ALLEN PARK — Detroit Lions general manager Brad Holmes has made a statement with his attire in recent times. Last year, he began wearing ‘VILLAIN’ shirts, a subtle jab at those who doubted the team’s rebuild. This year, he took it up a notch with ‘POSITIONAL VILLAIN’ sweatshirts in the draft war room. The message is clear: Holmes is not afraid to go against the grain and prioritize his own evaluations, even if it means selecting players at positions that are typically undervalued in today’s NFL.
Holmes’ approach has been vindicated by the success of his draft picks last year. Despite criticism for selecting a running back (Jahmyr Gibbs) and stand-up linebacker (Jack Campbell) in the first 18 picks, both players went on to enjoy all-rookie seasons. Gibbs and Campbell played key roles in the Lions’ run to the conference championship game, while second-round pick Sam LaPorta became the best rookie tight end in franchise history. The draft class was named the league’s best according to a vote of NFL personnel, and Holmes was named executive of the year.
In a press conference on Friday, Holmes took direct aim at his critics over positional value. He stated that he had never fully understood the concept of drafting based solely on position rather than player ability. Holmes believes that the best approach is to draft the best football players who can contribute to the team’s success, regardless of their position.
Holmes’ bold approach has been a refreshing change for the Lions. He is not afraid to make decisions that go against conventional wisdom, and his willingness to trust his own evaluations has paid off. The Lions are a rising team, and Holmes’ ‘POSITIONAL VILLAIN’ sweatshirts are a symbol of his determination to build a winning culture in Detroit.
