How Brad Holmes Changed the Detroit Lions’ Draft Approach to Create the Best Team in the NFL

In the NFL, a team’s long-term success is often built in the draft room. Teams that draft well consistently produce talent that can sustain competitiveness over many years. For the Detroit Lions, historically one of the league’s most struggling franchises, a major shift in strategy during Brad Holmes’ tenure as general manager (GM) has led to a dramatic transformation of the team. Since joining the Lions in 2021, Holmes has made a series of strategic decisions in the NFL Draft that have not only improved the team’s overall talent pool but also reshaped the franchise into a legitimate contender for years to come.

In this piece, we’ll explore how Brad Holmes changed the Detroit Lions’ draft approach, highlighting key strategies and specific players that have helped the Lions develop into one of the NFL’s best teams.

The Detroit Lions’ Draft Struggles Before Holmes’ Arrival

Before Brad Holmes took the reins as GM, the Detroit Lions were infamous for poor draft decisions that resulted in a lack of sustained success on the field. Since the franchise’s last playoff victory in 1991, the Lions had struggled to put together a winning team. Over the years, they made several high-profile, but often failed, draft picks. A few notorious examples include:

• The 2009 draft, when the Lions selected Matt Stafford with the first overall pick, only to follow it up with several questionable selections, such as Aaron Brown (RB) in the sixth round.
• The 2015 draft, which featured high hopes but ended with multiple misses, including players like Laken Tomlinson (OG), who was solid but did not meet expectations as a first-round pick.

While there were some bright spots (e.g., Calvin Johnson in 2007), the Lions’ draft decisions often failed to translate into long-term success. This lack of consistency, particularly in building a sustainable, competitive roster through the draft, led to a revolving door of head coaches and GMs. Detroit’s inability to draft the right players created an environment where mediocrity was the norm, not success.

The Brad Holmes Revolution: Changing the Draft Approach

When Brad Holmes took over as the GM of the Detroit Lions in 2021, he inherited a franchise in desperate need of a new direction. Holmes, who had a background in scouting with the Los Angeles Rams, was well aware of the importance of the draft. He had helped build a Rams roster that went on to become a Super Bowl champion in 2021. The experience gave him a deep understanding of what it takes to draft and develop talent in a way that sustains long-term success.

Holmes wasted no time in putting his stamp on the Lions’ draft philosophy, implementing several key changes that would ultimately pay off.

1. A Long-Term Vision Over Short-Term Fixes

One of the most significant changes Brad Holmes made was shifting the team’s focus from short-term fixes to a long-term, sustainable rebuild. Under the previous regime, the Lions often tried to patch holes quickly with free-agent signings or taking risks on high-profile but short-term players. This approach often led to marginal improvement but no real championship aspirations.

Holmes, however, understood that to build a perennial contender, the Lions needed to develop a deep, talented roster from the ground up. This required drafting players not just for immediate impact but with an eye on building for future seasons. He emphasized drafting younger players with high upside, good work ethics, and the right mentality. In the 2021 draft, Holmes focused on building the foundation for the future rather than trying to win now.

2. Prioritizing Talent, Not Position

Brad Holmes has been notably flexible in his draft approach, often prioritizing raw talent over positional need. In his first draft in 2021, for example, he took the best player available (BPA) at each position of selection, not necessarily filling a specific need. While many teams look to address needs with their first-round pick, Holmes saw the draft as an opportunity to acquire the best talent regardless of position.

This was seen clearly in the Lions’ 2021 draft, where they selected offensive tackle Penei Sewell with the seventh overall pick, even though offensive line was not a glaring need at the time. Sewell’s potential to become one of the league’s top offensive linemen made him a clear BPA choice, and he immediately became one of the cornerstones of the Lions’ rebuild. Additionally, Holmes brought in players such as linebacker Derrick Barnes and wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, who would go on to make major contributions in his first season.

3. The Emphasis on Smart, High-Character Players

Brad Holmes has consistently emphasized selecting players who not only have elite physical traits but also demonstrate high character and football intelligence. Holmes looks for players who are not only athletically gifted but also have the mental and emotional makeup to succeed at the highest level.

For example, Amon-Ra St. Brown, selected in the fourth round of the 2021 draft, was a player that many overlooked due to questions about his size. However, Holmes saw a wide receiver with the mental toughness and exceptional route-running skills to succeed. St. Brown has since become one of the team’s most reliable playmakers, showing that Holmes’ ability to identify character and work ethic is just as important as physical tools.

Moreover, Holmes has looked for players who fit into the team’s culture. This is particularly evident in his selection of players who are both talented and mature, understanding the importance of a team-first mentality. By fostering a positive culture built on accountability, Holmes has created a locker room environment where players push each other to excel.

4. Drafting for Depth, Not Just Star Power

Holmes has also changed the Lions’ approach to depth in the draft. Rather than focusing solely on top-tier, star players, Holmes has worked to build a deep, balanced roster with talent at every position. He recognized that in today’s NFL, success doesn’t just come from a few stars—it’s built on a cohesive team with multiple contributors.

For instance, the 2022 draft saw Holmes take a balanced approach, addressing key areas like the defensive line, secondary, and wide receiver. Players like defensive tackle Alim McNeill, cornerback Jerry Jacobs, and wide receiver Jameson Williams have been key in providing depth across the roster, adding both present and future value to the team.

5. Taking Risks on High-Upside Players

Another hallmark of Brad Holmes’ draft strategy has been his willingness to take calculated risks on players with high upside, particularly in the later rounds. Holmes has shown an ability to identify players who may have some question marks but possess exceptional raw talent and potential.

A prime example of this is the 2022 draft where Holmes selected wide receiver Jameson Williams, who had been recovering from an ACL injury but was widely regarded as one of the most explosive receivers in the draft. This pick was a risk, given Williams’ injury, but Holmes saw an opportunity to land a potentially game-changing talent at a position of need. While Williams’ debut was delayed, his speed and playmaking ability show he could become one of the top receivers in the league.

6. Mastering the Art of Trades and Value Picks

In addition to his drafting acumen, Brad Holmes has excelled at navigating the trade market, adding value and extra picks. This flexibility has allowed him to move up and down the draft board, maximizing the team’s resources. In 2023, for example, Holmes orchestrated a trade that landed the Lions a critical first-round pick, giving him the ability to add key pieces to the roster, including edge rusher Will Anderson, who would help solidify the defense.

Holmes has proven adept at making trades that give the Lions more opportunities to select players without depleting the team’s current roster or future assets. This approach of accumulating valuable picks while also filling roster gaps has proven to be a winning formula.

Key Players in the Brad Holmes Era

As Brad Holmes implemented his new draft strategy, a number of key players selected under his tenure have already had a significant impact on the Lions. These players exemplify the effectiveness of Holmes’ approach to drafting:

• Penei Sewell (2021, Round 1): An elite offensive tackle, Sewell has quickly become a cornerstone of the Lions’ offensive line, protecting quarterback Jared Goff and creating space for the running game.
• Amon-Ra St. Brown (2021, Round 4): A player who went under the radar for many, St. Brown quickly established himself as a top target in the Lions’ offense, becoming one of the most productive wide receivers in the league.
• Jameson Williams (2022, Round 1): Williams is recovering from an ACL injury, but his speed and playmaking ability have the potential to change games when he fully returns to form.
• Alim McNeill (2021, Round 3): A big body in the middle of the defense, McNeill has shown promise in anchoring the defensive line.
• Malcolm Rodriguez (2022, Round 6): An unexpected standout, Rodriguez emerged as a leader in the linebacker corps, providing excellent sideline-to-sideline coverage and playmaking ability.