NFL Executive Praises Lions 'Philly Like' Strategy

The Detroit Lions' 2025 draft class has now been analyzed a myriad of ways by supporters, NFL draft analysts and writers.

Since the team waited until the sixth-round to draft a defensive end, some pundits believed general manager Brad Holmes waited too long to address their biggest need and roster weakness. However, others believe the team approached it correctly by adding several prospects who project as instant contributors.

In a recent story for The Athletic, NFL writer Mike Sando polled anonymous executives on their analysis of each team's draft class. One unnamed executive praised the Lions, comparing their work to how the reigning Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles approach the draft.

By drafting a defensive lineman and two offensive linemen, the Lions strengthed the core of their team. Having built the current roster through the trenches, Detroit stayed true to their style.

"Keep building on the lines, which is what they do there," one executive said. "They play to their strengths, and let's call it what it is: the Philly mindset. Not a bad strategy. And then they got three players from Georgia, one from Ohio State, one from LSU — big schools."