Cabinda praises Lions for maintaining team culture despite talent temptations.

“One of the biggest things I admire about Brad Holmes and Dan — really both of them — is that they would never compromise the culture in the locker room, the team’s attitude, and who we were going to be for any level of talent,” Cabinda explained. “Every player who came into the building, whether via the draft, free agency, or mid-season trade, was evaluated for their fit in the locker room first.

“They never went against that vision, even though sometimes coaches talk like this but then make moves that contradict their philosophy. Brad and Dan never did that, which makes them both trustworthy and believable, and it also makes you want to work harder for them.”

Cabinda, who played for both the current regime and the previous one under general manager Bob Quinn and coach Matt Patricia, compared Holmes’ praised draft strategy with past deficiencies. Holmes’ draft picks over the last five years have been integral to the Lions’ remarkable turnaround.

“When you look at the draft, you see Penei (Sewell), Aidan Hutchinson, Kerby Joseph, Brian Branch, Alim McNeill — I could go on and on — Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, and more. How about finding top talent no matter the position, no matter what round they were selected in?” Cabinda said. “These are quality, solid players who filled needs, stepped up, and have become team leaders while still young. I find that impressive, and they’ve proven it year after year.”

Still, Holmes and the widely supported “Let Brad Cook” slogan faced criticism this year when the Lions didn’t address their EDGE rusher need until the sixth round, picking Boise State’s Ahmed Hassanein.

Instead, Holmes and his team used their first two picks to strengthen the lines, drafting Ohio State defensive tackle Tyleik Williams in the first round and Georgia offensive lineman Tate Ratledge in the second.

Cabinda commended Holmes for sticking to his principles and addressing the team’s actual needs instead of following a “one-size-fits-all” draft approach.

“Yes, he builds in the trenches, he likes quarterbacks who are mostly pocket passers — maybe mobile enough to move but can make all the throws. That’s been his approach,” Cabinda said. “He values quick, strong defenses. But regardless of where the players were picked — and especially in this draft — they filled the team’s needs. They added a couple of special teams guys who will be really good.

“We got a great guard in Tate Ratledge — I love that pick. I also like the Giovanni Manu pick (from last year). I think he fits the culture and mindset they’re building. If you watch his tape from Boise State, he plays with incredible energy — he’s still learning the game. They know they can bring out that intensity in him because he’s just beginning.

“I was really impressed with their draft this year, and when you break down the team and look at each position, every pick made sense. That’s what I love about Brad.