Brad Holmes admitted the disappointment of the Detroit Lions missing the playoffs last season served as major motivation heading into the 2026 NFL Draft.

The Lions’ general manager revealed that the frustration from falling short remained a constant reminder throughout the offseason. In fact, Holmes kept a message written on the wall of his office reminding him that Detroit was at home watching the playoffs instead of competing.

“Not making the playoffs. I had some other things that I’m not going to say,” Holmes explained after the draft concluded. “But it was just a reminder that when the playoffs started, we were sitting at home watching.”

Lions Front Office Evaluated Entire Organization

Following the conclusion of the 2025 season, Holmes and the Lions’ leadership group took a detailed look at every aspect of the organization. The front office and coaching staff evaluated what worked and what needed improvement as they prepared for the upcoming season.

That review led to several internal changes, including adjustments to how the team will approach its offseason program.

Among the changes, Detroit decided to cancel its rookie minicamp and will also skip scheduling joint practices with another team during training camp.

Holmes explained that many of the changes made inside the organization may not generate headlines but are important to the team’s long-term success.

“Taking that hard, long look in the mirror and just looking at everything from top to bottom and saying, ‘Look, what can we do to do things better?’ What kind of tweaks, changes and adjustments,” Holmes said. “Those are the kinds of things I was talking about at the end of the season when I said some adjustments might not come with headlines.”

He added that while fans may focus on player acquisitions, many improvements come from behind-the-scenes changes.

“There are going to be a lot of things done, tweaked and adjusted internally that might not be a headline,” Holmes continued. “But we feel better about the moves and adjustments we made.”

Urgency Increased for Lions Leadership

Holmes also acknowledged that the urgency around the organization increased after missing the playoffs.

With Detroit now having a strong young core in place, the Lions are entering a critical stage where younger players are expected to grow into leadership roles as veteran players depart.

Holmes emphasized that while he approaches every draft with seriousness, the 2026 class carried an added level of intensity.

“I take every draft seriously because it’s too critical and too important,” Holmes said. “But I will say there was probably a little bit more fire.”

Holmes even skipped the NFL league meetings to dedicate more time to draft preparation, highlighting the urgency the organization felt this offseason.

“When you miss the playoffs, that might be the kick in the rear that you need at times,” Holmes said. “That reminder was written on my office wall. Not saying I don’t have fire in other drafts, but there was just a little bit more urgency this time.”