The 2025 NFL Draft is in the books, and while there’s still plenty to unpack, one thing is clear — Brad Holmes and the Lions definitely kept us on our toes. The Pride of Detroit crew sat down to dish on the most unexpected twists from this year’s draft haul.
No Big Early Trade? That’s a First
Both Jeremy Reisman and John Whiticar were shocked the Lions didn’t make a move in the top 50 picks. Holmes has built a bit of a reputation for being aggressive when he sees a player he wants, and with talents like Donovan Ezeiruaku and JT Tuimoloau still available in the 40s, many thought Detroit would make a jump. Instead, they stayed put and grabbed Tyleik Williams at 28 — not a bad pick, but definitely a departure from Holmes’ usual playbook.
Isaac TeSlaa Trade Raises Eyebrows
Multiple staffers, including Ryan Mathews and Al Karsten, were stunned by the move to trade up for wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa — especially with Detroit giving up two 2026 third-round picks to do it. While Holmes has shown an eye for under-the-radar receivers before (hello, Cooper Kupp), this one feels like a gamble. TeSlaa’s stats don’t exactly leap off the page, but Holmes clearly sees something worth developing.
Two Guards? Bold Move
Several writers, like Max Gerber and Hamza Baccouche, were surprised to see the Lions double-dip at guard. Drafting Tate Ratledge in the second round seemed like enough to shore up the interior line, but then Holmes went out and grabbed Miles Frazier in the fifth. Now the guard room is suddenly very crowded — but hey, competition breeds excellence, right?
Ahmed Hassanein’s Intensity Shines
Erik Schlitt gave his surprise nod to sixth-rounder Ahmed Hassanein — not just for his play, but for his passion. During his Zoom interview, the Boise State product declared he was “ready to die on the football field” for Dan Campbell. That kind of raw emotion doesn’t come around often, and it clearly left a mark.
In the end, whether you loved every move or found yourself scratching your head, there’s no denying Holmes and company kept things unpredictable. And in Detroit, that’s starting to feel like the norm.
Lions’ 2025 Draft Surprises: Staff Reacts to Bold, Unexpected Moves
