Detroit Lions 2025 NFL Mock Draft: Brad Holmes Ready to Reload with Smart, Aggressive Strategy
DETROIT — Lions general manager Brad Holmes probably knows how many mock drafts have hit the internet. He’s seen the projections, heard the debates, and even understands the buzz surrounding Detroit’s perceived needs heading into the 2025 NFL Draft.
But just days away from the first round, Holmes is sending a clear message to Lions fans: calm down, trust the process, and enjoy the ride.
“I don’t understand why people can’t just watch the draft,” Holmes said with a chuckle last Thursday. “Like, all right, I don’t know what’s going to happen, but watch the draft and get your popcorn ready and enjoy it.”
It’s the kind of statement only a confident general manager can make — and Holmes has certainly earned that confidence. Since taking over in 2021, Holmes has transformed the Lions into one of the NFL’s most well-constructed rosters, largely built through the draft. He’s selected six Pro Bowlers in the past four years and turned a once-laughingstock franchise into a legitimate Super Bowl contender.
Now entering Year 5, Holmes isn’t just looking to fill holes — he’s looking to elevate the Lions from contenders to champions. With that in mind, here’s one final seven-round mock draft that reflects Detroit’s strategy, philosophy, and bold decision-making under Holmes.
Round 1, Pick 18 (via SEA): Mykel Williams, EDGE, Georgia
Trade Details: Detroit sends Pick No. 28, Pick No. 102, and a 2026 third-round pick to Seattle.
If there’s one thing we’ve learned about Holmes, it’s that he isn’t afraid to move up for a player he loves. He’s done it for guys like Jameson Williams, Brian Branch, and Terrion Arnold — and he does it again here for Mykel Williams, a versatile, high-upside edge rusher out of Georgia.
At 6-foot-5, 261 pounds with freakishly long 34⅜-inch arms, Williams checks every box the Lions look for in their defensive linemen: size, strength, discipline, and high character. He’s a two-time team leader for the Bulldogs and widely respected in the locker room. Georgia head coach Kirby Smart called him “versatile” and “a great leader.”
Williams didn’t have eye-popping stats in college due to Georgia’s deep rotation and a nagging ankle injury that limited his production. But the tools? They’re off the charts. His explosiveness, length, and strength make him a moldable prospect, especially in the hands of a strong coaching staff. Sound familiar? It should — this is exactly the kind of bet Holmes has been willing to make before.
This move would give the Lions a dream pairing on the edge with Aidan Hutchinson and Mykel Williams — a high-energy, high-ceiling duo that could terrorize quarterbacks for the next decade.
Round 3, Pick 70 (via JAX): Josaiah Stewart, EDGE, Michigan
Trade Details: Detroit sends Pick No. 60 and No. 196 to Jacksonville for Picks No. 70 and No. 107.
Yes, it’s another edge rusher — but the Lions aren’t just building for this year. Stewart is more than just a need-based selection; he’s a calculated upside pick that fits Detroit’s long-term vision.
A twitchy, explosive pass-rusher with a relentless motor, Stewart has drawn consistent interest from the Lions during the pre-draft process. He doesn’t have ideal size (6-foot-1, 237 pounds), but his burst and hand technique make him dangerous off the edge. He projects as a situational pass rusher at the next level but could develop into a starting SAM linebacker with time.
That flexibility is key for Detroit, especially with Alex Anzalone entering a contract year. Stewart could be groomed for a starting role in 2026 while contributing as a pass-rush specialist in the meantime. It’s a smart move that adds depth and speed to a position that lacked burst behind Hutchinson last year.
Round 4, Pick 107 (via JAX): Dylan Fairchild, G, Georgia
After losing Kevin Zeitler in free agency and fielding questions about the long-term future of the offensive line, the Lions need some fresh blood in the trenches. Fairchild, who had a pre-draft visit with Detroit, could be that guy.
At 6-foot-5, 325 pounds, Fairchild brings the kind of grit and physicality that fits perfectly with Dan Campbell’s brand of football. A former wrestler and strength standout (he made Bruce Feldman’s “Freaks” list), Fairchild plays with a mean streak and allowed just one sack in 875 snaps last season. He’s not the most polished prospect, but his upside is massive.
He’s viewed as a potential 10-year starter by scouts and would benefit from working under offensive line coach Hank Fraley, who’s helped shape the Lions’ unit into one of the NFL’s best. Fairchild could push for playing time early and develop into a cornerstone piece down the line.
Round 4, Pick 130: Tory Horton, WR, Colorado State
The Lions’ wide receiver room isn’t a pressing need, but it lacks young depth and returner options. Enter Tory Horton — a productive, versatile receiver with punt return skills and big-play potential.
Horton posted 95 catches in 2023 before a knee injury derailed his season. That setback may cause him to fall to Day 3, but the talent is undeniable. He’s got 4.41 speed, elite burst (22.5 mph in-game), and a savvy understanding of zone coverage. At 6-foot-2, he has the size to line up inside or outside and can contribute immediately on special teams.
More importantly, he’s a two-time captain with a team-first mindset. Despite receiving offers from SEC schools, Horton stayed loyal to Colorado State and head coach Jay Norvell. That loyalty, along with his athletic profile, makes him a quintessential Brad Holmes target.
Round 7, Pick 228: Craig Woodson, S, California
Late in the draft, teams often target high-character, high-IQ depth — and Woodson is exactly that. A safety out of Cal, Woodson is a smart, instinctive player with above-average diagnostic skills. He’s not a top-tier athlete, but he does enough in every area to be dependable in a rotational role.
The Lions lost Ifeatu Melifonwu and could use depth in the secondary. At 24 years old, Woodson is mature and game-ready. He’s a potential core special teamer and depth piece who could carve out a long NFL career thanks to his football intelligence and work ethic.
Round 7, Pick 244: Jay Higgins, LB, Iowa
One of the most underrated players in this year’s draft class, Higgins was a tackling machine for Iowa, racking up 295 tackles over his final two seasons. He’s not the flashiest athlete, but he’s physical, smart, and instinctive — all traits that align with Detroit’s linebacker prototype.
With the Lions likely to part ways with a veteran or two at linebacker next season, Higgins provides an insurance policy and potential special teams ace. He’s built for the middle of the field and could fill a similar role to that of Malcolm Rodriguez in his rookie year.
Holmes’ Strategy: Best Player Available — Always
One of the defining characteristics of Brad Holmes’ draft philosophy is that he doesn’t draft for immediate need. He drafts for value, culture, and long-term fit. That’s how he’s been able to build a playoff team from the ground up.
He’s said repeatedly that he’s “about the right player, not the position,” and that strategy is once again reflected in this mock draft. Whether it’s trading up for Mykel Williams, drafting another edge rusher in Stewart, or grabbing a receiver with return skills in Horton, these selections all fit the blueprint: tough, smart, versatile football players with elite character.
The Lions aren’t in rebuild mode anymore — they’re in reload mode. And thanks to smart trades, comp picks, and strategic roster building, Holmes can afford to gamble on upside and double down on strengths. That’s what elite franchises do, and that’s what this draft represents for Detroit.
Final Thoughts: Trust Holmes, Enjoy the Ride
The beauty of this draft isn’t just the picks — it’s the process behind them. Brad Holmes has earned the trust of fans and the league with his bold, consistent, and clear-eyed approach to team building. The Lions no longer have to reach. They no longer have to patch holes with aging free agents. They draft players who fit — not just schematically, but culturally.
So if Holmes says sit back and enjoy the draft, it might just be the best advice anyone can give. Because if history is any indicator, he’s about to make a few more moves that push the Lions even closer to the ultimate goal.
The popcorn is ready. The future is bright. And the Detroit Lions are on the clock.
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