The 2026 NFL Draft gave fans a clear look at what the Detroit Lions wanted to fix.

Defense got attention, but one spot raised a question. Safety was left untouched, especially with injury concerns around two key players.

Many expected the Lions to add help there. Both Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph are coming off injuries.

Still, the front office stayed patient and chose a different path during the draft. General manager Brad Holmes explained the decision after the draft.

“It wasn’t that we intentionally didn’t draft a safety because we feel good about them,” Holmes said. “They’re trending the right way, but it just didn’t line up. We didn’t ignore it.”

That approach fits how the Lions have built their roster. The front office sticks to its board and avoids reaching, even when a need looks clear.

Branch is coming back from an Achilles injury, while Joseph missed 11 games with a knee issue. Both are still working their way back, and their status for the start of the season is not fully clear.

When the pair is on the field, they bring real impact. Branch made the Pro Bowl in 2024 with 75 tackles and 2.5 sacks in 12 games. Joseph has 20 interceptions in 55 games and was named first-team All-Pro two years ago.

The team also added depth in other ways. Players like Christian Izien, Chuck Clark, Avonte Maddox, and Thomas Harper bring experience. It may not get much attention, but it gives the team options if needed.

This wasn’t a case of ignoring the position. It was a decision based on how the board fell. And now, that leads into how Holmes handled the rest of the draft strategy.

Brad Holmes Stays Patient While Building the Roster

After a tough season, Holmes focused on building from the line of scrimmage again.

He went with Clemson tackle Blake Miller at No. 17, then traded up to pick Michigan edge rusher Derrick Moore at No. 44.

Holmes stuck to his usual approach.

“We’ve always said we’re going to take the best player,” Holmes said during the draft day presser. “There were other options, but these were the guys we liked. When it comes together like that, it feels good. I couldn’t be happier from today and yesterday.”

Holmes had explained this in the earlier interview as well. He believes a roster never stays the same for long. Injuries, contracts, and player form can change what a team needs, which is why he avoids locking in on one position during the draft.

According to Holmes, he trusted his board over outside pressure and avoided forcing picks, as reaching can expose a player’s known weaknesses.

Moreover, the Detroit Lions stayed true to their plan. No rush, no pressure moves. The focus remains on long-term growth, even if it means passing on positions that seem like clear needs right now.

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Written by

Anjali Thakur

Edited by

Kalp Thaker