Since Brad Holmes assumed the role of general manager for the Detroit Lions, he has developed a pattern of utilizing multiple picks in a draft for the same position. He did so in his inaugural draft in 2021 when he chose Levi Onwuzurike and Alim McNeil. In 2022, he selected three edge rushers.
He picked Aidan Hutchinson and Josh Pascal in the first two rounds, then added James Houston in the sixth round. In the 2024 draft, he applied this strategy once more. Holmes allocated the team’s initial two selections to cornerbacks Terrion Arnold and Ennis Rakestraw.
He might actually have effectively double dipped a second time in that draft, having drafted Christian Mahogany as a guard, and now there’s also discussion regarding Giovanni Manu potentially being a candidate for that position as well.
Now, The Athletic’s Colton Pouncy suggests that the Lions might attempt this strategy again in 2025 by selecting a couple of edge rushers. “With Holmes informing reporters at both the combine and annual meetings that the Lions would love to acquire multiple edge rushers, is he alluding to a double-dip at the position? It certainly wouldn’t be the first instance. ”
Pouncy also highlighted the depth available at the position in this year’s draft class. “Well for starters, it’s a deeper class, which is advantageous. You can uncover talent throughout the top 100, and the Lions have three selections in the top 102.
” The Lions are clearly more than one edge rusher away from resolving their pass rush dilemma.
Good news