Detroit Lions GM Brad Holmes has a well-known affinity for drafting players from Alabama, a trend that has continued since he took over in 2021. Over the past few drafts, he has selected Jameson Williams (1st Round), Jahmyr Gibbs (1st Round), Brian Branch (2nd Round), and Terrion Arnold (1st Round) from the Crimson Tide. As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, there’s speculation that Holmes may once again pick a player from Alabama, especially with the Lions holding the No. 28 pick (or possibly higher if they trade up).
In Dan Parr’s 2025 NFL Mock Draft 1.0 on NFL.com, he predicts that the Lions will use their No. 28 pick to select LB/EDGE Jihaad Campbell from Alabama. Holmes has consistently chosen at least one Alabama player in each of the last three drafts, and Parr suggests that Campbell would continue this trend. Campbell is a dynamic and versatile defender who can rush the passer on the edge and potentially play off-ball linebacker in the future.
