
But for the past couple of seasons, the cupboards have been far better stocked by Holmes, not just across the starting lineup, but the backups, as well. Pair that with the Lions drafting later in the first round after winning back-to-back division titles, and finding that instant impact in the draft has become a naturally steeper challenge.
In 2024, Holmes traded up in the first round and secured a Day 1 starter in cornerback Terrion Arnold. Beyond that, Holmes landed standout special teamer Sione Vaki, rotational defensive tackle Mekhi Wingo, and guard Christian Mahogany, who developed into a top backup that gave the Lions two quality spot starts and the confidence he could hold down the job in 2025.
But remember those rookie class rankings we referenced, where the Lions finished fourth or better from 2021-23? Well, in 2024, they dropped to 28th on that list.
Coming off a 15-2 season, with the majority of starters returning, and some key holes plugged in free agency, 2025’s rookie class unsurprisingly looked a lot like 2024’s group.
Here's how each of Holmes’ draft picks from last season contributed and what we can reasonably expect out of each player in their second season.
Defensive tackle Tyleik Williams (R1, P28)
2025 contributions: With Alim McNeill recovering from an ACL tear he suffered the previous season, and Levi Onwuzurike lost to a season-ending knee injury during the offseason program, the Lions needed Williams to play a bigger-than-expected role out of the gate. The Ohio State product started the first six games, averaging a touch more than 30 snaps.
Once McNeill returned in Week 7, the Lions had to recalibrate. Initially, Williams playing time sharply declined, down to a season-low eight snaps in the team’s Week 10 game against Washington. After that, McNeill was shifted to the edge to create more playing time for the rookie, and Williams averaged nearly 28 defensive snaps the rest of the way.