Back in 2021, the new Detroit Lions regime of GM Brad Holmes and head coach Dan Campbell was a wildly unknown commodity. Fans didn’t know what to expect from the new-look Lions other than to hope it would be nothing like the previous “Patriot Way” path to the bottom.

Little did anyone know that the first NFL draft class of the Holmes/Campbell era would be the foundation of a perennial playoff team and two-time NFC North champion, one that is favored to win a third straight division title in 2025. That first group of draftees in Detroit has now all moved beyond the rookie contracts, which makes it a good time to grade how well the Lions draft class of 2021 looks in retrospect.

From their contributions in Detroit to the value of their second NFL contracts, the first Holmes draft class has left quite a mark on not just the Lions but the league as a whole…

First round: Penei Sewell

The No. 7 overall pick in the draft, Sewell quickly proved to be a standout at right tackle. Now he’s a two-time first-team All-Pro and generally regarded as the best young offensive lineman in the game. Oh yeah, the former Oregon Duck is not even 25 years old yet.

Second contract: 4 years, $112 million

Second round: Levi Onwuzurike

Taken at No. 41 overall out of Washington, Onwuzurike emerged as a part-time player as a rookie along the Lions defensive line. A back injury slowed his progress as a rookie and then wiped out his second year. He’s admirably fought back from spinal fusion surgery to earn a second contract from Detroit as a versatile, useful reserve defensive lineman with 3.5 sacks in his four years.

Second contract: 1 year, $4 million

Third round: Alim McNeill

Taken at No. 72 overall from North Carolina State, McNeill earned a starting DT gig early in his rookie season. He broke out in 2022 after reshaping his body and has emerged as one of the NFL’s better interior pass rushers since. A knee injury ended his 2024 campaign early, but McNeill appeared headed for his first Pro Bowl berth prior to that. He just turned 25 and has 11.5 sacks, 23.5 TFLs and 147 total tackles in 61 career games.

Second contract: 4 years, $97 million

Third round: Ifeatu Melifonwu

A cornerback at Syracuse, the Lions quickly switched the No. 101 pick in the 2021 NFL Draft into a safety. Injuries have dogged Melifonwu throughout his career, limiting him to just 37 games and 14 starts. Other than a torrid finish to the 2023 season, he’s struggled to make an impact.

Second contract: 1 year, $3.01 million with the Miami Dolphins

Fourth round: Amon-Ra St. Brown

The No. 112 pick in the draft blew away his draft position from the get-go. After a 90-catch rookie season that netted 912 yards and five TDs, St. Brown has spent the next three seasons hauling in at least 106 catches and 1,150 yards every year. Two-time first-team All-Pro, and no player has more catches since 2021 than St. Brown’s 430.

Second contract: 4 years, $120.01 million

Fourth round: Derrick Barnes

Selected one pick after St. Brown, Barnes continued a transition started in his final collegiate season at Purdue from hand-in-dirt pass rusher to an off-ball LB role in Detroit. After two up-and-down seasons, Barnes moved to the starting SAM LB role in his third season and found his niche with 81 tackles. An injury in Week 3 ended his 2024 season far too soon.

Second contract: 3 years, $24 million

Seventh round: Jermar Jefferson

The running back from Oregon State was the No. 257 pick in the draft. He managed 15 carries for 74 yards and two TDs as a rookie reserve, his only NFL action to date. Struggles in pass protection and an inability to make a dent on special teams have limited his chances as a reserve RB. Currently a free agent.

Overall grade: A

An incredible debut draft saw two All-Pros and three defensive starters in the class. Four players signed lucrative contract extensions to stay in Detroit.