The 2026 NFL Draft is officially in the books for the Detroit Lions, and while some fans might feel a bit underwhelmed by the lack of flashy surprises, not everyone is shrugging their shoulders. In fact, one of our own analysts is calling this Brad Holmes’ best work yet—not for the shock value, but for the sheer grit and identity it brings back to the Motor City.

Let’s be honest: Holmes has built a reputation for bold, sometimes jaw-dropping moves. This year, though, the Lions kept it simple. They targeted needs, drafted players who fit their system, and avoided the drama. For some, that feels like a letdown after years of high-wire draft-day antics. But for Brett Whitefield—our own draft guru and COO of Fantasy Points—that’s exactly why this class stands out.

“There was nothing cute that happened,” Brett explained during a deep dive on our YouTube channel. “It was back to business as usual. We’re going after dawgs.”

And that’s the key word here: dawgs. After a season that saw the Lions’ physical edge slip at times, Holmes made a conscious effort to reload the roster with tough, hard-nosed players. From the trenches to the linebacker room, every pick screams one thing—physicality.

Take Derrick Moore, for example. Brett had him ranked as the fourth-best pure pass rusher in the entire class, and the Lions snagged him in the second round. That’s the kind of value that wins championships. Meanwhile, Blake Miller brings that same nasty streak to the offensive line, reinforcing an identity that made the Lions one of the most feared units in football just a few years ago.

“Even Jimmy Rolder has that dawg in him,” Brett added, nodding to the linebacker’s relentless style.

So while the headlines may not scream “blockbuster,” this draft class could be exactly what Detroit needs to return to its roots. It’s not about being flashy—it’s about being tough. And if you ask Brett Whitefield, that’s the best kind of draft there is.