Brad Holmes, the general manager of the Detroit Lions, understands that while talent is important, it isn’t the sole factor that separates exceptional NFL players from the rest. He and head coach Dan Campbell frequently mention that when evaluating potential players, the key factor is whether they “fit us.” This refers to more than just raw talent—it’s about the intangible qualities they bring to the team.
In his post-2023 season press conference, Holmes emphasized that talent is just the starting point in the evaluation process. “We have to move beyond just looking for the most talented player,” Holmes stated. “The ability to be the fastest or the strongest is just the basic requirement. What’s crucial is identifying the intangible traits in a player—those qualities have helped shape who we are as a team.”
