The Detroit Lions were recently given a B-minus draft grade by PFF.com , with the prediction that none of the rookies selected were ready for a starting assignment. However, this isn’t the first time Brad Holmes’ draft picks have been questioned. But his doubters usually end up eating their words.
Rating Detroit Lions Rookies Who Could Become Starters
Let’s take a closer look at the Lions’ 2025 draft class and see which rookies might be ready to take on a starting role.
Tyleik Williams, Ohio State University DT -Round 1 (28th Overall)
With his imposing 6’3” 334 lb. frame, Tyleik Williams brings power and strength to the Lions’ defense . An elite run defender at Ohio State, Williams recorded 136 tackles (27 TFLs for 97 yards), 11.5 quarterback sacks, 10 pass breakups, and four quarterback pressures.
Viewing Williams as the total package, Holmes and Dan Campbell were particularly impressed by his speed and versatility. He has the agility and quickness to push past blockers and shut down running lanes. Besides playing nose tackle, DL coordinator Kacy Rodgers could use him as a three-technique defender to penetrate the offensive line and create chaos and disruption in the backfield.
Campbell is confident Williams will make an immediate impact as a starter. Aiding his chances to become a starter is the increasing likelihood that Alim McNeill won’t be sufficiently recovered by the start of the season. In a recent SI article, Campbell noted their similarities, “There are things about him that remind me of Mack (Alim McNeill.) He can play the nose, he can play the three-technique.” Although Williams isn’t as strong in the pass-rush, Campbell sees a great deal of potential. “Man, he’s excellent against the run. He can get an edge and pass rush, push the pocket. There’s a lot of upside with this guy. Smart, instinctive football player. We’re fired up.”
Tyleik Williams NFL Draft Profile
Chances of starting Week 1: 5/5
Lions Rookie Tate Ratledge, Georgia Guard -Round 2 (57th Overall via trade with Denver)
A unanimously popular draft choice, Georgia’s Tate Ratledge is the rookie given the best odds by NFL experts to become a Week 1 starter. At 6’6” and 308 lbs. Ratledge fills an immediate need for the Lions after Detroit lost Kevin Zeitler to free agency.
Described by Campbell as tough, physical, and athletic, Ratledge embodies the type of player that the Lions covet. Despite his stature, he brings unexpected speed, bend, and agility. Ratledge ran a 4.97 in the 40-yard dash and posted a 32-inch vertical jump in Indianapolis. Possessing a high football I.Q. with the aggressive “dirty dog” mentality the position demands, Ratledge is expected to suit up in Week 1 as a starter.
Chances of starting Week 1: 5/5
Isaac TeSlaa, Arkansas WR-Round 3 (70th Overall via trade with Jacksonville)
The Lions’ most controversial selection of the draft was Arkansas wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa . By drafting TeSlaa in the third round, Holmes was widely criticized for an aggressive “reach” that cost the Lions too much draft capital. However, the LA Rams were also trying to make a trade with Jacksonville for the pick. Given the stiff competition, Holmes may not have had a choice. As the clock ticked down to the final seconds, Jacksonville agreed to Detroit’s terms.
However, TeSlaa didn’t come cheap. Detroit swapped this year’s 102nd pick along with two 2026 third-round picks and a 2026 sixth-round pick in exchange for the Jags’ 70th and 182nd picks. Although costly, Holmes has an uncanny instinct for spotting underrated talent. The versatile TeSlaa might just become the next Lions star rookie.
Compared favorably with the Green Bay Packers’ WR Christian Watson, 6’4″, 214 lb. TeSlaa can block and be utilized in multiple schemes. A big-bodied slot receiver, he can contribute as a diversionary run blocker or come up with catches in soft underneath coverage zones.
He can also play on special teams. Most rookie wide receivers are brought along slowly and given time to develop. Given the strength of the Lions’ receiving room with Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, and Tim Patrick, the first glimpse of TeSlaa may come on special teams. But if Lions OC Johnny Morton and ST coordinator Dave Fipp like what they see, he could find a starting role with the unit.
Isaac TeSlaa NFL Draft Profile
Chances of starting Week 1: 4/5
Miles Frazier, LSU Guard –Round 6 (171st overall)
Holmes negotiated his third trade of the draft by trading up with the New England Patriots for the 171st pick. After giving the Pats the 182nd pick he got from Jacksonville, Holmes acquired Detroit’s second offensive lineman, LSU’s Miles Frazier .
Predicted to go off the board much earlier, Frazier’s sixth-round availability was a steal. Widely praised as the Lions’ best value in the draft, the 6’5″ 317 lb. rookie offers terrific positional versatility. Frazier has experience playing four of the five offensive lineman roles and is likely to compete with Graham Glasgow and Christian Mahogany for the starting assignment at training camp.
Two LSU writers had glowing comments about Frazier in a recent interview. Described as an elite pass protector, he didn’t give up a single sack in his final 20 games. Although his run game needs a bit of development, Frazier has the ideal physicality and a demeanor that fits the Lions’ culture. A quiet, soft-spoken individual, he lets his actions do the talking on the field. He brings versatility, a no-nonsense attitude, and a dedicated work ethic.
Chances of starting Week 1: 5/5
Ahmed Hassanein, Boise State EDGE –Round 6 (196th overall)
After a video surfaced of Lions rookie Ahmed Hassanein telling his new head coach he “would die for him,” he quickly endeared himself as a Detroit fan favorite. An Egyptian-born athlete who only began playing football after moving to the US in 2023, Hassanein racked up an impressive 22 sacks, 68 tackles (32 TFLs), and two forced fumbles in two years. Whatever technical skills 6’2” and 267 lb. Hassanein might lack, but his passionate desire to prove himself worthy of his new team makes up for it. If Lions rookies were only judged on sheer will and the desire to play Week 1, Hassanein would be a shoo-in.
However, Holmes already loves what he sees in him . ”Hassanein’s physicality, toughness, and motivation jumped off the tape. We acquired him because he plays with his hair on fire.”
Considering the raw talent and untapped potential in Hassanein, it’s safe to assume that while he may not be a Week 1 starter, he could soon become one with proper training. Lining up opposite an elite talent like Aidan Hutchinson to study and learn from, Hassanein couldn’t have found himself in a better situation.
Ahmed Hassanein NFL Draft Profile
Chances of starting Week 1: 3/5
Despite the skeptical commentary and lackluster grades, several Lions rookies could find themselves suiting up as starters this season. Only time will tell, but the 2025 draft class could shape up as one of Holmes’ best.
Main Photo: Vasha Hunt-Imagn Images
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