Brad Holmes, general manager of the Detroit Lions, has built a reputation for making bold moves on NFL Draft night. During his annual pre-draft press conference, Holmes gave fans an inside look at the Lions’ aggressive approach, revealing that the team’s ambitious trade to land Jameson Williams in 2022 was not an isolated incident.
Holmes discussed how the Lions had attempted to pull off similar moves in other drafts, explaining that the team is always prepared to trade for the right player when the opportunity arises. While he didn’t go into specifics about potential trade targets or teams, Holmes acknowledged that making trades requires cooperation from both sides, and sometimes other teams are hesitant to move too far back in the draft.
Since taking over as GM in 2021, Holmes has been busy making moves, orchestrating 12 trades in just four drafts. Whether the Lions have been moving up, down, or trading to maximize their picks, Holmes has proven to be a strategic and active leader. Even though the Lions’ current roster is one of the most talented in the NFC, it’s clear that Holmes is still on the lookout for impactful players who can make a difference.
The message from Holmes was clear: while patience is important, the Lions are always ready to make a significant trade if the right player becomes available. These comments only reinforce his reputation as one of the NFL’s most daring young GMs, and whether or not the Lions pull off another major trade in the 2025 draft, Holmes will be ready if the opportunity presents itself.
