The Detroit Lions are 7-5 and are fighting for postseason lives in 2025. Things haven't gone according to plan thus far, though, and a lot of it should fall on the shoulders of general manager Brad Holmes.
The 2024 and 2025 NFL drafts have been severely underwhelming for the Lions, as they lack good contributors at key positions like cornerback, edge, and receiver.
Lions' Past Two NFL Drafts Have Been Disappointing
During the 2024 draft, the Lions selected the following: CB Terrion Arnold, CB Ennis Rakestraw, OL Giovanni Manu, RB Sione Vaki, DT Mekhi Wingo, and OL Christian Mahogany. They then followed that up with the 2025 draft class that includes: DT Tyleik Williams, OL Tate Ratledge, WR Isaac TeSlaa, OL Miles Frazier, DE Ahmed Hassanein, DB Dan Jackson, and WR Dominic Lovett.
Although these guys are still young and have room for growth, none of them have emerged as difference-makers. The Lions have experienced their fair share of injuries on the defensive side of the ball, especially in the secondary. Arnold was just placed on IR due to a season-ending shoulder injury. Rakestraw has also dealt with injuries through his first two seasons.
Mahogany could be a starter along the offensive line, but no guarantee that will happen. These are just a few examples of how the Lions have missed the window to add more potential contributors to the roster. We don't need to go down the entire list, but fans know these two draft classes have been underwhelming.
Especially since the Lions were able to snag Jack Campbell, Jahmyr Gibbs, Sam LaPorta, and Brian Branch from the 2023 NFL draft. Every single one of those guys has developed into plus starters and will likely land extensions in the near future. And that's what makes these whiffs in the draft hurt even more. Getting productive players on cheap deals is how the good teams continue their success.
The Lions don't have much wiggle room for the remainder of the season, but it's no secret they could use more production from edge, cornerback, and even the offensive line. They took some swings at these positions in the draft but haven't gotten the rewards back.
Granted, scouting in the NFL is a difficult job, but that's why Holmes is paid the big bucks. He has proven the ability to hit on draft picks before, but he's failed to do so in back-to-back years. His dropping the ball there has had negative ripple effects on the Lions in 2025, and that's certainly not what anyone wanted to see.