Lions General Manager Brad Holmes has a gift for acquiring talent through the NFL Draft. Whether it’s trading up to take Jahmyr Gibbs with the 12th pick or spotting a vastly underrated fourth-round gem in Amon-Ra St. Brown, Holmes excels at drafting exceptional under-the-radar prospects.
Lions’ Potential Draft Prospects Following NFL Combine
At the NFL combine, the Lions conducted a total of 36 interviews. 31 were formal interviews. Of the 36 players interviewed, six were EDGE prospects underscoring the Lions’ desire to increase depth at that position. While this year’s draft pool is full of highly rated EDGE prospects, most of those top prospects, Abdul Carter, James Pearce, Mike Green, and Jalon Walker will be gone by the time the Lions are on the clock late in the first round.
Lions Draft Strategy
The Lions focus on drafting the best available player regardless of position. Discussing his draft strategy, Holmes explained, “We’re not a needs-based drafting team.”
In addition to drafting players who can fill an immediate need in a starting assignment, Holmes isn’t afraid to take a shot at a long-range developmental prospect. Regardless of position, he looks for the most talented player who fits Detroit’s profile.
Holmes doesn’t focus just on talent and measurables. He wants players with specific personality traits that match the Lions’ standard. He looks for individuals with the mental toughness and determination to overcome adversity. When evaluating a player, Holmes seeks to uncover if that individual has the discipline and work ethic required to reach his full potential. Can that person elevate the team through his style of play or leadership?
Lions Draft Prospect: Nic Scourton EDGE (Texas A&M)
A prospect who has been favorably compared to Bengals Pro Bowl talent Trey Hendrickson, 6’4″ 280 lb.
Nic Scourton may not be available by the time the Lions have their first draft pick. But if he is, the Lions would be fortunate to acquire him. Graded at the combine with an overall score of 6.40, Scourton is ranked the number eight DE/EDGE with the ability to “become a good starter within two years.” According to NFL analyst
Lance Zierlein’s report, “Scourton’s size, demeanor, and rush talent give him a chance to become a productive three-down starter off the edge.”
As AFC regional scout recently described Scourton, “
He plays his tail off and he’s always in the middle of everything.” A smart and powerful defender, Scourton plays with a lot of aggression and in-your-face swagger. While not the fastest at his position, he can mirror his opponents’ moves and counter to disrupt their efforts.
There’s no doubt Scourton would be a tremendous compliment to Aidan Hutchinson. However, but he may not be around by the time the Lions are on the clock with the 28th pick of the draft.
If a top-rated EDGE isn’t available in the first round, Holmes will take the best available prospect regardless of position. Following a strong combine performance, these two players who were formally interviewed by the Lions could rank high on Holmes’ draft wish list.
Jihaad Campbell LB (Alabama)
Holmes has done very well over the years recruiting players from Nick Saban’s Alabama program. Jahmyr Gibbs, Brian Branch, Terrion Arnold, and Jameson Williams are all from Alabama. Now, 6’3” 235 lb. Jihaad Campbell could become the next Saban recruit to make a big impact for the Lions.
Campbell had a great outing at the combine with an explosive 40-yard dash performance of 4.52 and a broad jump of 10’7” to boost his draft profile. He’s an attractive physical prospect with 32 1/2” arms and 10 1/2” hands. Although Campbell entered the draft as a linebacker, the versatile junior has played multiple positions including EDGE in his athletic career.
Viewed as a player with solid instincts, he goes after the quarterback and excels at finishing off plays. His dogged determination and follow through are personality traits Holmes is looking for in a draft prospect. In addition, Campbell’s friendship and connection to several of Detroit’s most successful Saban recruits indicates he would fit well with the team and would be a desirable Lions draft pick.
Grey Zabel OT (North Dakota State)
Standing 6’6” and weighing 312 lbs.,
Grey Zabel gives off an imposing presence. As a “tough guy” with a huge athletic build and strong upper body strength, in addition to his physical attributes, Zabel possesses desirable character traits. As someone who had to prove himself repeatedly throughout his football career, he demonstrates the determination and work ethic required to succeed. Those characteristics combined with his skill set would make him a good match for the Lions.
Originally an unrecruited high school senior, Zabel soon worked his way into a starting role at right tackle. A talented utility player who can be moved around to several different positions, Zabel’s a quick study with experience playing guard, center, left tackle, and right tackle. His senior year in 2024, North Dakota State won the FCS National Championship with Zabel anchoring the team’s offensive line.
An overall score of 6.27 indicates he’s a strong backup who could become a starter. However, given his versatility and strong work ethic, he could develop quicker than expected with the Lions’ superior coaching. Although his relatively short arms are viewed as a weakness, he has great leadership skills that speak to his character and make him a good fit for the Lions.
Each of these three prospects would be a solid addition to the Lions. Trust Holmes to have another banner year of recruiting the top talent available to meet the Lions immediate and future needs.
Main Photo: Kirby Lee – Imagn Images
