By Sunday 
Doubling Down on Defense Could Be Detroit’s Smartest Move Yet
Brad Holmes’ Favorite Draft Trick Might Be Back
Brad Holmes isn’t afraid to zig when others zag. Since taking over as general manager of the Detroit Lions, he’s made a name for himself with a bold drafting philosophy: if one is good, two might be better. And as this year’s draft approaches, the whispers are growing louder—Holmes may double dip once again.
The strategy is simple: target the same position more than once in a single draft to boost depth, competition, and future insurance. Holmes has done it before, and not just once.
A History of Doubling Up
In 2021, Holmes’ first year on the job, he spent two of his early picks on defensive tackles: Levi Onwuzurike and Alim McNeill. The message was clear—Detroit was going to get tougher in the trenches.
The next year, Holmes doubled down on the edge. Aidan Hutchinson, Josh Paschal, and later James Houston all joined the Lions’ pass rush brigade in the 2022 draft. That trio paid early dividends, especially Hutchinson, who became a foundational piece on defense.
Then came 2024. With holes to patch in the secondary, Holmes made cornerbacks Terrion Arnold and Ennis Rakestraw his top two picks. And there may have been another double dip at guard—Christian Mahogany was drafted, and Giovanni Manu remains a possible addition.
Eyes on Edge Again in 2025
Now, Colton Pouncy of The Athletic believes edge rusher could be next on Holmes’ repeat list.
“With Holmes telling reporters at both the combine and annual meetings that the Lions would love to add multiple edge rushers, is he hinting at a double-dip at the position? It certainly wouldn’t be the first time,” Pouncy wrote.
And the timing lines up. Detroit still hasn’t solved its pass rush issues, and the current edge room feels like a mix of promise and uncertainty. Marcus Davenport, while talented, hasn’t proven he can anchor the position across a full season. Banking on one rookie to fill that void would be a stretch.
Why This Draft Class Makes Sense for a Double Dip
“This is a deeper class, which is a plus,” Pouncy noted. “You can find talent throughout the top 100, and the Lions have three picks in the top 102.”
That opens the door for Detroit to strike twice without overreaching. With several high-upside prospects projected to be available in the late first and second rounds, the Lions can roll the dice on multiple players and see who rises.
This isn’t just about next season—it’s about the long-term picture. Even if neither rookie is an immediate star, they’ll both have the opportunity to grow into that role. And if one of them blossoms quickly? Bonus.
Rookies Over Rentals
Detroit’s current options in free agency offer little hope. Most available veterans are short-term rentals who might not even outlast training camp. So if the Lions can’t land a trusted vet before the draft, double dipping could be the smartest fallback plan.
“I still don’t think that two rookies will fix things for 2025,” the original source admits, “but it at least gives them a better shot at having one who is ready to be their starter before the season is over.”
A Calculated Bet on the Future
For Holmes, it’s about stacking the odds. Two swings at edge in a deep draft increase the chances of landing a cornerstone player. Maybe even two.
And as we’ve seen before, he’s not afraid to bet big when it comes to building for the long haul. The Lions aren’t just drafting for 2025. They’re laying the foundation for something much bigger.
If history repeats itself, don’t be surprised when Detroit calls two edge rushers’ names on draft weekend.