If there is one takeaway from the Detroit Lions draft, it’s that Brad Holmes doesn’t care about any big boards or mock drafts besides his own. It’s that exact mentality that won over the respect of not only Lions fans but media members and fans across the league in his first two years as the Lions’ GM.
If there’s a second takeaway, it’s that the NFL draft is seven rounds, not one. It takes three days to see a GM’s plan unfold, not one pick. And if there’s a third takeaway, it’s that Brad Holmes is way smarter than the people criticizing him.
Trade 1 (B+)
- Lions Receive: Pick 12, Pick 34, Pick 168
- Cardinals Receive: Pick 6, Pick 81
Devon Witherspoon being taken fifth by the Seahawks threw off Brad Holmes’s plan of attack in the draft. Detroit, who decided to pass on Jalen Carter and Tyree Wilson, decided to trade back to pick 12 and acquire their third 2nd round pick of the draft. In a draft class so talented and deep, these picks shouldn’t be brushed over or thought of as anything but extremely valuable.
It’s assumable the Lions’ original draft strategy went a little something like this:
- 6: Devon Witherspoon (Illinois, CB)
- 18: Jahmyr Gibbs (Alabama, RB)
- Trade into an early second-round slot to draft Jack Campbell
While the Lions avoided addressing the defensive line and the cornerback room in the first round like many had mocked them to do, Holmes adapted to Witherspoon being selected, executed a plan, and still walked away with two players the organization desperately wanted.
Jahmyr Gibbs, Alabama RB | Round 1, Pick 12 | (B+)
From the outside looking in, this pick seemed improbable. No one mocked Gibbs to the Lions because Gibbs was a late first/early second-round projected pick. The precedent of taking a running back in the first round has an overall poor connotation due to positional draft value.
Here’s a look at each first-round running back over the last five years:
- 2021 Najee Harris* (24th)
- 2021 Travis Etienne (25th)
- 2020 Clyde Edwards-Helaire* (32nd)
- 2019 Josh Jacobs* (24th)
- 2018 Saquon Barkley* (2nd)
- 2018 Rashaad Penny (27th)
- 2018 Sony Michel (31st)
- 2017 Leonard Fournette (4th)
- 2017 Christian McCaffrey* (8th)
*Indicates Pro Bowler
Taking a running back in the first round is always questionable. Reaching 15 picks higher than Gibbs’ average (mock) draft position raises even more questions. Considering the Lions already had two starter-worthy running backs in D’andre Swift and David Montgomery, this pick is under fire from fans.
However, don’t let the pick alter the stance of the player. Whether he was taken at 12 or 28, Gibbs is an elite open field and receiving back that can cause mayhem with his combination of speed and power. Compared to Alvin Kamara, Holmes acknowledged the Lions evaluated Gibbs as the best open-space offensive weapon in the entire draft class. Holmes also noted that multiple teams tried trading up for the Alabama running back. So, props to the organization for landing their guy.
Gibbs can be what the Lions have always wanted Swift to be and more. An elite three-down back, someone that can torch linebackers in coverage, a great pass blocker, someone who can break loose any time they get the edge, etc. Most importantly, a consistent running back.
Who’s the only person happier than Jahmyr Gibbs? Ben Johnson, who just landed himself a brand new toy. Johnson will, without question, maximize Gibbs’ potential. Expect to see Johnson use Gibbs in the passing game just as frequently as in the run. Behind the Lions’ offensive line combined with one of the best play callers in the league, Gibbs has the opportunity to be used as a Kamara/McCaffrey type player and potentially be one of the best backs in the league.
The pick wasn’t perfect. However, leading up to the draft, Brad Holmes had the Lions fanbase’s full trust. One pick shouldn’t change the viewpoint on him. There is a plan, and soon it’ll come to fruition.
Jack Campbell, Iowa LB | Round 1, Pick 18 | (A-)
“When we selected Jack, he was our highest-rated player,” said Brad Holmes after the first night of the draft.
Campbell was without question the best inside linebacker in the draft, and it frankly wasn’t close. The 2022 Big 10 defensive player of the year has tremendous size and athleticism. At 6’5″ and 250 pounds, Campbell received the highest athleticism score amongst all linebackers at this year’s combine. A step further, Campbell had the sixth-highest athleticism score of all linebackers over the last 36 years.
Campbell was a two-time captain at Iowa and received the academic Heisman in 2022.
Again, the Lions took their guy earlier than most people anticipated Campbell being drafted. However, Campbell’s high floor and All-Pro ceiling make him a truly special linebacker, a position group in which Detroit desperately needs more depth. It’s not the most thrilling first-round draft pick, but anything that indicates Alex Anzalone will be on the field less get’s me excited.
Using his size, Campbell can blow up any run in the middle. With his speed, he makes plays on the outside. Very few linebackers can make it consistently. His combination of length and strength gives ball carriers very few options to escape presence. Campbell’s reactive instincts and agility give him an elite and rare ability to make open-field tackles. It’s hard to find the film of Campbell knocking anyone’s lights out, but his fundamentally sound form-tackling skills will be a nice change-up in Detroit.
Campbell had two interceptions in both his Senior and Junior seasons at Iowa. Reading the quarterback is a strength that should open the door to play zone over the middle. If Campbell can make an impact in both the run and passing game, it’s going to be impossible to keep him off the field.
“I couldn’t be any happier to represent the city of Detroit and be a part of something special,” said Campbell in his introductory press conference. “I feel like I have a blue-collar old-school mindset… The people in Detroit, I feel like they work for everything they get, never complain, never point fingers. I feel like that’s who I am, and I couldn’t be in a better city that represents that.”
Prediction: He’ll be a captain before the end of his rookie contract.
Sam LaPorta, Iowa TE | Round 2, Pick 34 | (B-)
The Lions ripped Sam LaPorta early in the second round, making him the first Tight End to be taken off the board. While many speculated Notre Dame prospect Michael Mayer would be the first Tight End to be drafted, the Lions zagged and made their own decision, a common theme in the Brad Holmes era when it comes to the draft.
LaPorta’s massive 6’3″ height and 250-pound size body, combined with his 4.59 speed, make him an instant plug-and-play guy.
He’s not notorious for his blocking, but LaPorta catches almost everything thrown his way. In just 11 games during his senior season, the 22-year-old led the Big 10 in catches, yards, yards after catch, yards after contact, and 15+ yard receptions. LaPorta broke ten tackles in 2022, breaking the previous Iowa Tight End record held by no other than TJ Hockenson.
LaPorta’s desire to run after the catch regardless of who’s in his way brings a new element to Ben Johnson’s offense. But the Lions already have three Tight Ends on the roster; one can only assume the plan is to have LaPorta take on the majority of snaps by the midway point of the season.
The Lions took James Mitchell in the fifth round of last year’s draft, who was recovering from an ACL tear at the time. While the reps were limited for the rookie in 2022, the athletic upside Mitchell brings to the table was worth noting.
Brock Wright started ten games for Detroit after trading away TJ Hockenson midway through the season in 2022. The 24-year-old recorded 18 catches for 216 yards and four touchdowns during that stretch.
Granted his limited snaps, Shane Zylstra was the fifth-best blocking Tight End in the NFL last season.
With three Tight Ends already on the roster, prioritizing drafting another one in the early second round is a questionable decision. LaPorta is a better prospect than anyone currently on the roster, but the pick could have been used to bulk up the defensive line. With that being said, LaPorta is an upgrade on offense and was drafted to help the team win now. Hard to argue that.
Trade 2 (A+)
- Lions Receive: Pick 45
- Packer Receive: Pick 48, Pick 159
The Lions, who originally were set to pick at 48, saw an opportunity to move up three and select a top-tier talent still on the board.
Brian Branch, Alabama DB | Round 2, Pick 45 | (A+)
A top-20 projected pick on most draft boards, Brian Branch falls to the second round, and the Lions were the lucky team to grab him.
Branch fell because of his poor combine performance, specifically his 4.58 time on the 40-yard dash. However, Branch plays the game much faster than his 40 indicates.
The standout SEC safety recorded two interceptions, seven pass breakups, 90 tackles (14 for loss), and three sacks in his senior season at Alabama, earning him a spot on the AP All-American second team.
Branch can play all over the field as a safety, corner, or someone you can line up in the box. The six-foot defensive back is shifty, fluid, strong, and smart, giving him the ability to match up with anyone and everyone. Many have compared the prospect to Minkah Fitzpatrick.
Trade 3 (A)
- Lions Receive: Pick 63, Pick 122, Pick 249
- Cardinals Receive: Pick 55, Pick 194
Trade 4 (A)
- Lions Receive: Pick 68, Pick 139
- Broncos Receive: Pick 64, Pick 183
Trade three and four go hand and hand. Looking back, it’s clear Hendon Hooker was the Lions desired player at this stage of the draft. Knowing no teams drafting directly behind them needed a quarterback, Holmes traded back on two separate occasions to collect more draft capital and still landed his guy, Hendon Hooker. Someone give Brad Holmes the key to the city. Let him be the Mayor. Governor?
Hendon Hooker, Tennessee QB | Round 2, Pick 68 | (A-)
Firstly, Hendon Hooker still has a long way to go before he’s ready to play at the NFL level. Secondly, his age and the fact that he is recovering from an ACL tear (he will be fully healthy by Week 1) shouldn’t contribute to how anyone feels about Hooker as a prospect.
The Lions used their first three picks (Gibbs, Campbell, LaPorta) to add day-one impact starters to the roster. The fourth pick (Branch) may not start, but he will, without question, be in the rotation and make an impact sooner than later (he’s only not starting because there are three awesome safeties on the team already). Instead of drafting positionally based on the team’s needs, Holmes took guys that will help the Lions win now and hedged himself by taking Hendon Hooker.
The three best quarterbacks were off the board by the time the Lions were on the clock in the first round. But hypothetically, if the Lions took Anthony Richardson at six, the city of Detroit would have immediately burned down. The fanbase would be divided in half. It’d be impossible to convince anyone of anything, and Anthony Richardson would be the most controversial player in Detroit sports history.
Instead, the Lions take a quarterback in the second round. Typically a big risk, but when you’ve already made four selections at this point in the draft, the risk comes across as calculated.
What’s the very worst-case scenario? Hooker never develops, Goff plays in Detroit for two more seasons, and we draft another quarterback. Best case scenario? The Lions found their franchise quarterback who’s on a rookie contract for the next four years.
Hooker was a sure-set first-round talent before his ACL tear. Tennessee was the most unstoppable offense in college football while Hooker was healthy, averaging an absurd 47.4 points per game in his ten completed games. With that being said, Hooker was in a very friendly quarterback system. The offensive playbook consisted of only a handful of formations and plays. He rarely had to navigate the pocket, roll out, or improvise. And Jalin Hyatt (taken by the Giants in the third round), was wide open 167 times a game. But the lighting, quick release, powerful arm, and excellent decision-making from Hooker got the job done. The 25-year-old did everything he was asked to do for the team to win.
Luckily for Hendon, Dan Campbell will be in no rush to get their new QB on the field. He can take the full amount of time and more to recover from his ACL tear and learn behind an experienced quarterback in the process.
Trade 5 (B)
- Lions Receive: Pick 96
- Cardinals Receive: Pick 122, Pick 139, Pick 169
Brad Holmes might be addicted to trading. In his fifth move of the draft, he used three picks to move up and take a defensive tackle, a position many believed would be prioritized sooner in the draft.
Brodric Martin, Western Kentucky DT | Round 3, Pick 96 | (B)
The Lions traded three picks to jump up the draft board and take Martin, so when I say Brad Holmes has a crush on the guy, I mean it. The massive 6’5″ and 340-pound monster of a man is a pure run-stopper. He didn’t get after the quarterback much in college, only recording one and a half sacks in his final season at Western Kentucky. But the 23-year-old makes up for it for this reason; when he gets ahold of a ball carrier, he flattens them.
One thing is for sure; Martin can take up space and eat blocks when he’s on the field. He can use his strength to push off blockers when the ball carrier is within his long reach and applies pressure to the pocket with his sheer size.
Martin will struggle to stay on the field for long stretches but will be an excellent player in goal-line packages. Detroit needed help in the middle to stop the run. They drafted that exactly. Nothing more, nothing less.
Colby Sorsdal, William & Mary Guard | Round 5, Pick 152 | (B)
Top-5 is a phrase that gets thrown around a lot when discussing the Lions’ offensive line and for good reason. While Penei Sewell is fresh off his first Pro Bowl selection at the ripe age of 22, the rest of the line isn’t getting younger. Taylor Decker will be 30 by the time the season begins, Frank Ragnow will be 27, and Jonah Jackson will be 26. The point is what the Lions have right now with their offensive line should be cherished and not taken for granted as something that will last forever.
For that reason, exactly, Brad Holmes is beginning to draft replacements to plug in when the time is right. For Colby Sorsdal, the agile 300-pounder, that time could come as soon as the 2024 season. Halapoulivaati Vaitai or Graham Glasgow will be starting Right Guard this season, frankly, based on how training camp goes. But Glasgow only signed a one-year contract with Detroit, and Vaitai has a nasty history of injuries, not to mention he’s already 31.
Sorsdal played tackle in college but has been preparing to move to guard since his season at William & Marry University ended. Sorsdal was a five-year starter in college, as well as a captain.
Trade 6 (A)
- Lions Receive: 2025 4th Round Pick, 2023 Pick 219
- Eagles Receive: D’andre Swift, 2023 Pick 249
The Lions intended to draft Gibbs from the beginning. Swift and his agent asked the Lions for a new home shortly after the Lions’ first pick of the draft. The former Georgia running back ends up in his hometown on a team contending to win a Super Bowl. The Lions added more draft capital for someone who quite simply didn’t have a role in the offense anymore. For those who thought the Lions should have got a better trade package, would you be trading anything more than a fourth-round pick for someone who is always injured and has never lived up to his potential? Didn’t think so.
D’andre Swift joins Jeff Okudah and TJ Hockenson on the list of players from the Bob Quinn era to be traded.
Antoine Green, North Carolina WR | Round 7, Pick 219 |(B)
A certified flyer with as much potential as a seventh-rounder can have, Antoine Green will have plenty of opportunity to earn himself a meaningful role on this team. At 6’2″ and 200 pounds, Green ran a 4.47 40-yard dash at this year’s combine. His big frame helped him real in 12 combined touchdowns in his Junior and Senior seasons, averaging an eye-catching 19.25 yards per catch during the two years. Green was a jump ball specialist at North Carolina, something he’ll need to prove he can do at the pro level to stay in the league long-term. He can stretch the field vertically and help on special teams in the meantime.
Verdict
Average Draft Pick: B+
Average Trade: A-
Total: B+
