Lions GM Brad Holmes Makes History with Georgia Draft Picks and First Egyptian Player
Detroit Lions General Manager Brad Holmes leaned heavily on talent from the University of Georgia during the 2025 NFL Draft, selecting three Bulldogs out of his seven total picks: offensive lineman Tate Ratledge, defensive back Dan Jackson, and wide receiver Dominic Lovett.
Holmes, who previously lived in Atlanta and spent significant time scouting the Southeast, praised the Georgia program for its intensity and high-level preparation. “I’ve been to countless Georgia practices, and they’re on another level,” Holmes said. “The tempo, the physicality, the attention to detail—it’s all there. Alabama under Saban is close, but Georgia just stands out.”
In recent drafts, Holmes has consistently chosen players from powerhouse programs like Alabama and Iowa. This year, he used his first-round pick (28th overall) on Ohio State defensive tackle Tyleik Williams, showing continued trust in elite college systems. Holmes emphasized that he doesn’t target specific schools intentionally—it just often works out that way during the draft process.
One of the most memorable moments of the draft came in the sixth round, when the Lions selected defensive end Ahmed Hassanein from Boise State, marking the first time an Egyptian-born player has been drafted into the NFL. Hassanein, who arrived in the U.S. nearly seven years ago without knowing the sport or the language, credited his brother’s unwavering support for his journey. “No one thought I’d make it, but my brother believed in me. Now, look where I am,” he said.
Detroit hopes Hassanein will eventually contribute as a pass rusher opposite Aidan Hutchinson. “I’ve barely scratched the surface of my potential,” Hassanein said. “I’ll do anything for this team—especially for Coach Dan Campbell. I’d run through a wall for that man.”
The Lions also fulfilled a local dream by drafting Arkansas wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa with the 70th pick. A Michigan native and lifelong Lions supporter, TeSlaa was overwhelmed by the opportunity. “It’s surreal—this has been my dream since I was a kid,” he said. TeSlaa began his college career at Division II Hillsdale before transferring to Arkansas. Holmes recalled TeSlaa showing up to his Top 30 visit in a Lions jersey, which he had owned since middle school.
Tate Ratledge’s selection at No. 57 (after a trade up with Denver) also came with a twist of fate. In 2024, Ratledge got a tattoo of lions—never expecting he’d actually play for Detroit. “It feels like destiny,” he admitted.
Holmes executed three trades during the draft, bringing his total to 16 moves over five years as GM. He moved up from picks 60 to 57, 102 to 70, and 182 to 171—where he selected LSU guard Miles Frazier.
To honor Holmes, Lions staff wore his North Carolina A&T jersey on the final day of the draft—a tribute to his roots and his upcoming appearance as the school’s commencement speaker on May 10. Holmes, a former college defensive tackle himself, will reflect on his journey from player to NFL general manager during the graduation speec
