All articles tagged with #brad holmes
Detroit Lions GM Brad Holmes said talks with Jahmyr Gibbs are ongoing amid a contract hold-in and expressed optimism a deal could be reached, though there are few concrete updates; Dan Campbell had previously said he was surprised a deal hadn't been done, and the situation continues with hopes to finalize soon.
Detroit’s 2026 NFL Draft drew mixed reviews: not flashy, but praised by some (notably Brett Whitefield) as a “dawg” rebuild with a focus on the trenches and value picks like Derrick Moore, signaling a reset of the Lions’ identity under Brad Holmes. The class is seen as practical and physically oriented, with emphasis on reinvesting in the offensive line, even as others called the approach a bit boring. The analysis is also explored in a YouTube breakdown accompanying the piece.
Brad Holmes reiterates the Lions won’t draft for need at the expense of talent, but the 2026 picks—OT Blake Miller, DE Derrick Moore, and LB Jimmy Rolder—appeared to line up with Detroit’s top needs, prompting debate whether his stance has shifted or if the alignment was simply a favorable board outcome. Holmes says any ties or premium positions may have guided choices without sacrificing talent, leaving room for discussion about a strategic pivot versus fortunate alignment.
Brad Holmes walks through Detroit’s 2026 draft picks, highlighting OT Blake Miller as a high-floor, culture-fit starter, EDGE Derrick Moore as a versatile pass-rusher, LB Jimmy Rolder as an instinctive tackler, CB Keith Abney as nickel/corner versatility, WR Kendrick Law as a multi-phase playmaker, and DL Skyler Gill-Howard and DL Tyre West as developmental linemen, emphasizing fit, growth potential, and how they bolster the Lions’ rotation and special-teams impact.
Lions GM Brad Holmes and coach Dan Campbell say their 2026 draft and free-agent plans center on adding gritty, physically tough football players to restore Detroit's hard-nosed identity after a down 2025.
Brad Holmes used the 2026 NFL draft to shore up Detroit’s trenches and add versatile playmakers: first-round Clemson OL Blake Miller at 17, then Michigan EDGE Derrick Moore at 44 via a Jets trade, followed by LB Jimmy Rolder, Arizona State CB Keith Abney II, Kentucky WR Kendrick Law, DT Skyler Gill-Howard, and EDGE Tyre West. Grades went A for Miller and Moore, B for Rolder, B+ for Abney II and Law, C+ for Gill-Howard, and C- for West, reflecting an emphasis on inside-out growth, improved pass rush, and secondary depth, with Hutchinson signaling excitement after Moore’s selection.
Lions GM Brad Holmes said the 2026 draft emphasized gritty football players who fit Detroit’s identity, with Day 3 selections adding depth and competition as the team aimed to rebound after missing the playoffs. He cited five Day 3 picks—Jimmy Rolder, Keith Abney II, Kendrick Law, Skyler Gill-Howard and Tyre West—as complete fits and potential contributors. Holmes also expects first‑round tackle Blake Miller and second‑round edge Derrick Moore to make immediate impacts, noted Law’s multi‑role potential beyond the gadget label, and explained there was no safety selected because the available class didn’t line up as deeply and safeties Kerby Joseph and Brian Branch are still rehabbing from injuries.
Detroit traded up from 50 to 44 to take Michigan edge Derrick Moore, sending 128 and 50 to the Jets; Holmes said Moore was their top edge available. Across draft-value charts, the move falls near even on modern sheets, while older charts show a small premium for Detroit; Fitzgerald-Spielberger suggests the Lions overpaid by a late‑fifth‑round equivalent, though Holmes and Detroit appear comfortable with the pick and their Day 2 strategy.
Detroit GM Brad Holmes said the Lions strongly explored trading up for Clemson tackle Blake Miller, but the price was too steep. After a run of offensive tackles went off the board (Spencer Fano at 9, Mauigoa at 10, Proctor at 12, and Ty Simpson at 13), Detroit stayed put at 17 to land Miller, preserving their 50th overall pick and seven Day 3 selections for future moves.
Detroit Lions GM Brad Holmes had pursued Clemson tackle Blake Miller for years and even considered trading up. After Miller fell to pick No. 17 following the Rams’ Ty Simpson selection, Detroit kept its assets and drafted him, hoping he’ll be the starting right tackle in Week 1.
Detroit enters the 2026 NFL Draft with nine selections, including two in the top 100, giving GM Brad Holmes a chance to add impact players or find late-round diamonds. The open-thread format invites fans to discuss Day 1 and cheer as the Lions’ 17th overall selection, while also promoting a live draft show on Twitch and YouTube.
The Detroit Lions are reportedly calling teams to trade up from 17 in the NFL Draft to secure an offensive tackle, a move tied to Brad Holmes’ history of moving up for his targets and influenced by draft-day market dynamics that could push teams to act before Detroit picks.
In ESPN analyst Peter Schrager's final 2026 mock, Detroit trades up to land Alabama left tackle Kadyn Proctor — a bold, costly move that would swap picks and include a 2027 second-rounder and a fourth-round pick. Proctor’s size and run-blocking prowess are tempered by pass-protection lapses and potential culture-fit concerns, and several other tackles were still available later in the draft. The piece notes Proctor may not be worth the hefty price, especially given Detroit's needs, and mentions Schrager's historically mixed track record predicting Lions moves.
A second Detroit Lions 2026 mock draft channels Brad Holmes’s aggressive, evaluative approach, envisioning bold trades and picks; fans can watch the Pride of Detroit YouTube episode for the full breakdown.
The Detroit Lions will alter their 2026 pre-draft process by skipping the NFL owners meetings to avoid losing prep time and eliminating the local pro day, instead relying on local visits. GM Brad Holmes says the changes aim to save time and keep the evaluation moving, with the option to bring back the pro day if it’s shown to be necessary.