Kirby Smart has built a powerhouse in Athens, Georgia, and NFL general managers have taken notice, including Detroit Lions GM Brad Holmes. 

Holmes turned to three former Bulldogs in the 2025 NFL Draft, selecting offensive guard Tate Ratledge in Round 2, safety Dan Jackson in Round 7, and wide receiver Dominic Lovett with their final pick in Round 7.

While Holmes made it clear that he did not plan on drafting that many Georgia players, he has always admired Smart's football program. 

"Have been to Georgia practices a lot, and have been around that program a lot, and it's unlike anything else that I've seen live in terms of a college practice, in terms of just the intensity – (former Alabama head coach Nick) Saban at Alabama was very similar," Holmes said.

"But just the intensity, the physicality, the detail, the tempo, the whole thing, the energy, I mean, it's just — so when you can go through that kind of regimen and you practice like that, they're ready. But I think everything that Smart's done with that program, I think everything speaks for itself."

Holmes Reveals the Reason Behind Each Georgia Draft Pick

The Lions, who have a real shot at being Super Bowl contenders for the third-straight year, had their eyes on physical and versatile players in the draft, such as Ratledge. 

“Tate fits what we’re looking for, whether he’s got his mullet or not, he plays the game the right way,” Holmes said. “He’s tough, he’s physical, he’s a lot more athletic than you may think, and he has a lot more versatility than people may realize.”

When it came to selecting Jackson, Holmes couldn't pass on the former Georgia walk-on's 4-4 speed. 

“We’ve always had a liking for Dan Jackson, in terms of being a heady safety, and he’s gotten his hands on the football,” said Holmes. “A lot of it is above the neck, but he’s faster than a lot of people think.

“He’s been at the Senior Bowl, so he put together a nice little year.”

And when it came to their final draft pick, Holmes understood how much Smart values special teams and had a clear vision for the role Lovett could play in Detroit.

"One thing about him, yes, he has speed, and he can do a lot of things from the slot, but he’s going to be a really good special teams player, so we’re fired up to get him, we feel good about it,” Holmes said.

Under Coach Smart, Georgia has seen 66 players drafted into the NFL since 2016. This includes 20 first-round picks and 46 players drafted since 2022.

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He’s a stud!