It’s no secret that the Detroit Lions pay a lot of attention to special teams under GM Brad Holmes and head coach Dan Campbell. Both leaders emphasise the importance of the kicking and punting units whenever they get a chance.

Their devotion to special teams shows in their draft classes. In 2024, the Lions selected Sione Vaki, a college safety-turned-running back whose primary function as a fourth-round pick for Detroit is being a special teams ace. Vaki immediately took to that role as a rookie, too.

The 2025 Lions draft class featured a couple of later picks who project primarily as special teams contributors as rookies, too — notably seventh-rounders Dan Jackson and Dominic Lovett, both from Georgia. Holmes was asked about how important special teams considerations are for their draft evaluations.

“Yeah, it’s very important, it’s very important,” Holmes responded. “I think I may have made the joke in the past that, in the later round, (Lions Special Teams Coordinator Dave) Fipp could probably come in and just run the Draft just because it’s so – but look, when the guy earns a role on teams and he’s good enough to be a part of the depth, man, he’s got a good opportunity to go to the game.”

Holmes continued,

“There might be a player at his same position that might be – just take wide receiver, if there’s another player that’s just maybe a little bit better route runner or maybe has a little bit better hands, but if he doesn’t have the attitude or the skillset to contribute on special teams, you’re talking about battling for a fifth spot, no, we’re going with the guy that can contribute on special teams. So, that’s why it’s critically important.”

His words reinforce the draft decisions Holmes has consistently made in his five NFL drafts as GM of the Lions. You’re a Day 3 prospect and want to impress the Lions brass? You’d better be an asset on special teams.

This article originally appeared on Lions Wire: Lions GM reaffirms Detroit’s heavy emphasis on special teams