Running through NFL Draft scenarios to brace Detroit Lions fans for the inevitable unexpected decision.
We’ve officially reached that point in the NFL Draft cycle where Detroit Lions fans know the usual suspects mocked to Detroit — and most have locked in their own favorite targets. But if Brad Holmes has taught us anything over the past four drafts, it’s this: he doesn’t draft for need, and he definitely doesn’t care about your mock draft. He trusts his board, his scouts, and the identity he’s building—not consensus rankings or public pressure.
That philosophy has led to some head-scratching picks in the moment… that later became cornerstones of Detroit’s resurgence.
So before you spiral into confusion or outrage when the Lions make a pick that doesn’t match the headlines, consider this your friendly forewarning: it may be unexpected, but that doesn’t mean it’s wrong. Here are a few names that could surprise fans on draft weekend… but shouldn’t.
Nickel/Safety
Malaki Starks (Georgia) – Height: 6-foot-1 | Weight: 197 | Age: 21.45 | Grit Index: 85.92 | Relative Athletic Score: 5.29 (no broad jump)
Jahdae Barron (Texas) – HT: 5-foot-11 | WT: 194 | Age: 23.39 | GI: 82.61 | RAS: 8.64
Holmes has shown a clear appreciation for intelligent, instinctive defenders who control the middle of the field—just look at the Brian Branch pick. Both of these prospects, with the two highest Grit Index scores among all defensive backs in the class, fit that mold and could deliver real value if they slip to Pick No. 28.
It’s hard not to draw parallels between Malaki Starks and Branch. Like Branch, Starks is a cerebral, three-year SEC starter who primarily manned the “Star” nickel role and was a better football player than his RAS score would indicate. He checks every off-field box—character, leadership, communication, and football IQ. He fits the mold.
Barron, meanwhile, is a versatile chess piece in the secondary. Though he played a fair share of outside corner in 2024, his lack of elite speed and arm length likely bumps him inside at the next level. That said, he’s a physical, savvy defender who could thrive at nickel or safety—and Daniel Jeremiah even likened him to Branch. There’s smoke around a potential fit with Aaron Glenn and the Jets, but if positional value pushes him down the board, don’t rule out Holmes being ready to scoop him up.
Bottom line: You can never have too many talented and versatile players in the secondary—and Brad Holmes knows it.
Offensive tackle
Josh Conerly Jr. (Oregon) – HT: 6-foot-5 | WT: 311 | Age: 21.47 | GI: 48.44 | RAS: 8.84 (No agility drills)
Aireontae Ersery (Minnesota) – HT: 6-foot-6 | WT: 331| Age: 23.18 | GI: 64.39 | RAS: 9.42
Offensive guard is one of the Lions’ most commonly mocked needs, often addressed with Alabama’s Tyler Booker, NDSU’s Grey Zabel, or Ohio State’s Donovan Jackson. But the way the board falls could lead to a less conventional route—taking a short-term guard who eventually projects as a long-term tackle, such as Conerly or Ersery. Texas’ Kelvin Banks Jr. could also fit that mold but is likely off the board by Pick No. 28.
Conerly steadily improved over his three years at Oregon and flashes the smooth movement skills and natural balance that will aid his development at the next level. While he needs to bulk up and improve play strength, his athleticism in both phases would allow him to step in at left guard and potentially succeed Taylor Decker at left tackle in a few years. Plus, who wouldn’t want to add another Duck to the Detroit People Movers?
Ersery has the requisite NFL build, power, and anchor, plus he moves well for a big man as surprisingly displayed by his experience in Minnesota’s zone blocking scheme. He isn’t the most flexible lineman, but good coaching could mitigate the stiffness limitations and unlock a plug-and-play mauler at right guard.
Both players would be bets on Hank Fraley and the Lions’ commitment to keeping a strength a strength. Ersery didn’t start playing football until his sophomore year of high school, and Conerly didn’t move to the offensive line until then but allowing Fraley to get his hands on either of them should lead to further refinement.
Cornerback
Trey Amos (Ole Miss) – HT: 6-foot-1 | WT: 195 | Age: 23.14 | GI: 47.97 | RAS: 8.37 (No 3-cone)
Benjamin Morrison (Notre Dame) – HT: 6-foot | WT: 193 | Age: 21.12 | GI: 74.89 | RAS: N/A
While Dane Brugler spoiled the fun by mocking West Bloomfield native Maxwell Hairston to Detroit in his seven-round mock draft, there are two other cornerbacks who could quietly be in play at Pick No. 28: Amos and Morrison. Florida State’s Azareye’h Thomas might’ve joined them in that mix if not for a disappointing 4.58 40-yard dash at his Pro Day.
Even after two straight offseasons of reinforcements in the cornerback room, the Lions may not be done. Amos has the size, speed, and fluidity that fit their man-heavy scheme. He plays comfortably with his back to the quarterback and shows excellent ball skills—traits that could entice Detroit late in Round 1.
As for Morrison, some see a second-round corner with multiple hip injuries. All Brad Holmes sees is a big yellow and red Kroger “Woohoo! Great Deal!” reduced-price sticker with elite coordination and press-man chops. NFL.com’s Eric Edholm even compared the Notre Dame captain to former Lion Carlton Davis III. If not for the medicals, Morrison would likely be a no-doubt first rounder.
Neither would need to play right away, but both could be prepped as long-term outside starters opposite Terrion Arnold, with Ennis Rakestraw Jr. manning the nickel.
Defensive end
J.T. Tuimoloau (Ohio State) – HT: 6-foot-4 | WT: 264 | Age: 21.96 | GI: 68.64 | RAS: 9.33 (no 40 or 3-cone)
Landon Jackson (Arkansas) – HT: 6-foot-6 | WT: 264 | Age: 22.31 | GI: 79.52 | RAS: 9.78
Nic Scourton (Texas A&M) – HT: 6-foot-3 | WT: 257 | Age: 20.66 | GI: 70.53 | RAS: N/A
This is a ragtag crew of long, rugged, and under-the-radar defensive ends that fit the Lions’ blueprint and could be exactly the type Brad Holmes targets to line up opposite Aidan Hutchinson.
Tuimoloau is a big and athletic plug-and-play Day 1 starter and is somehow the forgotten man of this edge class despite his five-star pedigree and three-year run at Ohio State. He was consistently disruptive, especially on big stages like the College Football Playoff, and thrived even while being the most game-planned defender on a loaded Buckeyes front.
My well-documented draft crush Landon Jackson is a certified alien. The two-time Arkansas captain is a supernova of physical tool and combines his prehistoric wingspan and long-striding explosion with astute awareness and nonstop effort. His performance in the Senior Bowl and elite Combine numbers have him rising up draft boards fast, and rightly so.
Scourton is a thick, power-packed edge who brings the same motor and toughness as the other two. While a scheme change at Texas A&M led to some added bulk and a dip in splash and draft stock, his 2023 Purdue tape shows a polished pass-rushing toolbox. NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein even compared him to Trey Hendrickson.
These edge rushers won’t need to be relied upon as the team’s pass rushing ace, next to Hutchinson and Alim McNeill, but they’ll further set the violent tone, be a pain in the ass to play against, and—most importantly—raise the overall floor of the defensive line group including the pass rush.
Nose tackle
Tyleik Williams (Ohio State) – HT: 6-foot-3 | WT: 329 | Age: 22.16 | GI: 42.79 | RAS: N/A
Williams devastated interior offensive lines in the run game like Godzilla passing through small villages.
The Lions hosted him on a top-30 visit, a clear sign of interest, and it’s easy to see why. Williams brings a wrecking-ball play style that fits well at nose tackle, especially with DJ Reader and Roy Lopez set to hit free agency next offseason. He’s not just massive—he’s surprisingly quick, both in movement and diagnosing plays. Still, with limited pass rush and a deep class of run-stuffing defensive tackles, spending a first-rounder here might feel a bit rich. But don’t be shocked if Holmes makes the move—especially if he sees a foundational piece to keep the defensive line nasty.
Don’t be shocked if these guys go in Round 2
While the first round often hogs the spotlight, Holmes has shown he’s not afraid to be aggressive when the value or fit is right. Below are a handful of prospects who could surprise as second-round selections for the Lions—especially if the right-sized wide receiver is still on the board and worth trading up for.
Linebacker
Demetrius Knight (South Carolina) – HT: 6-foot-2 | WT: 235 | Age: 25.30 | GI: 84.87 | RAS: 8.17
A late bloomer with top-shelf grit and communication ability, Knight brings the type of makeup that’s hard to ignore if the Lions want a destructive ‘backer on early downs with special teams upside and leadership traits.
Wide receiver
Jayden Higgins (Iowa State) – HT: 6-foot-4 | WT: 214 | Age: 22.36 | GI: 57.45 | RAS: 9.63
Tre Harris (Ole Miss) – HT: 6-foot-2 | WT: 205 | Age: 23.15 | GI: 47.97 | RAS: 9.23 (no agility drills)
Jack Bech (TCU) – HT: 6-foot-1 | WT: 214 | Age: 22.35 | GI: 67.08 | RAS: 9.51 (no 40)
Elic Ayomanor (Stanford) – HT: 6-foot-2 | WT: 206 | Age: 21.89 | GI: 71.62 | RAS: 9.71 (no agility drills)
Each of these wideouts offers size, playmaking ability, and an intriguing athletic profile—perfect for filling out the receiver room with a different body type than Amon-Ra St. Brown or Jameson Williams. If Holmes sees a developmental “X” receiver he believes in, a move up the board wouldn’t be shocking.
