The Brad Holmes Blueprint is About to Pay Off Big Time
Every move Brad Holmes made this offseason tells the same story. He upgraded the defensive line with Derrick Moore and D.J. Wonnum, but he didn’t go crazy in free agency hunting for expensive veterans. Why? Because he already has the guys he needs sitting right there in Allen Park.
Ahmed Hassanein and Mekhi Wingo are about to get their shot. And if you’ve been paying attention to how Holmes operates, this was always the plan.
Ahmed Hassanein is Your New Marcus Davenport
Forget what you think you know about Hassanein as just another pass rusher. Yeah, he put up 62 pressures and 10 sacks in his final year at Boise State. But that’s not why Holmes drafted him.
This team has been hunting for an athletic big end who can set the edge against the run and still bring juice as a pass rusher. Sound familiar? That’s exactly the role they wanted Marcus Davenport to fill. Hassanein might actually be that guy.
And here’s the tell: the Lions didn’t really try to replace what Davenport was supposed to bring them. Everything points to that role being gift-wrapped for Hassanein.
Mekhi Wingo’s Redemption Arc Starts Now
2025 wasn’t the best year for Wingo. He spent a lot of the season as a healthy scratch. But now? The runway is wide open for him to grab a major spot in the rotation. All he has to do is beat out Levi Onwuzurike for that interior pass rusher role. That’s not exactly asking him to outplay Aaron Donald.
Wingo has the versatility to kick outside and play big end too, but getting to the quarterback is where he can really shine. This could be his breakout year.
Jay Tufele Steps Into the DJ Reader Role
With DJ Reader gone, the Lions need someone to eat up space at nose tackle. Tufele is probably that guy. He can stuff the run on early downs and occupy blockers in pass rush situations.
It’s not flashy work, but it’s necessary. And it makes perfect sense given what Holmes has built on this defense.
Myles Adams Finally Gets His Shot
Adams has been hanging around for three seasons now. He can rush the passer, he can stop the run, and he’s been waiting patiently for his opportunity. The Lions have kept him around for a reason.
You have to wonder at what point they really put him out there and see what he has. 2026 could be that year.
Think Holmes is finally ready to unleash the young guys he’s been developing, or are we setting ourselves up for another season of “almost ready” disappointment? Drop your take below.
