The Detroit Lions’ draft selections have played a crucial role in the franchise’s remarkable turnaround, changing it from a regular NFC North cellar-dweller into a genuine Super Bowl contender.
Under the leadership of General Manager Brad Holmes and Head Coach Dan Campbell, the Lions have cultivated a distinct draft philosophy centered on high-character individuals, exceptional athletic profiles, and a strategic blend of “best player available” with an eye towards positional value.
This comprehensive article will delve into the Lions’ draft strategies from 2020 to 2025, highlight key selections, analyze their impact, discuss recent trends in the NFL Draft, and provide practical insights for fans and aspiring general managers alike.
The Evolution of the Lions’ Draft Strategy: From Rebuild to Contention
For decades, the Detroit Lions were synonymous with futility, often characterized by questionable draft selections that failed to yield consistent success. However, the arrival of Brad Holmes in 2021 marked a seismic shift. Holmes, previously the Director of College Scouting for the Los Angeles Rams, brought a fresh perspective and a clear vision: build through the trenches, prioritize high-character players, and avoid chasing needs just for the sake of it.
This philosophy has been instrumental in the Lions’ ascent. Rather than just selecting the player deemed to be the best based on a generic evaluation, Holmes and his team conduct thorough scouting of prospects, placing importance on characteristics that fit with Dan Campbell’s culture of toughness, physicality, and teamwork. This approach has led to a roster brimming with players who are not only talented but also deeply committed to the team’s shared goals.
Defining Key Concepts in NFL Drafting
Before diving into the specifics of the Lions’ draft history, it’s crucial to understand some fundamental concepts that govern NFL team-building through the draft:
Best Player Available (BPA): This strategy dictates that a team should select the highest-rated player on their draft board, regardless of positional need. The argument is that truly elite talent will always find a way to contribute, and reaching for a player at a position of need can lead to a less impactful selection.
Drafting for Need: Conversely, this approach prioritizes filling immediate roster holes. While it can address urgent deficiencies, it risks selecting a less talented player simply because they play a specific position, potentially leading to “busts.”
Positional Value: In the contemporary NFL, some positions hold more value than others. Quarterbacks, edge rushers, offensive tackles, and cornerbacks generally hold higher positional value due to their impact on the game and their scarcity. Teams often prioritize these positions in early rounds.
Character and Culture Fit: Beyond raw talent, teams increasingly emphasize a player’s character, work ethic, and ability to integrate into the locker room. The Lions, under Campbell, place a particularly high premium on this aspect, seeking players who embody their “grit” mantra.
Trade Value (Draft Capital): Draft picks themselves are valuable assets that can be traded for other picks, current players, or future selections. General managers often use analytics to determine the relative value of picks to maximize their draft capital.
A Deep Dive into Detroit Lions Draft Picks (2020-2025)
The years 2020 to 2025 mark a crucial phase for the Lions, as they move from the conclusion of the Matt Patricia/Bob Quinn era to the complete realization of Brad Holmes/Dan Campbell vision.
The 2020 NFL Draft: A Precursor to Change
The 2020 draft, the last under the previous administration, saw the Lions select cornerback Jeff Okudah with the 3rd overall pick. While Okudah was a highly touted prospect, his tenure in Detroit was plagued by injuries and inconsistent play, ultimately leading to his trade. This pick, in hindsight, serves as a stark contrast to the direction the franchise would soon take, highlighting the perils of selecting a “can’t-miss” prospect who doesn’t pan out.
The Brad Holmes Era Begins: 2021 NFL Draft
The 2021 draft was Brad Holmes’ first true opportunity to shape the roster. With the 7th overall pick, the Lions selected offensive tackle Penei Sewell from Oregon. This pick immediately signaled a commitment to building in the trenches, a core tenet of the Holmes-Campbell philosophy. Sewell has since become a Pro Bowl caliber player, anchoring the right side of the offensive line and embodying the physical style of play the Lions champion.
Other notable picks from 2021 included:
Amon-Ra St. Brown (WR, 4th round): A phenomenal value pick, St. Brown has developed into one of the league’s most reliable and productive wide receivers, consistently exceeding expectations as a mid-round selection. His tireless commitment to work is a perfect representation of the Lions’ culture.
Alim McNeill (DT, 3rd round): McNeill has proven to be a stout run-stuffing defensive tackle who also offers pass-rushing upside, becoming a key piece of the defensive front.
Reinforcing the Foundation: 2022 NFL Draft
The 2022 draft further solidified the Lions’ foundation. With the 2nd overall pick, they selected edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson from Michigan. Hutchinson, a local product, quickly became a defensive leader and a consistent pressure generator, validating the team’s investment in a premium position.
Key selections in 2022 also included:
Jameson Williams (WR, 1st round – via trade-up): While Williams’ early career was impacted by injury and a suspension, his explosive speed offers a dynamic element to the offense, and the Lions have shown patience in his development. This pick demonstrated Holmes’ willingness to be aggressive when he identifies a unique talent.
Kerby Joseph (S, 3rd round): Joseph emerged as a ball-hawking safety, consistently making big plays and providing much-needed stability to the secondary.
The Breakout Year and Strategic Additions: 2023 NFL Draft
The 2023 draft came after a season where the Lions showed significant improvement, narrowly missing the playoffs. With heightened expectations, Holmes continued to surprise. The Lions raised eyebrows by selecting running back Jahmyr Gibbs with the 12th overall pick, a position often devalued in modern drafts. However, Gibbs’ versatility as a runner and pass-catcher, coupled with David Montgomery, created one of the league’s most potent backfield tandems.
Building for the Future: 2024 NFL Draft
Coming off a historic NFC Championship game appearance, the 2024 draft saw the Lions pick later in the first round. Their selections continued to reinforce the trenches and add depth.
Terrion Arnold (CB, 1st round): Addressing a long-standing need at cornerback, Arnold brought athleticism and a competitive spirit to the secondary, immediately competing for a starting role.
Ennis Rakestraw Jr. (CB, 2nd round): Doubling down on the secondary, Rakestraw provided another physical and feisty cornerback, showcasing the team’s commitment to improving pass defense.
Brad Holmes’ Draft Philosophy: A Masterclass in Team Building
Brad Holmes’ approach to the NFL Draft is a significant departure from the previous Lions regimes and has become a model for successful team building. His philosophy can be summarized by several key tenets:
“Our Type of Guys”: Holmes and Campbell constantly talk about drafting “our type of guys.” This isn’t just a cliché; it refers to players who exhibit exceptional character, high football IQ, relentless effort, and a competitive drive.
They prioritize players who love football and are dedicated to the team. As Holmes stated in April 2025, “He just had a lot of traits and qualities that we were looking for and he’s going to fit right in here like a glove.”
Building in the Trenches: The foundation of any successful NFL team starts with strong offensive and defensive lines. The Lions have heavily invested high draft capital in these positions (e.g., Penei Sewell, Alim McNeill, Aidan Hutchinson, Tyleik Williams, Tate Ratledge), recognizing their crucial role in both run game success and defensive disruption.
“Best Player Available” with a Twist: While Holmes adheres to the “best player available” principle, it’s not a rigid adherence to consensus big boards. Instead, it’s about the best player available on their meticulously crafted internal board, which heavily weights character and scheme fit. He explicitly stated in April 2025, “I think you can get in trouble chasing needs sometimes, and then you’re depending on a rookie.” This highlights his patience and long-term view.
Aggressiveness and Calculated Risks: Holmes is not afraid to trade up for players he covets, as evidenced by the Jameson Williams and Tate Ratledge selections. These are calculated risks based on thorough scouting and conviction in the player’s talent and fit.
Value in Later Rounds: The Lions have consistently found contributors in the middle and late rounds (e.g., Amon-Ra St. Brown, Kerby Joseph, Malcolm Rodriguez). This demonstrates the depth of their scouting department and their ability to identify hidden gems.
The Impact of Draft Picks on Team Performance: Real-Life Examples
The impact of the Detroit Lions’ draft picks on their performance has been undeniable. The shift began to manifest in the 2022 season, where they finished 9-8 after a 1-6 start. The 2023 season saw them win the NFC North for the first time in 30 years and reach the NFC Championship Game.
Key examples of impact:
Penei Sewell (2021): Transformed the offensive line, contributing to a top-tier rushing attack and excellent pass protection for Jared Goff. The Lions consistently rank among the league leaders in offensive line metrics.
Aidan Hutchinson (2022): Provided the much-needed pass rush presence that was missing for years. His disruption significantly elevates the entire defense.
Amon-Ra St. Brown (2021): Became a primary target and consistent chain-mover, alleviating pressure on other receivers and forming a strong rapport with Goff.
Jahmyr Gibbs & David Montgomery (2023): This dynamic duo formed the league’s most effective rushing tandem, providing a relentless ground game that powered the offense.
Brian Branch (2023): His immediate impact in the secondary, particularly in crucial moments, showed the value of versatile and instinctive defensive backs.
These players, all acquired through the draft, have become core components of a winning football team, demonstrating the direct correlation between shrewd draft choices and on-field success.
Recent Trends in the NFL Draft (as of 2025)
The NFL Draft is a dynamic landscape, and several trends continue to shape how teams approach player acquisition:
Premium on Quarterbacks (Still): Despite a few recent busts, elite quarterback talent remains the most valuable asset. Teams will go to extreme lengths, including trading significant draft capital, to secure a franchise quarterback.
The Rise of the Versatile Offensive Weapon: The days of rigid positional archetypes are fading. Teams now covet players who can excel in multiple roles – running backs who can catch, tight ends who can block and run routes, and receivers who can play inside and outside. The Lions’ selection of Jahmyr Gibbs exemplifies this trend.
Athleticism at Every Position: The increasing speed and athleticism of the game demand players who can keep up. Even interior linemen are now expected to possess surprising quickness and agility.
Data and Analytics Integration: Beyond basic stats, teams are heavily relying on advanced analytics to inform their draft boards, identify undervalued traits, and project future performance. This includes things like “Grit Index” scores, as seen in some 2025 draft analyses for the Lions.
Character and Leadership Emphasis: With significant investments made in young players, teams are increasingly prioritizing off-field character, leadership qualities, and a strong work ethic to minimize risk and ensure positive locker room influence. The Lions are at the forefront of this trend.
Trade-Down/Trade-Up Flexibility: General Managers are more willing than ever to move around the draft board to maximize value, accumulate more picks, or target specific players they believe are essential.
FAQs
What is Brad Holmes’ overarching philosophy for the Detroit Lions draft picks?
Brad Holmes’ philosophy centers on acquiring “our type of guys” – high-character individuals with strong work ethics, high football IQs, and a relentless competitive drive. He prioritizes building through the offensive and defensive lines, taking a “best player available” approach based on the team’s internal board, and isn’t afraid to make calculated trades to secure players he covets. He emphasizes long-term investment over chasing immediate needs.
How have the Detroit Lions’ recent draft picks impacted the team’s performance?
The Lions’ recent draft picks have been instrumental in the team’s dramatic turnaround. Players like Penei Sewell, Aidan Hutchinson, Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jahmyr Gibbs, and Brian Branch, all drafted under Brad Holmes, have become core contributors, directly leading to improved offensive line play, a disruptive pass rush, a potent rushing attack, and a more reliable secondary. This has transformed the team into an NFC Championship contender.
Are there any common mistakes teams make in the NFL Draft that the Lions have successfully avoided?
Yes, the Lions under Brad Holmes have largely avoided common draft mistakes such as consistently reaching for players at positions of need, ignoring character concerns, or solely relying on athletic measurables without considering football instincts. Holmes’ patient approach and focus on cultural fit have helped mitigate these risks, leading to a higher hit rate on their draft selections.
How important is positional value to the Detroit Lions’ draft strategy?
Positional value is highly important to the Detroit Lions. While they adhere to “best player available” on their board, their high investments in offensive tackles (Sewell), edge rushers (Hutchinson), and interior defensive linemen (McNeill, Williams) demonstrate a clear understanding of which positions have the most impact on a team’s success in the modern NFL. They prioritize these premium positions in the early rounds while still finding value at other positions later.
Final Thoughts
The transformation of the Detroit Lions through their strategic and disciplined approach to the NFL Draft is a compelling narrative in professional sports. The emphasis on “our type of guys,” building from the trenches, and a patient, yet aggressive, philosophy under Brad Holmes and Dan Campbell has fundamentally reshaped the franchise’s identity.
From the pivotal selections of Penei Sewell and Aidan Hutchinson to the discovery of gems like Amon-Ra St. Brown, the Lions’ draft picks have not merely filled roster spots; they have instilled a winning culture and propelled the team into consistent contention.
As the NFL continues to evolve, the Lions’ draft blueprint serves as a testament to the power of a coherent vision, meticulous scouting, and unwavering commitment to character in achieving sustained success.
Their journey underscores that the draft is not just about accumulating talent, but about building a cohesive, resilient team that can thrive in the fiercely competitive landscape of the National Football League.
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