Brad Holmes may have struck gold again with UDFA linebacker Erick Hunter from Morgan State, whose elite work ethic and versatility could make him the next Anzalone-level steal for the Lions.
The Lions attacked their biggest needs by taking Blake Miller at 17, trading up for pass rusher Derrick Moore, and loading up on defensive depth to fix the trenches on both sides.
Brad Holmes earns top NFC North draft grades despite Lions picking late, systematically building through the trenches while division rivals make questionable moves.
The Lions shocked everyone by actually drafting for their biggest needs, but nose tackle remains a glaring hole that could derail their run defense plans.
The Lions surprisingly drafted for need but still have glaring holes at nose tackle and linebacker depth that could test even the most patient fans.
Brad Holmes reached on six picks and found one steal in Keith Abney II, showing the Lions GM trusts his board and goes after his guys regardless of consensus rankings.
The Lions are hosting veteran receivers James Proche and Scotty Miller for workouts as GM Brad Holmes continues shopping for depth additions to an already deep receiving corps.
The Lions' UDFA class features several players with legitimate roster potential, including a versatile defensive back from USF, a run-blocking tight end, and an HBCU linebacker who dominated with a massive contract.
Sixth-round Lions pick Skyler Gill-Howard went from FedEx worker to Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week, and his incredible underdog journey makes him impossible not to root for.
The Lions are taking a completely different approach this offseason with unprecedented draft secrecy, no rookie minicamp, and a major focus on mental and physical health that shows Holmes and Campbell's urgency after missing the playoffs.
