Every year, the Detroit Lions enter the NFL Draft facing a chorus of critics. And every year, General Manager Brad Holmes walks away looking like the smartest man in the room. It’s become an annual tradition: analysts question the Lions’ picks on draft weekend, only to revise their takes months later when Holmes’ selections start making game-changing plays on Sundays.
This year was no different. Detroit’s 2025 draft class drew immediate scrutiny from talking heads across the sports media landscape. “Reach.” “Head-scratching.” “Overdrafted.” These were some of the words tossed around on draft night. But if Holmes’ previous drafts have taught us anything, it’s this: trust the vision, not the noise.
Let’s break down the Lions’ 2025 draft class, pick by pick, and explain why this group might once again prove the doubters embarrassingly wrong.
First Round, Pick No. 29: Ennis Rakestraw Jr., CB, Missouri
At first glance, selecting Ennis Rakestraw Jr. at No. 29 was labeled a “reach” by some analysts. The Missouri cornerback doesn’t have the prototypical size or ball production of a top-30 pick, but if you understand what the Lions needed—and what Holmes looks for—you’ll understand why this was a brilliant pick.
Rakestraw plays with relentless physicality, exceptional press-man technique, and a level of swagger that Dan Campbell covets. He’s not just a “culture fit,” he’s a culture enforcer. He excels in disrupting timing routes, mirroring receivers in man coverage, and bringing a dog mentality to the perimeter—something Detroit lacked down the stretch last season.
This is a player who can start opposite Carlton Davis III on Day 1 and eventually become the CB1 in Aaron Glenn’s defense. Holmes didn’t reach; he just saw what others didn’t.
Second Round, Pick No. 61: Kris Jenkins, DL, Michigan
Another pick that had critics scratching their heads. Some expected the Lions to go wide receiver or safety here. But instead, Holmes doubled down on building the trenches, selecting Kris Jenkins, a versatile defensive lineman from Michigan.
Jenkins is a high-floor, high-character player with elite run-stopping ability and growing pass-rush traits. His motor never stops. At Michigan, he was the anchor of one of the nation’s top defenses and a vocal leader in the locker room.
What’s important to remember is that the Lions don’t just draft talent—they draft DNA. Jenkins fits the Lions’ mold to a tee: violent hands, consistent effort, and positional versatility. He can play 3-tech, 5-tech, and even kick inside on passing downs. If Alim McNeill ever needs a breather, Jenkins is ready.
Also, can we talk about the culture synergy here? A Michigan star staying in-state to wear the Honolulu Blue? Jenkins is the kind of blue-collar grinder Detroit will adore.
Third Round, Pick No. 73 (via trade): Malik Mustapha, S, Wake Forest
This pick sent a message: the Lions are tired of getting beat over the top.
Malik Mustapha is a thumper in the box but showed impressive growth in his coverage instincts during his final season at Wake Forest. He brings explosiveness, urgency, and violent tackling—and if you watched the Lions’ secondary in the playoffs, you know that’s exactly what they needed.
Mustapha could rotate in immediately with Kerby Joseph and Ifeatu Melifonwu, and his ability to close on ballcarriers in space fills a glaring weakness in Detroit’s defensive backfield. He’ll also be a monster on special teams early in his career.
This pick is less about where Mustapha was ranked and more about what the Lions need to win in January. You don’t need PFF to tell you this kid can hit.
Fourth Round, Pick No. 108: Christian Mahogany, OG, Boston College
Once projected as a Day 2 pick before a 2022 ACL injury, Christian Mahogany might be the steal of the draft if he returns to full health.
Mahogany brings an edge and physicality that Detroit’s interior line thrives on. With Jonah Jackson gone in free agency, the Lions had a clear hole at left guard. Graham Glasgow re-signed, but he’s not a long-term solution. Mahogany could be.
What makes this pick even smarter is that the Lions didn’t panic to replace Jackson early. They waited, got great value in Mahogany, and added someone who fits their downhill, smash-mouth identity.
Fifth Round, Pick No. 164: Jalen Royals, WR, Utah State
Here’s your sleeper.
Jalen Royals was criminally under-scouted during the pre-draft process. He led the Mountain West in receiving touchdowns and has an electric release off the line, deceptive route polish, and an ability to high-point the football that’s far better than his size would indicate.
He reminds some of a young Emmanuel Sanders. The Lions need more receiver depth behind Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams, and Royals could play meaningful snaps out of the slot or wide depending on the package.
With Kalif Raymond aging and Josh Reynolds gone, this pick was both strategic and savvy. Don’t be surprised if he makes the final 53.
Sixth Round, Pick No. 201: Dylan McMahon, C/G, NC State
This is a Holmes special.
Dylan McMahon is an ultra-versatile offensive lineman who played all five positions during his college career. Coaches rave about his football IQ and quick processing, especially when facing exotic defensive fronts.
Injuries happen in the trenches. Having a guy like McMahon who can step in at guard or center is invaluable. He may never be a star, but he could have a 10-year NFL career as a trusted reserve—those guys are gold in the sixth round.
Seventh Round, Pick No. 249: Kalen DeLoach, LB, Florida State
It’s fitting that the Lions ended their draft with a heat-seeking missile like Kalen DeLoach.
He’s undersized, yes. But he’s twitchy, fast, and flies to the football with intent. He plays like his hair’s on fire and is a menace on special teams. If the Lions want to bolster their third-down sub-packages or special teams units, DeLoach has a clear path to making the roster.
Draft Class Summary
| Round | Pick | Player | Position | School |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 29 | Ennis Rakestraw Jr. | CB | Missouri |
| 2 | 61 | Kris Jenkins | DL | Michigan |
| 3 | 73 | Malik Mustapha | S | Wake Forest |
| 4 | 108 | Christian Mahogany | OG | Boston College |
| 5 | 164 | Jalen Royals | WR | Utah State |
| 6 | 201 | Dylan McMahon | C/G | NC State |
| 7 | 249 | Kalen DeLoach | LB | Florida State |
Why the Critics Are Missing the Point… Again
Much of the criticism lobbed at this draft class centers around positional value or pre-draft consensus rankings. But Brad Holmes doesn’t build his draft board based on groupthink. He and his staff scout traits, character, fit, and upside. And year after year, that strategy has worked.
Let’s not forget:
- In 2021, people laughed at taking Penei Sewell over skill guys. Now he’s an All-Pro.
- In 2022, some called Aidan Hutchinson “overhyped.” He’s become the face of the franchise.
- In 2023, Holmes was mocked for drafting a running back (Jahmyr Gibbs) and linebacker (Jack Campbell) in the first round. Both played crucial roles in Detroit’s 12-5 season and NFC Championship run.
- In 2024, Brian Branch and Sam LaPorta were viewed as reaches. Both became instant stars.
Holmes isn’t chasing shiny objects—he’s building a team. And that team reflects the heart, grit, and resilience of Detroit.
Final Grade: A-
The Lions’ 2025 draft class isn’t flashy, but it’s calculated, tough, and made to win playoff football games. They added starting-caliber talent in the secondary, bolstered their D-line depth, fortified the O-line, and found late-round value with clear paths to the roster.
If the past is any indicator, this class will make a lot of people eat their words—again.
Brad Holmes might not win every press conference. But he’s building a championship contender brick by brick. And this 2025 class? It might just be the foundation that puts Detroit over the top.