The dust has settled in Allen Park, and the Lions have wrapped their draft class. Seven picks. Six on defense. One offensive tackle who basically confirms what we all knew was coming.
This is what happens when you have a defense that got picked apart in the playoffs and a front office that knows it. Brad Holmes went shopping for help, and he came back with a cart full of defenders.
Round 1, Pick 17: Blake Miller, OT, Clemson
The lone offensive pick, and it makes perfect sense. Miller steps in at right tackle, which means Penei Sewell is officially moving to left tackle. They’re saying Miller has to compete with Larry Borom, but come on. This kid should win that job.
Strong pick. The offensive line needed help, and they got it.
Round 2, Pick 44: Derrick Moore, Edge, Michigan
Moore felt like a Lion from the Senior Bowl, where he bullied offensive linemen like they owed him money. He sets the edge, gets pressure, and actually finishes at the quarterback. You know, all those things we desperately needed.
Local kid who can play. What’s not to love?
Round 4, Pick 118: Jimmy Rolder, LB, Michigan
The potential Alex Anzalone replacement at Will linebacker. Rolder led Michigan in tackles in 2025, can cover, can rush the passer, and plays special teams. Holmes doubled down on Michigan players, and honestly, it tracks.
This pick screams depth and future starter wrapped into one.
Round 5, Pick 157: Keith Abney, CB, Arizona State
The steal of the draft, apparently. Abney was projected to go in the second or third round and somehow fell to the fifth. He can start in the slot corner position in 2026.
These are the picks that make or break draft classes. If Abney pans out, Holmes looks like a genius.
Round 5, Pick 168: Kendrick Law, WR, Kentucky
The future pick instead of the right now pick. Law brings gadget potential on offense and special teams value. He can return kicks and has gunner experience.
Not flashy, but these depth pieces matter when injuries hit.
Round 6, Pick 205: Skyler Gill-Howard, DT, Texas Tech
Athletic defensive tackle who can also play linebacker and edge. The injury from last October is a concern, but he tested well at his pro day.
Late round flyer with upside. Standard Holmes move.
Round 7, Pick 222: Tyre West, Edge, Tennessee
More versatility on the defensive line. West can play edge or jump inside to defensive tackle. Real rotational ability in the seventh round.
These are the picks that either make the team or disappear into practice squad purgatory.
The Verdict
Six of seven picks on defense tells you everything about where this team thinks it needs help. Holmes loaded up on defenders and grabbed multiple potential starters plus rotational depth.
This draft fell exactly how the Lions hoped it would. Now we get to see if any of these guys can actually help when the lights come on at Ford Field.
Six defensive picks in seven rounds – are we finally serious about fixing this defense or just collecting more bodies for the injury report? Drop your take below.
Finally, Holmes is going all in on what actually needs fixing. Six defenders tells me he gets it – our defense got exposed and now we’re actually doing something about it instead of pretending everything’s fine. Love the move for Blake Miller too because our line needs that stability on the right side.
Look, I want to believe this is the answer but I’ve seen so many defensive draft classes come through here and just… not work out. Loading up on defenders sounds great until half these guys don’t develop or get hurt. Hope I’m wrong this time but show me they can actually execute on the field first.
This approach reminds me of when we used to actually build a team the right way – get your defense solid and work from there. Can’t remember the last time our front office was this committed to fixing the defense instead of band-aiding it. That’s respect for the process right there.
Keith Abney falling to the fifth round is the kind of value Holmes is supposed to find and he nailed it. If that dude becomes a solid starter we’re talking about a steal for years. Plus getting a local guy in Moore who actually knows how to get after the QB – this feels different.