Lions' rookie predictions will prove Brad Holmes nailed it once again in NFL Draft

Despite receiving some external criticism for perceived reaches in the 2025 NFL Draft, most Detroit Lions fans likely are willing to give top executive Brad Holmes the benefit of the doubt when it comes to picking players.

The Lions chose to focus on the trenches, spending four of their seven selections on either offensive or defensive linemen. Considering how the trenches have been the strength of this team in the last few years, Holmes is doing everything he can to keep that unit as elite as possible.

Looking at the Lions' 2025 rookie class, it is very clear that Holmes brought in multiple players with a Pro Bowl ceiling, even if they may not put up the gaudiest numbers in 2025 due to the quality veterans ahead of them on the depth chart.

Detroit Lions 2025 NFL Draft class projections

Round 1, Pick 28: DT Tyleik Williams

25 tackles, 2 sacks

Williams might not begin the year as a starter due to his lack of an elite pass rush and the established starters in front of him, but his immense potential as a space-eating run-stuffer is so great that he will eventually work his way into the fold.

Round 2, Pick 57: IOL Tate Ratledge

17 starts, 70.0 PFF grade

Ratledge has earned high marks for his exceptional run-blocking at Georgia, and the sudden retirement of Frank Ragnow will likely push Ratledge into a position where he is starting right away. The results should be exemplary.

Round 3, Pick 70: WR Isaac TeSlaa

20 catches, 375 yards, 4 touchdowns

Holmes is taking a big gamble on TeSlaa, who wasn't even the leading receiver on his college team. However, with a 6-4 frame and the speed needed to win downfield at the professional level, TeSlaa's potential alongside Jared Goff is so great that he could prove the doubters wrong.

Round 5, Pick 171: IOL Miles Frazier

2 starts, 65.0 PFF grade

Frazier falling as far as he did was a huge surprise, and the Lions' unclear interior offensive line picture can benefit from a player like him coming into the fold.

Round 6, Pick 196: EDGE Ahmed Hassanein

18 tackles, 3.5 sacks

Hassanein's fire makes him an ideal Dan Campbell player, and Detroit's lack of great edge depth will put him in a very important role very early on. His versatility could help him earn even more playing time.

Round 7, Pick 230: S Dan Jackson

15 tackles, 1 INT

Jackson is locked behind Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph on the depth chart, but he should become a very effective special teams ace as a rookie.

Round 7, Pick 244: WR Dominic Lovett

5 catches, 60 yards, 10 special teams tackles

Lovett faces some tough odds when it comes to making the roster, but his blend of smooth route-running and reliability should be enough for him to stick.