The Draft Grades Are In, And Brad Holmes Did Brad Holmes Things
The 2026 NFL Draft is done. The grades are pouring in from every corner of the internet. And yes, I know what you’re thinking: grading a draft before anyone takes a single snap is basically sports media’s favorite waste of time.
But here’s the thing. You can absolutely judge whether a team addressed its needs and did it smartly. The Detroit Lions needed an offensive tackle and an edge rusher. They got Blake Miller at 17 and traded up for Derrick Moore in the second round.
Mission accomplished.
The Grades: Solid But Not Spectacular
Most national analysts handed out grades in the B range, which feels about right for a team that played things straight down the middle. No reaching for need. No getting cute with luxury picks. Just Brad Holmes doing what Brad Holmes does best.
Sporting News gave the Lions an A-, with Vinnie Iyer noting that Holmes was “in the unique position of reloading for a contender instead of trying for an overhaul.” NFL.com matched that grade, praising Miller as a “solid, experienced tackle” who showed “above-average athleticism” at the combine.
The Associated Press went B+, calling Miller a player who “fills a major need” while Moore “gives the Lions another pass rusher with energy.” USA Today ranked the class 12th overall with a B grade, suggesting Miller and Moore both “project as Week 1 starters at crucial positions of need.”
The Michigan Connection Runs Deep
You have to love the hometown feel developing on this defense. Moore joins Aidan Hutchinson on the edge, both former Wolverines. Add linebacker Jimmy Rolder, another Michigan product, and you’ve got a nice chunk of the defense that knows what it means to play football in this state.
ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. gave the class a B, noting that Moore had 10 sacks and wondering if the Lions might eventually roll with “an all-Michigan edge combo of Hutchinson and Moore.” The Ringer’s Danny Kelly called it a “classic meat-and-potatoes draft” while praising Miller as “extremely battle-tested” with 54 career starts.
The Sewell Shuffle
The elephant in the room is moving Penei Sewell from right tackle to left tackle to make room for Miller. Some analysts love it. Others wonder why you’d mess with a good thing.
Sports Illustrated questioned whether moving Sewell makes sense, noting the Lions’ offensive line struggles. Yahoo Sports wasn’t thrilled about “bumping Penei Sewell over to the left after how he’s established himself as a premier right tackle.”
But here’s where I trust Holmes. The man has earned the benefit of the doubt through years of smart roster construction. If he thinks Miller at right tackle and Sewell at left tackle gives this team the best offensive line, then that’s probably what it does.
Late Round Finds
The Lions also added cornerback Keith Abney II and wide receiver Kendrick Law in the later rounds. Multiple analysts praised Abney as a solid pick and noted Law’s potential as a returner and explosive playmaker.
PFF ranked the class 22nd overall with a B- grade but didn’t offer detailed commentary. The range of grades tells you everything: this was a solid, unspectacular draft that addressed needs without getting anyone too excited or too worried.
And honestly? That might be exactly what this franchise needed.
Did Holmes nail another draft or are we setting ourselves up for disappointment with all this Michigan love? Drop your hot takes in the comments.
