Over the last two seasons, the Detroit Lions' depth has been incredibly tested by significant injuries. While that doesn't make them overly unique around the league, it has been a thing.
The root of the question Holmes fielded at the NFL Combine about depth was regarding the offensive line, but his response naturally extended beyond that unit.
"We want to add more competition, more depth" Holmes said. "That's not just at center, but on the offensive line. Both sides of the ball, really. That's not something that's going to be ignored."
We can look across the Lions' roster and easily see who is locked into their spot on the depth chart for next season. But there are some noticeable questions too, in part based on what happens in free agency and roster cuts that may be coming.
April's draft is looking pretty important, if only to keep the pipeline of young, less-costly talent full with more big contract extensions on the docket.
Ideal draft haul for the Lions would have Brad Holmes executing his plan
Bradley Locker of Pro Football Focus has created the ideal three-round draft haul for each NFL team.
The Lions of course don't have a third-round pick right now, after trading up to get Isaac TeSlaa in last year's draft, so their haul was just two picks, Miami edge rusher Akheem Mesidor and Texas A&M guard Chase Bisontis.
"The Lions' defense regressed down the stretch last season, with a lack of a secondary pass-rusher a major culprit. Even though he'll be 25 on draft night, Mesidor would fit the Lions' win-now mindset and form a dynamic duo with Aidan Hutchinson."
"Detroit also should look into bettering its interior offensive line with an early pick. Bisontis (70.7 PFF pass-blocking grade) could compete with Christian Mahogany to start after the latter struggled in his second season."
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Mesidor is an older prospect, but as Locker noted that may not turn the Lions off as they try to find players to help them get over the hump in the next few years. With inside-outside versatility, and equal prowess as a pass rusher and run defender, he looks like a nice fit at No. 17 overall.
Bisontis started his college career at right tackle, before starting the Aggies' bowl game to end his freshman season at right guard. He moved to left guard as a sophomore in 2024, starting 23 games there over his final two seasons.
Edge rusher and guard (left guard, as long as Tate Ratledge stays put on the right side) stand as two of the Lions' top draft needs right now. Their first two picks could be those positions, in whatever order, but Mesidor in the first round and Bisontis in the second would look pretty good as things stand right now.