Brad Holmes didn’t just draft players — he reshaped the Lions’ future. Turning nine picks into six impact additions, Detroit attacked key needs, found steals and added grit. Here’s why this draft could be a turning point.
The NFL draft has concluded, with the Detroit Lions entering the weekend with nine selections and ultimately coming away with six players. General manager Brad Holmes emphasized quality over quantity, packaging picks to move around the board. Here is a breakdown of each selection, along with a final draft grade.
Round 1, Pick 17: Blake Miller, OT, Clemson — A-
Detroit opened by selecting offensive tackle Blake Miller, whom Holmes identified as the team’s top target on the line. Miller brings rare durability, playing 3,778 snaps across 54 games at Clemson without missing time. That consistency addresses a key need for a Lions offensive line that values reliability.
At 6-foot-6 and 317 pounds, Miller combines size with strong athletic traits. He allowed just seven sacks over four seasons and projects as an immediate competitor at right tackle, where he will battle for a starting role. The pick offers both short-term stability and long-term upside.
Round 2, Pick 44: Derrick Moore, EDGE, Michigan — B+
The Lions traded up from No. 50 to No. 44, sending a fourth-round pick to the New York Jets to secure Derrick Moore. The move ensured Detroit landed one of the more productive edge rushers in the Big Ten.
Moore posted an 89.9 overall PFF grade in 2025, including a 92.4 pass-rush grade, ranking among the nation’s best. He recorded 11 sacks, 41 pressures and two forced fumbles while serving as a team captain. At 6-4 with ideal length, Moore fits Detroit’s defensive profile and adds much-needed pass-rush juice.
Round 4, Pick 118: Jimmy Rolder, LB, Michigan — B-
Detroit doubled down on Michigan defenders by selecting linebacker Jimmy Rolder. While some viewed the pick as a reach, it fills a clear positional need.
Rolder led the Wolverines with 73 tackles in his lone season as a starter, adding seven tackles for loss. He brings solid size at 6-2½ and 238 pounds, along with a physical playing style. Though not the flashiest selection, Rolder provides depth and developmental potential at a thin position group.
Round 5, Pick 157: Keith Abney, CB, Arizona State — A+
This may be Detroit’s best value pick of the draft. Keith Abney was widely projected as a Day 2 selection but slid into the fifth round.
A first-team All-Big 12 performer, Abney consistently produced in coverage, leading his team in pass breakups multiple times and recording three interceptions in 2024. He also posted a career-high 52 tackles that season. His athletic background — including four national titles in speed skating — shows up in his movement skills. Abney has the upside to develop into a starter.
Round 5, Pick 168: Kendrick Law, WR, Kentucky — B-
The Lions continued to add offensive weapons with wide receiver Kendrick Law. Depth at the position remains important, and Law offers versatility.
He led Kentucky with 53 receptions for 540 yards, averaging 10.2 yards per catch. Law projects as a gadget-style player who can contribute on special teams and compete for a depth role in the receiving corps.
Round 6, Pick 205: Skylar Gill-Howard, DL, Texas Tech — A-
Skylar Gill-Howard brings one of the more unique stories in the class. A former walk-on and FedEx employee, he worked his way into a starting role at Texas Tech.
Gill-Howard plays with the toughness and motor Detroit covets. With questions along the defensive line, he has a legitimate chance to carve out a rotational role early in his career.
Round 7, Pick 222: Tyre West, DL, Tennessee — B-
Seventh-round picks are often developmental, and Tyre West fits that mold. Still, he fills a need along the defensive front and offers positional versatility.
West finished his college career with 65 tackles, 20.5 tackles for loss and 10 sacks. His ability to line up in multiple spots adds value as he competes for a roster spot.
Overall Grade: A-
Holmes and the Lions executed a focused draft strategy, prioritizing trenches and defensive depth while capitalizing on value opportunities. Several selections have the potential to contribute early, while others offer long-term development.
Detroit addressed key needs and added competition across the roster, continuing to build a team capable of contending in the NFC.