By Sunday 
When the dust finally settled on the 2025 NFL Draft, the Detroit Lions had their hands on seven fresh faces. Brad Holmes, the Lions’ general manager, wrapped up the weekend smiling — and for good reason. His new class of players includes a mix of powerhouse linemen, speedy receivers, and an edge rusher who quite literally plays like his hair’s on fire.
And if you noticed three of those picks wore Georgia red and black last fall, you’re not alone. Let’s dive into what really went down in the Lions’ war room.
Georgia on Their Mind
Tate Ratledge. Dan Jackson. Dominic Lovett. Three Georgia Bulldogs now wearing Honolulu Blue. Was it a plan all along?
Not exactly.
Holmes explained it best: “Have been to Georgia practices a lot, and have been around that program a lot, and it’s unlike anything else that I’ve seen live in terms of a college practice.” He compared the intensity and detail he witnessed to none other than Nick Saban’s legendary practices at Alabama.
In short: Georgia breeds NFL-ready players. It’s no accident their guys consistently show up sharp, tough, and coachable. So when the draft board lined up the way it did? Holmes didn’t hesitate to call the Dawgs.
Special Teams Matter (More Than You Think)
Holmes also highlighted something hardcore fans love to hear: special teams isn’t an afterthought — it’s a lifeline.
Guys like Dan Jackson and Dominic Lovett weren’t just making plays on offense or defense; they were grinding it out on special teams. As Holmes put it, “When the guy earns a role on teams and he’s good enough to be a part of the depth, man, he’s got a good opportunity to go to the game.”
Translation: If you want to make the roster in Detroit, you’d better be ready to hustle on kickoffs and punts. It’s not just about catching touchdowns; it’s about doing the dirty work too.
Meet Ahmed Hassanein: The Firecracker Edge Rusher
One of the Lions’ most intriguing picks was Boise State’s Ahmed Hassanein. If you don’t know his name yet, get ready.
The dude posted more than 15 tackles for loss in back-to-back seasons, along with 22 sacks and 115 pressures.
Holmes gushed about Hassanein’s energy: “He plays with his hair on fire.” Even more impressive? He’s only been playing football since 2019.
It’s a classic Brad Holmes bet — high motor, raw talent, and all the right traits to be molded into something special. “It’s going to be cool to see how far he grows,” Holmes said.
Always Looking to Get Better
Even with Hassanein now in the fold, Holmes made it clear the Lions’ search for pass-rushing help isn’t over.
“It’s an ongoing, nonstop, relentless climb for just building a roster in general,” he said. Whether it’s undrafted free agents, trades, or maybe a sneaky signing down the road, Holmes isn’t ruling anything out.
Cross-Training the Big Men
Let’s talk about the trenches.
The Lions scooped up two interior offensive linemen: Tate Ratledge (Georgia) and Miles Frazier (LSU). While Ratledge was a right guard through and through, Frazier moved all over — left tackle, right tackle, left guard.
Holmes said offensive line coach Hank Fraley plans to cross-train both players everywhere, even at center.
“Hank’s going to put a ball between their legs and see if they can snap,” Holmes joked. But don’t worry — it’s not just about hiking the ball; communication and mental toughness are just as important.
Final Thoughts: Building a Team the Right Way
What stands out most after hearing Holmes talk? There’s a real method to the Lions’ madness.
They’re not just drafting highlight reels. They’re drafting workers. Players who love football. Players who love competing. Players who are willing to do whatever it takes to make the team better — whether that’s catching a deep pass or making a tackle on special teams.
Georgia just happens to produce a lot of those types of guys.
So if you’re a Lions fan wondering why this draft feels a little different — a little grittier, a little smarter — that’s exactly why.
And something tells me, it’s going to be a lot of fun to watch it all come together.
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