Lions GM Brad Holmes’ preferred method of building Detroit’s roster is through the NFL draft. Holmes is a genius at spotting underrated rookie talent.
Three-Round Mock Draft For Detroit Lions
During his tenure in Detroit, Holmes has drafted six Pro-Bowl caliber players: Penei Sewell, Amon-Ra St. Brown, Aidan Hutchinson , Jahmyr Gibbs, Brian Branch , and Sam LaPorta. Holmes is a genius when it comes to scouting talent. He is particularly adept at spotting under-the-radar gems who blossom into premier players with dedicated coaching.
Holmes -A Genius At Drafting Hidden Gems
In 2021, Holmes hit a home run when he acquired the vastly underrated St. Brown in the 4th round with the 119th pick. Graded at the NFL Combine as an “average starter with a score of 6.21”, St. Brown has consistently “overachieved” as one of the top wide receivers in the league.
Another Pro Bowl caliber talent, LaPorta rated a similarly low score of 6.18 at the Combine as a “Good Backup With The Potential To Develop Into Starter.”
Kerby Joseph was chosen with the 33rd pick of the 2022 draft. At the time of the combine, Joseph was given an overall grade of 6.10 and evaluated as a “Good Backup With The Potential To Develop Into a Starter.” No one would call him a backup today. One of the NFL’s top safety’s, Joseph led the league with nine interceptions last season.
Holmes’ Best Detroit Lions Draft Class
2023 was arguably Holmes’ best draft class. Aggressively trading up to acquire Gibbs with the 12th selection in the first round, Holmes also drafted Jack Campbell in the first round with the 18th pick. He selected La Porta with the 34th pick in the second round and traded up to acquire Branch with the 45th pick.
Holmes finds the quality players and hands them over to Dan Campbell to coach, develop and deploy. Starting a rookie is risky but there’s no better teaching opportunity than trial by fire on the field. Last year’s number one pick Terrion Arnold had a bumpy first few weeks, repeatedly getting flagged for penalties. But he quickly caught on, becoming the premier talent he is today.
Detroit Lions -Draft Round One- 28th Pick:
The Lions’ number one need is an EDGE defender to play opposite Hutchinson. While Marcus Davenport has been re-signed for another year, he’s an incredibly fragile individual with a history of multiple injuries. Za’Darius Smith was a terrific addition, but his contract was financially problematic. Hopefully, Smith will return with a restructured deal.
Meanwhile, the Lions could use their first-round pick to acquire another young EDGE player such as Nic Scourton. However, he may not be available by the time the Lions are on the board.
Grey Zabel -OL, North Dakota State Senior
One of Holmes’ draft strategies is selecting the best player available, regardless of position. Therefore, the Lions could pivot to select North Dakota State OL Grey Zabel. NDSU won the FCS National Championship with Zabel as their offensive line anchor.
Standing a towering 6’6” and weighing 312 lbs., Zabel projects a “tough guy” image with his huge athletic build and strong upper body. As a versatile player who covers multiple positions, he displays aggressive tenacity. However, Zabel has also been praised for his patience and ability to wait out an opponent to counter his moves. Scoring a PFF grade of 90.4 last season, Zabel allowed only one sack and four quarterback pressures.
Scouting reports spoke very highly of Zabel’s maturity and his leadership on and off the football field. His discipline and strength of character speak to the type of player the Lions recruit. He impressed the Lions enough to score an in-person Top-3o invitation. In addition, he fills an immediate need for the Lions now that Kevin Zeitler left following his free agency deal with the Tennessee Titans.
DETROIT LIONS-DRAFT ROUND TWO 60th Pick:
Jack Sawyer -EDGE, The Ohio State
6’4″ 260 lb. Jack Sawyer is one of the higher-rated EDGE prospects in this year’s defense-rich class. If top EDGE defenders Mike Green , Scourton, and Donovan Ezeiruaku aren’t available, Sawyer would be a solid fit for the Lions.
The hero of this year’s OSU Cotton Bowl victory, Sawyer pulled off a strip sack and fumble recovery touchdown. What made Sawyer’s “scoop and score” more memorable was that Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers was once Sawyer’s OSU roommate. Sawyer’s team went on to win the National Championship Title by defeating Notre Dame.
Ranked as the 11th overall EDGE prospect at the Combine with a 6.36 as a “Plus Starter,” Sawyer has a reputation as someone who is constantly striving to improve. Designated as a team captain last year, his former defensive coordinator Jim Knowles said of Sawyer, “I think he’ll go down in history as one of the greatest Buckeyes of all time … Jack will live in infamy for the plays he made but also the spirit and leadership he brought to the program.”
Ohio State offensive coordinator Chip Kelly was equally impressed, describing Sawyer as good of a person and player as he’s ever been around. If the Lions are looking for a tough and committed player, Sawyer could be their man.
DETROIT LIONS-DRAFT ROUND THREE 102nd Pick:
Omarr Norman-Lott-DL, Tennessee
If Holmes is still looking to bolster the Lions’ pass rush in the third round, one potential prospect is Omarr Norman-Lott. The 6’2” 291 lb. Norman-Lott began his football career at ASU but transferred for his final two years to Tennessee.
A reserve player who started only two games, Norman-Lott was invited to the 2025 Reese’s Senior Bowl. He contributed to Tennessee’s defense with 44 tackles (10 TFLs), 9.5 sacks, and one fumble recovery.
Praised at the Combine for his quickness and ability to out-maneuver blockers, Lance Zierlein described Norman-Lott as an energetic pass rusher with a high-pressure rate. He’s quick to use his large 10 3/4 hands to swipe, grab, and chop-blocking players. However, according to his draft profile, his “undersized stature” suggests he lacks body mass and will struggle as a power rusher.
Norman-Lott was involved in a post-game fight following an overtime victory over rival Florida. Handed a half-game suspension in the game against UTSA, Norman-Lott nonetheless impressed his teammates with his positive attitude.
Teammate Bryson Eason credited him for being there for his team despite not being able to play, “But one thing for sure is being supportive and loving on us, showing the same energy he would give even if he was out there on the field.”
Norman-Lott’s support and his willingness to jump in to defend a teammate are reminiscent of Brian Branch. His energy and commitment to his teammates are characteristics that are highly valued by Holmes and Campbell. While Norman-Lott might get the occasional penalty flag, he sounds like a standup player who will give the Lions his all.
It will be exciting to see the hidden gems Holmes’ finds this year.
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