With the NFL Draft less than a week away, Lions general manager Brad Holmes is staying true to the formula that helped turn Detroit into a serious contender.
Holmes made it clear this week that he’s not about to throw out his strategy and start chasing positional needs—no matter what fans or pundits think the team must do with the No. 28 pick. “You can get in trouble chasing needs,” Holmes said. “We’re making picks for future investments, not just for what looks good today.”
It’s a patient approach, and one that’s worked for Detroit so far. Holmes, alongside head coach Dan Campbell, took over a 5-11 squad in 2021. Fast-forward to now, and the Lions have gone 27-7 over the past two seasons, won back-to-back NFC North titles, and came within striking distance of a Super Bowl.
While edge rusher seems like the obvious area of concern—Detroit was bottom-10 in sacks last season—Holmes isn’t going to force it. Yes, Aidan Hutchinson led the team despite only playing five games, and yes, they could use another difference-maker off the edge. But Holmes knows better than to reach if the right guy isn’t there.
If anything, a trade-up is possible, but Holmes knows that depends on who’s willing to deal. “It takes two,” he said. “Even if we want to, that doesn’t mean another team’s ready to move back.”
With a roster that’s already stacked and a draft class rich in trench talent, Detroit could look to strengthen the O-line or secondary. Either way, Holmes is expected to keep the long-term vision in mind—just like he did when he picked Jahmyr Gibbs in 2023, a move that raised eyebrows but paid off big time.
No matter what happens Thursday night, expect Holmes to play the board smart. That’s been his style from the start, and it’s one big reason the Lions are no longer a team rebuilding—they’re a team chasing a title.
Brad Holmes Sticks to Strategy: Lions Won’t Chase Needs in NFL Draft
