DETROIT — Lions GM Brad Holmes has probably seen a mock or two.

He’s aware of his team’s perceived needs, even if he might not necessarily agree.

And at this point in the calendar, just days away from the start of the 2025 NFL Draft, Holmes is imploring folks to sit back, relax and let the chips fall.

“I don’t understand why people can’t just watch the draft,” Holmes said Thursday. “Like, all right, I don’t know what’s going to happen, but watch the draft and get your popcorn ready and enjoy it.”

That’s the sort of comment you can make when you’ve drafted six Pro Bowlers in the last four years.

The Lions’ success is a direct result of their homegrown talent and development. And as Year 5 rolls around, Holmes knows the Lions are in an enviable spot because of how they’ve approached this weekend over the years.

With his track record, Holmes will likely add to the strong core he’s built Thursday evening.

His advice is sound and worth listening to. Right after one final Detroit Lions mock draft.

No. 18 (via Seattle): Mykel Williams, Edge, Georgia

Trade details: Detroit sends No. 28, No. 102 and a 2026 third-rounder to Seattle for No. 18.

Analysis: Traditionally, Holmes has been more willing to trade up than down.

His moves back this, as does the insight he’s provided after several drafts.

He’s traded up for Jameson Williams, Terrion Arnold, Brian Branch, Brodric Martin, Giovanni Manu, Sione Vaki and Mekhi Wingo, to name a few.

He’s been tempted to trade up for Levi Onwuzurike, Ennis Rakestraw Jr. and Jahmyr Gibbs (Holmes said he considered trading up from 18 for Gibbs in 2023).

For a GM who’s all about drafting the right player, not position, this checks out.

If you love a guy, don’t hesitate to get him — especially when you have one of the NFL’s most complete rosters.

So, then, does Williams fit the description? In this mock, he does.

Historically, Williams is almost everything the Lions like from their edge rushers. He’s got ideal size at 6-foot-5, 261 pounds, has 34 3/8 anoconda arms, can defend the run and maintains discipline, plays with power and a motor and is viewed as a high-character individual.

Here’s what Georgia coach Kirby Smart had to say of Williams, per “The Beast”: “He’s very versatile for us in terms of on the field, but there is no greater value than what he does in the locker room. … (He’s a) great leader for us).”

You might be asking, what’s the drawback? It really comes down to a lack of reps and production. He was part of a heavy Georgia rotation that limited his snaps.

In his first year as a starter this past season, Williams suffered a left ankle sprain that he re-injured several times last year, despite only missing a couple of games.

And he’s not refined in terms of his pass-rush repertoire. However, at just 20 years old, these are all fixable issues.

If you believe in his immense traits, work ethic and football character, he’s worth betting on.

It’s not hard to envision a good coaching staff turning Williams into a high-level defender — and perhaps a (cheap) dream fit opposite Aidan Hutchinson.

That’s worth trading up for if he starts to slide a bit. For the purpose of this exercise, I offered the Seahawks No. 28 and two third-round picks (No. 102 in 2025 and one in 2026) to move up 10 spots.

The Lions received No. 102 as compensation for the Jets hiring Aaron Glenn, and will get another third-rounder in 2026 for Glenn’s departure — in addition to owning their own.

They really aren’t sacrificing much in a trade like this, which could net them a long-term answer at edge.

Holmes talks about drafting the best player available. At 18, that very well could be Williams. If a team is willing to play ball, the Lions could benefit.

This could work out for them much like the Arnold trade last year.

Excerpt from “The Beast”: “Overall, Williams is more toolsy than nuanced and needs to develop a more unified pass-rush plan.

The individual traits (length, strength, explosiveness), promising toughness and football character, however, are reasons to bet on his upside.

Similar in ways to Jason Pierre-Paul, he projects as an NFL starter on the edge.”

No. 70 (via Jacksonville): Josaiah Stewart, Edge, Michigan

Trade details: Detroit sends No. 60 and No. 196 to Jacksonville for No. 70 and No. 107.

Analysis: I know, I know. Another needs-based pick. But hear me out.

The Lions have met with Stewart several times throughout this draft cycle. They’ve done a considerable amount of homework on him.

In fact, they’ve done their homework on a number of prospects who fit the speed rusher mold.

It would make sense if they’re targeting some speed, because they don’t currently have much.

These types — beyond the first round — tend to be limited in what they can do, as Detroit learned with James Houston.

However, Stewart has the potential to be more than that.

Stewart could be a situational pass rusher offering speed off the edge, but I bet the Lions would test what he can do as a SAM linebacker — a hybrid rush/cover defender in Detroit’s defense.

The Lions struggled to find a suitable replacement when Barnes went down last year, so having Stewart in the mix would offer potential insurance.

Stewart doesn’t have a ton of experience in coverage, but that hasn’t stopped the Lions from experimenting before and Stewart has the tools to give it a shot. If the Lions like what they see there, it would give them options in 2026.

Alex Anzalone is a free agent next year, so if they’re thinking about moving on as they look to cut costs, they could draft Stewart, let him contribute for a year as a reserve/pass-rush specialist, then let him take over at SAM in 2026 while starting Barnes and Jack Campbell at WILL and MIKE.

Even if a scenario like that isn’t part of the plans — it would be tough to lose Anzalone, after all — I’d personally love to see this marriage, as Stewart’s speed would be a tremendous complement to Williams’ power and length. Detroit would be set up nicely with a top three of Hutchinson, Williams and Stewart for the foreseeable future.

As for the trade down to No. 70, the idea was to recoup some assets after trading up for Williams. Essentially, we swapped a late second for an early third, while essentially replacing pick No. 102 (offered to Seattle for Williams) with No. 104. It worked out better than expected.

Excerpt from “The Beast”: “Overall, Stewart’s size won’t be for everyone, but he is an energetic athlete whose combination of twitchy get-off, crafty hands and relentless finish can make him a pass-rush factor from day one. His talent suggests he can be more than a pass-rush specialist in the NFL.”

No. 107 (via Jacksonville): Dylan Fairchild, G, Georgia

The Lions lost veteran Kevin Zeitler in free agency, and have Graham Glasgow (36 pressures allowed in 2024 — tied for 7th-most among guards) and second-year sixth-round pick Christian Mahogany as projected starters. Behind them, there’s Kayode Awosika and Colby Sorsdal — a healthy scratch for most of the 2024 season.

Barring a veteran signing or internal growth, the Lions adding a guard would make sense.

Campbell suggested it’s something the organization has thought about. And a player who feels like a clean scheme and character fit is Fairchild.

Fairchild had a pre-draft visit with the Lions. He’s 6-foot-5, 325 pounds, made Bruce Feldman’s “Freaks” list, has a wrestling background, allowed just one sack in 875 offensive snaps this season, could kick out to tackle in a pinch and has a mauler mentality.

Brugler calls Fairchild a “Gritty competitor who wants to make it a bad day for opponent.” That’ll play here.

He checks almost every box and looks the part of a 10-year starter if he continues to develop. Have to think Hank Fraley would love coaching him.

Excerpt from “The Beast”: “Overall, Fairchild lacks experience — and it shows at times — but he is powerful, tough and naturally aggressive.

I expect him to continue getting better with additional reps. He is an ascending prospect with NFL starting upside, in the Wyatt Teller mold.”

No. 130: Tory Horton, WR, Colorado State

Analysis: Horton was extremely productive in college, ranking top-5 nationally in receptions with 95 in 2023.

He was on pace to break the Mountain West record for career receiving yards, but a knee injury limited him to just five games, falling 35 yards shy.

That injury could force Horton to wait a bit on draft day, because he’s got the tape and traits of a Day 2 pick. He’s got 4.41 speed at 6-foot-2 (including an in-game mph of 22.5), he knows how to separate and has a feel for the soft zone, he’s a two-time team captain, can return punts and stayed loyal to coach Jay Norvell despite SEC interest to transfer.

He’s not the big-bodied X receiver and needs to get stronger as he faces NFL corners in press, but he’d be a strong Day 3 addition to a receiver room.

The Lions want to add youth to the position, and Horton is a prospect who could help early in his career.

Excerpt from “The Beast”: “Overall, Horton must tighten his route running and get stronger, but his fluidity, speed and natural tracking skills can be weaponized by the right coaching staff.

He projects as a rotational Z receiver/punt returner who can gradually push for starting flanker reps.”

No. 228: Craig Woodson, S, California

Analysis: The Lions could use some safety help after the departure of Ifeatu Melifonwu. Woodson is a smart safety who’s quick to diagnose.

Per Brugler, scouts say Woodson is an “A-plus person,” which should put him in a favorable light with this front office. He’s a good, not great athlete, but that’s fine at this stage of the draft.

At safety, instincts and football IQ can keep you rostered for a long time, and at 24, it feels like Woodson would be ready to contribute sooner rather than later as a depth piece.

Excerpt from “The Beast”: “Overall, Woodson doesn’t have dominant size or traits that make him jump off the film, but he is good enough in most critical categories NFL teams want at the safety position. He will be ready from day one to compete for a depth role.”

No. 244: Iowa LB Jay Higgins

Analysis: I think the Lions are gonna love Higgins. He was a tackling machine at Iowa, racking up 295 over his final two seasons en route to All-American status. He was also a two-time captain at Iowa, following in the footsteps of Jack Campbell. If it were 1982, he’d probably be a first-round pick. But alas, it’s not.

Higgins’ lack of size and speed could limit his overall value in the modern game, but his instincts, ability to contribute on special teams, work ethic and personality should make him a locker room favorite and keep him rostered.

Excerpt from “The Beast”: “Overall, Higgins’ lack of ideal speed and length will be more glaring in the NFL, but he consistently punches above his weight class. His instincts and toughness will help disguise concerns about his game, too.

His game is reminiscent of Anthony Walker, who has been a productive pro when healthy.”

(Top photo of Mykel Williams: Brett Davis / USA Today)

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Colton Pouncy is a staff writer for The Athletic covering the Detroit Lions.

He previously covered Michigan State football and basketball for the company, and covered sports for The Tennessean in Nashville prior to joining The Athletic. Follow Colton on Twitter @colton_pouncy