By Blessing 
Behind Closed Doors: The Real Reason the Lions Drafted Three Georgia Players
The Detroit Lions wrapped up the 2025 NFL Draft with a seven-player haul under general manager Brad Holmes’ leadership. Their draft class includes defensive tackle Tyleik Williams, guards Tate Ratledge and Miles Frazier, safety Dan Jackson, edge rusher Ahmed Hassanein, and wide receivers Isaac TeSlaa and Dominic Lovett.
Now that the draft is officially in the books, Holmes and his team are shifting gears to free agency, aiming to add more undrafted players to round out the 90-man offseason roster.
After the final pick was made, Holmes sat down with the media to share insights into some of the major decisions from the weekend. Here are the biggest questions he addressed:
Was Drafting Three Georgia Players Just a Coincidence?
A big storyline coming out of the Lions’ draft is their focus on Georgia talent, selecting Ratledge, Jackson, and Lovett — all Bulldogs. However, Holmes was quick to clarify that targeting Georgia players wasn’t a premeditated move.
Instead, it’s about deep respect for what head coach Kirby Smart has built at Georgia.
“I 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, in terms of just the intensity — (former Alabama head coach Nick) Saban at Alabama was very similar,” Holmes explained.
He went on to describe the atmosphere: “The intensity, the physicality, the detail, the tempo, the whole thing, the energy, I mean, it’s just — so when you can go through that kind of regimen and you practice like that, that they’re ready. But I think everything that Smart’s done with that program, I think everything speaks for itself.”
The takeaway? The Lions love Georgia players because they’re battle-tested, high-energy, and NFL-ready — not because of a draft-day agenda.
How Important Was Special Teams in These Picks?
Special teams were a major factor in the Lions’ evaluation process, particularly for their Day 3 selections. Holmes pointed to Jackson and Lovett as prime examples, both having played significant special teams roles at Georgia. Hassanein, too, has potential in that area.
“It’s very important, it’s very important,” Holmes emphasized. “I think I may have made the joke in the past that, in the later round, (special teams coordinator Dave) Fipp could probably come in and just run the Draft.”
Holmes explained the logic behind prioritizing special teams versatility: if a player can contribute on special teams, he’s got a much better chance of suiting up on Sundays. “If there’s another player that’s just maybe a little bit better route runner or maybe has a little bit better hands, but if he doesn’t have the attitude or the skillset to contribute on special teams, you’re talking about battling for a fifth spot — no, we’re going with the guy that can contribute on special teams. So, that’s why it’s critically important.”
What Made Ahmed Hassanein Stand Out?
Boise State’s Ahmed Hassanein was another intriguing addition. His production over the last two seasons — more than 15 tackles for loss each year, 22 sacks, and 115 total pressures — certainly caught the Lions’ attention.
But for Holmes, it wasn’t just the numbers.
“Incredible story by the way, but look, again, that’s not why we acquired him, we acquired him because he plays with his hair on fire,” Holmes said. “As developmental as he is, he just — he plays hard.”
Hassanein’s passion and work ethic resonated with the Lions’ front office. Holmes noted that even though Hassanein only started playing football in 2019, his football character and willingness to learn make his upside worth the bet.
“Similar to like how when we took (Giovanni Manu) Gio last year… once you see enough of it, and if they have the right makeup and football character and passion and work ethic and being coachable, they have a big upside,” Holmes said. “So, it’s going to be cool to see how far he grows.”
Will the Lions Keep Trying to Boost the Pass Rush?
When asked if Detroit would keep searching for more help on the edge, Holmes didn’t hesitate.
“It’s an ongoing, nonstop, relentless climb for just building a roster in general,” he said. “It’s not a position that’s off limits, we’re always trying to look to get better.”
Holmes made it clear that the search for improvements doesn’t stop after draft weekend — whether it’s finding better starters or deeper reserves, the Lions are always on the lookout for upgrades.
How Will the Lions Handle Cross-Training Their New Guards?
Both Ratledge and Frazier bring valuable versatility to Detroit’s offensive line room. While Ratledge mainly lined up at right guard during his time at Georgia, Frazier has experience across multiple positions, including left tackle, right guard, and right tackle.
Offensive line coach Hank Fraley plans to cross-train both newcomers extensively.
“Hank is great in that he’s going to cross-train them at everything, and if they’ve never done one position before, he’s just going to throw them out there because he’s an elite-level coach,” Holmes shared.
Even snapping the ball at center could be part of their development.
“He’s going to put a ball between their legs and see if they can snap,” Holmes said, chuckling. “But again, Hank’s not going to put somebody in a tough position either, so he’s going to be able to assess if they have the right makeup and mentality and communicative skills.”
Good communication, Holmes emphasized, is just as important as physical ability — especially for anyone who might be called upon to play center.
Final Thoughts
Brad Holmes and the Lions came away from the draft with players who not only fit their immediate needs but also carry the mental toughness, versatility, and passion the organization prioritizes. With a heavy Georgia flavor and a strong focus on football character, Detroit’s newest crop of rookies feels like a natural extension of the gritty identity the team is continuing to build.