By Sunday 
Why the Lions GM Refuses to “Chase Needs” in the Draft
If you’re a Detroit Lions fan counting down the days to the 2025 NFL Draft and hoping your team fills that one glaring hole on the roster, pump the brakes. GM Brad Holmes just dropped a reminder that might ruffle a few feathers—but should ultimately reassure anyone invested in Detroit’s long-term success.
“We’re not going to reach for players just to fill a position,” Holmes said Thursday during his pre-draft media session. “You’re just kind of getting into a cycle that I think is a little bit dangerous.”
Translation: this draft won’t be about plugging immediate leaks. It’s about future-proofing the ship.
The Risk of Drafting for “Need”
Let’s face it—drafting based on positional need feels good in the moment. A new cornerback for a struggling secondary? A shiny new wideout to give the offense a spark? Yes, please.
But Holmes has been around the block. He knows that prioritizing need over talent often leads teams down a slippery slope. Today’s “urgent gap” might not be tomorrow’s problem. Injuries happen. Player development happens. Surprises happen.
“That need might make sense for right now at this time,” Holmes explained, “but we make these picks for future investments. I think you get in trouble chasing needs sometimes. Nobody has a crystal ball.”
A Blueprint for Longevity
For a team that’s been on the rise—and a fanbase that’s been dreaming of finally turning the corner—Holmes’ steady, calculated approach might seem a little too zen. But don’t mistake patience for passivity.
This is the same GM who helped craft one of the NFL’s most exciting young rosters. He’s not here to play checkers. He’s laying down chess pieces—moves ahead of where the board sits today.
The goal? Build depth. Stack talent. Stay competitive no matter what the injury report or free agency throws at you.
What to Expect in the 2025 NFL Draft
So, what does this mean for Detroit come draft night?
Expect the unexpected. If fans are clamoring for a cornerback and Holmes drafts an edge rusher, don’t panic. If a stud running back falls into their lap even though the backfield looks fine, they’ll take him.
The strategy is clear: trust the board, trust the scouts, and trust that building something sustainable doesn’t always align with the immediate fan wishlist.
In Holmes We Trust
It’s refreshing, honestly. In a league obsessed with quick fixes and splashy picks, Brad Holmes is staying grounded, focused, and stubbornly smart. He’s not drafting for headlines. He’s drafting for February football and beyond.
So when draft night rolls around, remember Holmes’ words. And maybe—just maybe—trade the urge to refresh your “needs list” for a little long-term vision.
Because in Detroit, the foundation is set. Now it’s about building the house right.