The Detroit Lions are not hiding from what went wrong in 2025. After a 9-8 record, general manager Brad Holmes spoke honestly about the team’s mindset as they get ready for yet another season to break their Super Bowl drought.

Last season, Holmes' Lions could not make it to the playoffs, the first time since 2022. Months later, the loss against the Minnesota Vikings still stings, as found in Holmes' statement.

“When you miss the playoffs, that might be the kick in the rear that you need at times,” said Detroit's general manager as he met with the local media on April 25.  “Not saying that I don’t have fire in other drafts, but it was just a little bit more — the urgency just needed to be pushed up on everything.”

In 2025, the team looked strong early, starting 4-1, but could not keep that form in the second half.

The Lions went 5-7 over their last 12 games, which damaged their playoff hopes. Their season ended after a Week 17 loss to the Vikings. Close contests were also a problem, with a 3-5 record in one-score games.

All these factors served as the wake-up call for Holmes to handle this season's draft move aggressively. How did he address the gaps?

“Just finding gritty football players," Holmes clarified. "I’m not saying that we forgot about our identity, but just making sure that that was at the top of mind.”

Detroit had long been projected to take edge rushers. Yet, they consistently went in a different direction when their top choice was not available. But this year things were different.

They landed Clemson Tigers' tackle Blake Miller in the first round. Holmes and the Lions then struck up a deal with the New York Jets to jump up six spots and land Michigan Wolverines EDGE Derrick Moore.

With this, Moore became the Lions' first edge rusher taken on Day 1 or 2 since 2022.

Brad Holmes Explains Safety Decision Despite Injury Concerns

The Lions worked on most parts of their defense in the draft, but they did not pick a safety. That raised questions because both starters are coming off injuries.

Brian Branch suffered a ruptured right Achilles tendon in Week 14 last season. At the same time, Kerby Joseph's has sparked concerns about a possible chronic, arthritic knee that could significantly threaten his NFL career.

Holmes made it clear the choice was not based on health worries.

“It wasn’t that we intentionally didn’t draft a safety because we feel good about them,” Holmes said. “I feel like they’re both trending in the right direction. There were some good ones that were out there that just got picked before we were able to.”

When healthy, the Lions duo is one of the league’s most formidable safety groups. Branch made the Pro Bowl in 2024 with 75 tackles and 2.5 sacks in 12 games. Joseph has 20 interceptions in 55 career games and was named first-team All-Pro two years ago.

The Lions also have some backup options. Thomas Harper and Avonte Maddox are returning, and the team added Christian Izien and Chuck Clark this offseason. So, Holmes did not prioritise the safety position in this draft.

With all the moves in this season's NFL Draft, will Holmes be able to flip the script in 2026? Share your thoughts.

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Written by

Anjali Thakur

Edited by

Soheli Tarafdar