Brad Holmes’ Draft Mastery: Outshining His Peers

When Brad Holmes took over as the Detroit Lions’ general manager in 2021, he inherited a struggling roster left behind by the previous regime. Additionally, he had to part ways with a veteran quarterback who preferred not to be part of another rebuilding phase.

Holmes has followed his unique approach to team-building, which was evident in the reaction to the Lions’ 2023 draft class. Selecting a running back and an off-ball linebacker in the top 20 went against conventional wisdom, yet it proved to be a successful move. The Lions secured four key contributors in the first two rounds, helping propel the team to the NFC Championship Game.

During his season-ending press conference, Holmes acknowledged that he remembers the draft criticisms he’s received since taking over. His 2023 selections, including rookies Jahmyr Gibbs and Sam LaPorta, both of whom made the Pro Bowl, have silenced many of those doubts.

Holmes’ Drafting Prowess Stands Out

A recent ESPN report by Eric Woodyard highlighted Holmes’ remarkable draft success. Over three seasons, the Lions have drafted five Pro Bowlers—Penei Sewell, Amon-Ra St. Brown, Aidan Hutchinson, Gibbs, and LaPorta. That’s three more than any other team in the same period.

While it’s well known that the Lions have drafted elite talent under Holmes, the fact that they lead the league in Pro Bowl selections from their draft picks underscores his exceptional ability. With another strong draft, defensive tackle Alim McNeill could soon be added to that list.

Holmes’ strategy prioritizes acquiring talent over strictly addressing positional needs, and the results speak for themselves. His drafting success has set him apart, proving he is one of the best in the business at identifying and developing top-tier talent.