Breaking: Detroit Lions GM Brad Holmes Send Strong Message TO Georgia Head Coach Kirby Smart After A Successful NFL Draft
Kirby Smart has established a dominant program in Athens, Georgia, and it’s caught the attention of NFL executives—among them, Detroit Lions GM Brad Holmes.
In the 2025 NFL Draft, Holmes selected three former Georgia Bulldogs: offensive guard Tate Ratledge in the second round, safety Dan Jackson in the seventh, and wide receiver Dominic Lovett with the team’s final pick.
Georgia Bulldogs Head Coach Kirby Smart
Although Holmes didn’t intend to draft multiple players from Georgia, he’s long respected Smart’s program.
“I’ve been to a lot of Georgia practices and spent time around that program—it’s unlike anything else I’ve seen at the college level,” Holmes said. “The intensity, physicality, attention to detail, pace, and energy all stand out. It’s very similar to what Saban built at Alabama. Players who come through that kind of system are prepared. Everything Smart has built there speaks for itself.
Detroit Lions GM Brad Holmes
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Holmes Reveals the Reason Behind Each Georgia Draft Pick
The Lions, entering their third consecutive season as legitimate Super Bowl contenders, prioritized tough, adaptable players in the draft—qualities they saw in Tate Ratledge.
“Tate’s exactly what we’re looking for, mullet or not,” said GM Brad Holmes. “He plays the right way—tough, physical, more athletic and versatile than people give him credit for.”
As for Dan Jackson, Holmes couldn’t overlook the former Georgia walk-on’s 4.4 speed.
“We’ve always liked Dan as a smart, instinctive safety who knows how to find the ball,” Holmes explained. “He plays with a high football IQ, and he’s faster than people assume. He had a solid year and showed well at the Senior Bowl.”
With their final pick, Holmes saw a specific role for Dominic Lovett, especially given how much Kirby Smart emphasizes special teams.
“He’s got speed and brings versatility from the slot, but what really excites us is his potential on special teams,” Holmes said. “We’re thrilled to bring him in.”
Since 2016, Georgia has sent 66 players to the NFL under Coach Smart, including 20 first-rounders and 46 picks since 2022 alone.
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