In the 2025 NFL Draft, Brad Holmes, the general manager of the Detroit Lions, made waves with his selection strategy. Holmes, known for his sharp eye for talent and his willingness to take bold risks, delivered a draft class that has fans, analysts, and pundits buzzing. In a move that shocked and delighted many, Holmes drafted three players from the University of Georgia, a program that has become synonymous with high-quality talent in recent years, and made history by selecting the first-ever player from Egypt.
Georgia Bulldogs Dominate the 2025 Draft
Georgia’s football program has been a powerhouse for the past few years, producing an impressive array of talent that has made its mark in the NFL. The 2025 draft was no different. Holmes, looking to build a formidable team, had Georgia on his radar for its championship pedigree and ability to develop NFL-ready players.
1. DT Jalen Carter: The Defensive Force
One of the most anticipated picks of the draft was the selection of defensive tackle Jalen Carter from Georgia. Carter, widely regarded as one of the most dominant defensive linemen in recent college football history, was an absolute force for the Bulldogs. At 6’6” and 314 pounds, Carter’s combination of size, strength, and agility made him an ideal choice for Holmes and the Lions, who were looking to fortify their defensive line.
Carter played a key role in Georgia’s national championship run, using his quickness off the line and ability to disrupt the quarterback’s rhythm. His combination of power and technique set him apart from other defensive prospects, and his ability to control the line of scrimmage made him a top target for the Lions. His performance at the NFL Combine only solidified his position as a first-round pick.
For Holmes, drafting Carter was a no-brainer. The Lions have struggled defensively in recent seasons, and Carter’s presence in the trenches will provide a much-needed boost. Carter’s ability to disrupt the running game and apply consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks will be invaluable for the Lions’ defense.
2. RB Kenny McIntosh: A Playmaking Back
With their second selection of the draft, the Lions added another Georgia Bulldog, running back Kenny McIntosh. McIntosh, standing at 6’1” and weighing in at 215 pounds, is a versatile and explosive player who can make an impact both on the ground and in the passing game.
McIntosh’s ability to catch passes out of the backfield and his smooth, balanced running style made him an attractive prospect for Holmes, who was looking for a running back to complement the Lions’ offensive scheme. McIntosh’s vision and elusiveness in the open field allowed him to thrive in Georgia’s pro-style offense, and he’ll bring that same playmaking ability to the NFL.
The Lions’ running back room has been a bit of a mixed bag over the years, with inconsistent play and injuries plaguing the position. By adding McIntosh, Holmes is giving the offense a dynamic playmaker who can be a three-down back and potentially take on a leading role in the Lions’ attack.
McIntosh’s ability to break tackles, combined with his impressive top-end speed, will make him a major weapon for the Lions. He also has an underrated ability to pick up blitzes, an essential skill for any running back in today’s NFL. His well-rounded skill set and natural instincts make him a perfect fit for Holmes’ offensive philosophy.
3. OT Broderick Jones: A Foundation for the Future
With their third pick from Georgia, Holmes selected offensive tackle Broderick Jones, a massive 6’4”, 325-pound blocker who helped anchor Georgia’s offensive line. Jones was an integral part of a unit that dominated in both the running and passing game, allowing Georgia’s offense to operate at a high level. His blend of power, agility, and technical refinement made him one of the most sought-after offensive line prospects in the 2025 draft.
Jones’ ability to protect the quarterback and open up running lanes for ball carriers made him a priority for Holmes. The Lions have long struggled with offensive line play, and by selecting Jones, Holmes is looking to build a stronger, more balanced offense. A quality offensive line is crucial for success in the NFL, and Jones’ potential to become a cornerstone player on the Lions’ front line is enormous.
As a raw talent with great physical tools, Jones has the potential to become an elite tackle in the league. His ability to dominate in the running game and protect the quarterback will help provide stability to the Lions’ offense for years to come.
History-Making Selection: Egypt’s First NFL Draft Pick
While the Lions’ three Georgia selections were met with excitement, it was Holmes’ next move that truly captured the attention of the sports world. In the fourth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, Holmes made history by selecting defensive back Ahmed Sayed, the first player from Egypt ever to be drafted into the NFL.
Sayed’s journey to the NFL is nothing short of remarkable. Growing up in Cairo, Sayed didn’t have the same access to American football as many of his peers, but he developed a passion for the game after watching highlight reels of NFL players. With limited resources, Sayed trained on his own, using makeshift equipment and traveling to other countries for training camps and showcases.
His breakthrough came when he was discovered by scouts during a training camp in Europe, where he impressed with his athleticism, speed, and football IQ. He quickly became one of the top defensive backs in Europe and caught the attention of college coaches in the United States. After a standout career at a small college in the Midwest, Sayed’s story spread like wildfire, and his remarkable journey became a symbol of determination and perseverance.
Sayed’s selection by the Lions is a landmark moment, both for the NFL and for Egyptian sports. His incredible story has inspired people across the globe and will undoubtedly spark interest in American football in the Middle East and Africa. Holmes, known for his forward-thinking approach to team building, recognized that Sayed’s raw talent and unique background made him a special prospect who could bring something new to the table.
Sayed’s size (6’1”, 200 pounds) and speed (a 4.4-second 40-yard dash) make him a strong presence in the secondary. His ability to read the quarterback, combined with his impressive ball skills, makes him a dangerous asset in coverage. While he may need some time to adjust to the speed of the NFL, his potential is undeniable.
Holmes’ Vision for the Lions’ Future
Brad Holmes’ draft strategy reflects a calculated approach to team-building, one that emphasizes both talent and character. By selecting three players from Georgia, Holmes is adding proven winners to the roster. The Bulldogs have been the gold standard in college football for the past few seasons, and bringing in players from that program helps instill a winning culture within the Lions’ organization.
But it’s not just about filling needs for the present; Holmes is also thinking about the long-term future of the franchise. His selection of Sayed, a player with a unique background and a story of overcoming obstacles, speaks to his desire to find hidden gems who can contribute in unexpected ways.
By bringing in players with diverse backgrounds and skill sets, Holmes is shaping a team that is both talented and resilient. The Lions, who have been rebuilding in recent years, now have the pieces in place to contend for championships in the near future. With a strengthened defense, a dynamic running back, and a potential cornerstone offensive lineman, Holmes has given Detroit a foundation on which to build a successful and sustainable program.
The Road Ahead for the Detroit Lions
As the 2025 NFL season approaches, all eyes will be on the Lions and their new draft class. While it’s impossible to predict exactly how these players will fare in the league, the early signs are promising. Jalen Carter’s dominance in the trenches, Kenny McIntosh’s playmaking ability, and Broderick Jones’ protection skills will go a long way toward helping the Lions become a more competitive team.
Ahmed Sayed’s selection is an exciting moment for the NFL and will likely inspire many young athletes from Egypt and the Middle East to pursue American football as a viable career path. Holmes’ forward-thinking approach to drafting players who can contribute immediately, while also making an impact on a global scale, speaks to his vision for the future of the Lions.
In the end, it’s clear that Brad Holmes is building something special in Detroit. The 2025 NFL Draft was a pivotal moment for the franchise, and with these selections, the Lions are poised for success for years to come. Whether it’s Georgia’s finest or Egypt’s first, Holmes has made moves that will define the team for the future.
