Brad Holmes' history of first-round picks should give Lions fans some hope

Since Brad Holmes took over as the Detroit Lions' general manager in 2021, the franchise has put together impressive draft classes that have played a critical role in earning two consecutive NFC North Division titles and multiple playoff wins.

Many of those talents have helped the Lions play their best football in franchise history and become a contender in the NFC under coach Dan Campbell. With the 2026 NFL Draft on the horizon, here’s a ranking breakdown of the Lions' first-round selections under Holmes.

6. Tyliek Williams

The Lions selected Ohio State defensive tackle Tyliek Williams with the No. 28 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. In his rookie season with the Lions, Williams showed potential, but for the most part, had a quiet year.

Williams finished his rookie season recording 18 total tackles and one sack for the Lions. Entering the 2026 season, Williams looks to take a step forward for the Lions on defense as they look to make it back to the playoffs.

5. Terrion Arnold

The Lions selected the former Alabama star cornerback Terrion Arnold with the No. 24 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, held in Detroit. The selection of Arnold came in the aftermath of what was a historic season for the Lions, in which they won their first division title and playoff game in over 30 years.

During his first two seasons with the Lions, Arnold has experienced his fair share of highs and lows in Detroit’s secondary, as he enters his third year with a career total of 91 tackles and an interception.

This past season, Arnold only played in eight games for the Lions, suffering a season-ending shoulder surgery in the Lions' 31-24 Thanksgiving Day loss to the Green Bay Packers. Entering the 2026 season, Arnold looks to get back on track and play a crucial role for the Lions' secondary.

4. Jack Campbell

Lions linebacker Jack Campbell has had a strong three seasons for Detroit. The 2023 No. 18 overall pick out of Iowa is coming off his best season with the Lions, collecting a career-high 176 total tackles, five sacks, and three forced fumbles.

In his three seasons with the Lions, Campbell has recorded 402 total tackles, 8.5 sacks, and four forced fumbles. Entering the 2026 season, Campbell will look to continue to have an impact on the Lions' defense.

3. Aidan Hutchinson

One of the most notable draft picks of the last few years, the Lions' selection of Aidan Hutchinson with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft helped Detroit to secure a franchise player on defense.

Despite suffering a broken leg injury during the 2024 season, Hutchinson has become one of the top defensive ends in the NFL. In his four seasons with the Lions, Hutchinson has recorded 176 total tackles, 43 sacks, eight forced fumbles, and five interceptions.

Since the Lions became a playoff contender, fans have been desperate for Detroit to give Hutchinson more help in the pass rush. The Lions have had multiple opportunities in free agency, at the trade deadline, and in the draft to provide Hutchinson help, but Holmes has refused to take the bold risk. Could the 2026 draft finally be the time that Hutchinson gets his much-needed help? Only time will tell.

2. Jahmyr Gibbs

Perhaps one of the biggest steals in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft, the Lions shocked many across the NFL by selecting Alabama Crimson Tide running back Jahmyr Gibbs with the No. 12 overall pick.

Gibbs was taken much earlier than expected, and Holmes's gamble has paid off, as the Lions running back has become one of the top leaders of Detroit’s offense over his three seasons, rushing for 3,580 yards and 39 touchdowns.

Over the last two seasons, Gibbs has recorded 1,000 yards rushing, and with former running back David Montgomery off to the Houston Texans, he has the chance to reach that mark again and be among the league's leading rushers.

1. Penei Sewell

The first pick of the Holmes tenure, the selection of Penei Sewell with the No. 7 overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, has helped turn the Lions' offensive line around. While the Lions' offensive line struggled this past season, the group wouldn’t be where it is without Sewell’s impact.

The selection of Sewell in 2021 ultimately set the tone of Holmes' draft success and what the Lions were building under Campbell. Without the selection of Sewell, who knows if the Lions are in the spot they are right now?

Before last season, the Lions' offensive line was the most efficient in the league, and much of that was courtesy of Sewell. With the draft approaching, the Lions could select an offensive lineman in the first round to put alongside Sewell and help Detroit’s offensive line get back on track.

Add us as a preferred source on Google