Executive Vice President and General Manager Brad Holmes NFL Draft Night 2 press conference

[@darinidyle1372]

Killed it. Screw the mocks, screw the pundits, this team is a legitimate contender because of Brad Holmes and his staff.

[@danielboom72]

I still think we should have gone Carter and Campbell in the first round, but I hope I am wrong

[@jameslatour9524]

I would have loved Carter, but in the trade back: Gibbs & LaPorta for Carter. Campbell, LaPorta, & Hooker were all Captains in College, so more and more leadership qualities have been added to this Locker Room #OnePride

[@sblion2631]

This guy is good!

[@GlennShook]

@@danielboom72 Carter only has himself to blame for falling. Out of shape, only taking top 10 visit (ego), reckless racing results in deaths. No thanks we don’t need the risk. Jamo bad attitude and injury is risky enough. We are building a teams of hungry pros pros.

[@danielboom72]

@@GlennShook I hope I am wrong, I really do. Just not the way I would have gone. Carter with #6 and Campbell with 18. Then let the rest of the draft play out the way it's supposed to. Who knows, maybe Gibbs is still available with our 2nd round pick.

[@TheSchmadz]

Thank you Brad, Dan, Sheila, and the whole crew of coaches and scouts. Never been more happy as a Lions fan in my life after this 3rd draft

[@earthsucks9555]

Pathetic This is the height of your fandom? A draft Not a playoff victory Not a Super Bowl A draft 👎 Lions fans are in a cult Delusional

[@TheSchmadz]

No it’s not the height of my fandom. I’m a lifelong sufferer of a poorly run franchise that has finally turned it around. The best days are coming

[@jacobmosley6570]

Brian Branch and Hooker both had that look in their 👀 they are mad because they felt like they should've been selected earlier. Come in with a chip on your shoulder work harder 💪🏾. Brad was trading more times than me in my mock drafts 😂😂❤ it! Be you bro ✊🏾 #onepride

[@chrisx5127]

Not me, I ended up with 18 draft picks. So many picks and no more talent remaining.

[@thecollector77]

One pride! ☝️

[@DetroitMade]

Best ILB, S, RB (to me) and Big 10 Best TE well rounded Top 3. A Guy who was Top 10 Talent at QB. And a Big DT with potential. LOVED THIS DRAFT.

[@Detsports.11]

Yeah man I was mad where some players were picked but when u j look at the players we got we had an amazing draft

[@itskyyuuuu]

That DT pick was whack lol

[@DetroitMade]

​@@itskyyuuuu Don't really know. I haven't seen much film. Doubt you have either but he's a big boy 6'5 330..Good Build and they watched plenty film on him..Had to see potential to trade up.

[@DetroitMade]

​@@itskyyuuuu DT not from Iowa..

[@cooperd9609]

How in the world do you actually believe that gibbs is a better rb prospect than bijan?

[@jeffduflo8204]

I like that the lions are considering the character of these players. Fit the culture, attitude goes a long way.

[@Brotherken1234]

Yes it does

[@TeslaUberShorts]

Thank you for doing a good job for the Detroit Lions football team! Thank you for not listening to 97.1 like we do/don't.

[@Yaya93288]

I said it yesterday and I will say it again today Brad Holmes is a mastermind. Let the man cook!!! #OnePride 💪🦁

[@thecollector77]

Yes Yaya One pride let's go! 🎉

[@sblion2631]

Good job Brad! You're the man! Trust you my Man!

[@rodneyfoutch5164]

Awesome draft & free agency brad congratulations 🎊🍾 nice job 👍 thank you for being here with us,,, we have been waiting for along time!! Good luck tomorrow 💓💯🙏🦁🦁🦁

[@huntu3970]

Welp we got the best middle linebacker, best safety, Top 2 RB, the third best QB in the draft, and a Top 4 TE. Brad truly went for best player available and said F positional value.

[@brospros6327]

He's the Villain of the Offseason. No position is safe. They're smart. They know that Goff (while solid to an extent) is not what makes this team a contender, it's the system as a whole.

[@itskyyuuuu]

If LaPorta had a qb that could hit a barn door, he would have put up record numbers in college.

[@mrbamfo5000]

@brospros6327 It's a team game. Need a good QB. You don't necessarily need a great QB if the rest of the team is also good. If you run with a bunch of stars, you can't typically afford quality depth. Sometimes, even some of your starters are lacking. Keep the overall team fairly young and hungry. But you can only do that if you have the staff that is good at drafting and coaches that bring them up to your standards. Don't pay a bunch of big contracts.

[@mrbamfo5000]

@brospros6327 I like Goff. I say ride him until someone comes in better, or his contract gets too big, and the new guy isn't a step down.

[@glmunir]

@@brospros6327 though Goff is a very important cog. If he goes down, the Lions lose a lot, but that is a great reason to have a devastating running game. A rookie can come in and hand the ball off. I figured if they had the chance, they would take Hooker. A lot of talent there. The Detroit Lions are infinitely more talented, all over the field, then they were before BH/DC. I love it. Go Lions!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@tyroneharper5375]

Ayo, when The Detroit Lions win a Superbowl, Detroit and The State of Michigan is gonna go crazy. With Brad Holmes as GM, we gonna Shock The world. Let's Go Lions!!!

[@williamdillard5060]

Great draft. Ever since The Lions hired GM Brad Holmes and HC Dan Campbell they have been incredible in the draft room. Their first two drafts were very successful and probably the biggest reason The Lions are getting better every year. Alabama RB Gibbs was rated higher than Robinson on many boards. What I love about The Lions draft, and FA additions is that they want "Lions" type players.

[@blazegaming9513]

As a life long fan thank you .One Pride

[@patrickbattle232]

A day after he had me a little worried, my faith has been restored and then some. Gibbs, Campbell, Branch, LaPorta, and Hooker are all key players for the next 3-4 years.

[@donbur1553]

Lesson learned stop jumping the gun

[@_TheGman]

I loved it from the beginning I was shocked at the Gibbs pick but then I watched Highlights and realized that hes just another Jamieson Williams and I was pumped

[@professornumnutz3112]

Got 6 great ball players in the first two days.

[@sagittarianking1398]

Outstanding Bro.Holmes!!!🎉🎉

[@thomshin2460]

I liked the draft from the start well orchestrated got every thing they wanted plus a few picks to trade up later with awesome GMMMMMMMM

[@BamaScorpio69]

Love the draft picks by the Lions so far. 👌

[@thecollector77]

Brad your the best! 🎉 so freaking Happy with Branch and Hooker coming here absolutely 💯 amazing 👏 man thank you so much ! 🙏

[@scottsmith8546]

We got what we needed and then some, so this draft is a huge WIN! The Lions still can sign a couple UDFA's after the draft if need be.

[@jongrabbe5253]

Greatpick in hooker! We arnt replacing Goff but this puts him under a great QB to capitalize on his skills. He has the stuff you can't teach, but just needs polish under a Goff. You can put anyone on the weights but you can't teach the mental talent Hooker has. Im stoked in this draft!

[@KongDongLong]

Can't go wrong with a cheap Hooker 😂

[@jongrabbe5253]

Oh well played chief! Lol

[@PhyllisJordan]

"Let Hendon Hook"!!! 😂😂😂

[@The_General_Zubas]

In Holmes we trust.

[@DogGuy19]

Eat your heart out Matt Millen. This is how you do it.

[@PhyllisJordan]

He's basically saying we're going all DEFENSE next Draft

[@talktome233]

Lions with the steal of the draft. Getting Hendon Hooker was a steal. A hard worker with impeccable character. A great leader whose teammates love him. He led a top rated SEC team to an 11-1 season. He was injured near the end of the season. Watch last years Tennessee vs Alabama game. He played unbelievable. After the Heisman Trophy winner was announced they revealed ALL the votes. Hendon Hooker got the 5th most votes. Very close numbers barely behind #4. Had they invited 5 players rather than 4 he would have been at the ceremony. The Detroit Community are going to love this guy. He can sit behind Goff and learn about NFL.

[@ericharrison2236]

Brad Holmes Glowing over Brian Branch!!! As he should!!!! The VILLIAN!!!!! 🐐 GM

[@Tray-Dizzle]

Let’s go Lions! Great job front office 👏

[@_TheGman]

We're gonna be so nasty with laporta and Gibbs spreading out. Oh yeah we got St. Brown too. I feel like it's the football gods suspending jamo for 6 games because when he comes back hes just cherry on top

[@macmills9833]

Great job 👏🏼

[@spencer8699]

I love this draft, just not sold on Laporta, he’s more of a high floor guy. Branch and Hooker were steals! That DT is BIG and has nice hands. Let’s go!

[@DetroitMade]

Go watch his highlights. He's good. Likely day 1 starter.

[@GlennShook]

@@DetroitMade now Wright can go back to being the sneaky awesome 2nd TE the d ignores.

[@dabbymcnasty4264]

I have them as a top 5 draft class already… this offseason for them has been quite good! Bravo

[@panchogunz]

Did good... he got who he knew would fit the team not what people expected him to pick

[@edwardgriffen4867]

LOVE IT when the leadership has a clear vision! STICK TI THE CODE SAYS EYE

[@_Apache]

It's only day 2 . There's more work to do and Lions fans should be fired up! Defend the Den 💙

[@reidmclellan7934]

Now let’s win 2 more games than last year! Go lions!

[@d1bigshifter737]

He is sending a message to those that think there bigger than the game.

[@georgeholmes4753]

The Lions are Coming Y’all, I don’t want to celebrate anything yet, but I’m completely believing the Lions are coming.

[@earthsucks9555]

I respect your comment immensely Everyone is applauding and anointing this team that has accomplished ZERO so far I wish them well too But I’m not sold until they win 1 single solitary playoff game

[@YTSparty]

4 of the top 10 DT are still available. Getting Martin was out of the box, not many ranked him very high.

[@fgjr96way]

Dang, if this turns into a success stories leading to future championship , this whole state will be parting and there will be statues of Brad and Dan and as a long time fan and 1 playoff victory in my lifetime i can say when I am 60 in 2028 I have finally seen a Super Bowl in my state Un real 🤔🥵

[@ricknd97]

I love this GM

[@MrKeeganisname]

HE MONEYBALLED A QB FOR US WTF

[@williammasselink]

Absolutely!

[@bmarr0823]

Brad Holmes is a top 3-5 GM

[@earthsucks9555]

That’s just an ignorant statement What has he won??? Playoff record? Regular season record? If they don’t win a playoff game the season is a failure I can think of 5 other GM’s with better pedigrees

[@cl00oob29]

@@earthsucks9555 does it get tiring hating on everything constantly?

[@earthsucks9555]

@@cl00oob29 again I said facts Not opinion Answer my original question What has Brad Holmes won so far? Nothing Yet lions fan says he’s amazing and “let him cook” It’s not a half glass unfilled or pessimistic outlook Read Schopenhauer to understand my thoughts

[@earthsucks9555]

@@cl00oob29 how many years have you watched this team? I’ve seen every Lions game since ‘88 You become angry then numb and then you realize that you shouldn’t trust an organization that has reaped millions upon millions (perhaps even billions) with complete and utter abject failure. Name any other product you purchase that lets you down consistently yet you continue to buy it. You can’t. It doesn’t exist. I’d love to see them succeed, I’m just not a blind faith lions fan.

[@richardcraigmiles6151]

@@earthsucks9555 an I phone you Burger 😂

[@schleep1219]

Awesome draft. I knew it would be good when everyone was angry about the first round. No one knows more about these players than Brad Holmes & other GMs.

[@stevenscott8015]

Gibbs was a bit of a shock, but the other picks are stellar. Love where this team is heading.

[@corey2justified1]

Gibbs is actually the first round pick I'm ok with

[@VanGTO49]

and still some FA out there...possible trade for Swift in the 4th or 5th...still some stuff to make the team even better

[@duanearthur5794]

Gibbs is probably one of the best Athletes in the draft. Dudevis a beast

[@scottjones1109]

Montgomery & Gibbs in the backfield, both running & pass catching will be a very tough tandem to stop. I believe this is right now the best Detroit Lions team I've ever seen.

[@Barnabas555]

Birkett asks some of the oddest questions...a dork with a pen!

[@dougbell9543]

The Lions are finally moving in the right direction. 💙✔️ Thank you, Brad.

[@ttwert21]

BRAD wanted WITHERSPOON, he couldn't have him, that sent him on a clinical mission to own this draft... Time will prove he's a Top 5 evaluator in the league...

[@_TheGman]

I'd rather have branch with all those picks in front of him. Think about that.

[@jamesbrown5600]

Brad Holmes is an NFL Draft mad scientist. Just get out of his way and let him cook his strange brew. In Holmes I trust.

[@tcppro1811]

Being use to failing team for decades . I believe in Holmes and Campbell , I might not agree with 2 first pick’s position, I do believe both will be great , hopefully when season kicks off , all the hard work in offseason shows , after all all these decades of defeat to have a chance to feel what victory feels like . 😎 let’s go lions

[@1funkylionsfan913]

I remember a few years back when everyone was screaming Seattle failed in the draft and then the legion of boom was born and they won a chip .

[@samuellang164]

Absolutely 💕💕💕💕💕 the DT pick!

[@swaggy5939]

We got our furture qb 1

[@brospros6327]

I'm glad that they kept their heads together after the unicorn season Goff had. They know that the system is what made Goff good, not the other way around. He's a perfect development prospect with upsides that perfectly fit our offense.

[@LDVTennis]

The future QB of the Same Old Lions...

[@derrickbarnes3118]

@@LDVTennis Why are you here?

[@GlennShook]

@@derrickbarnes3118 jelly packer, bears, or viks fan wanting to talk while still can. We are taking over for a while.

[@bigperm079]

He's Goff age, rn backup at best

[@isaachester9334]

1st 4 picks All Rookie Team❤.

[@florida1289]

I seen a stat Hooker had 27 TDs, 2 ints, when facing the blitz. That's pretty good considering Tennessee was DOA when Hooker got there and he saved them from the Joe Milton experiment which is set to resume this fall which will show us all that not just anyone can play in that offense.

[@paull4968]

they knew what they were looking for to fill the holes. The mock drafters and the others can suck it as this is his job. He wants to build a team to win the Super Bowl.

[@TrailofDestruction]

We got 5 top 50 players. Best LB, Best S, top 3 QB and undervalued TE that is a great player and person.

[@jtanny96]

Love my GM

[@jcman240]

You gotta give action to get action

[@montarctica]

I think he truly wanted AR but it worked out the way it did and in the end we may be in a better position. I’m pumped for Hendon to be a Lion!! #hookerpride

[@KenWesaw-up5wf]

Judge this draft after a year and it will look great

[@Ryan-rm7qz]

They're corn fed Brad! Strong and durable

[@toddfarkman2177]

The TE was a head scratcher for me. It seemed like we had a lot of depth and talent at TE last year. The Lions even had a record for # of TDs by TEs. You just get the feeling that the talent in this draft was pretty thin.

[@Watchingtheparadegoby]

It was one of the weaker fields of players in recent years.

[@djdanicp]

Are you kidding me? This is the most TE rich class in probably a decade and our TE talent is pretty thin. Trust the process. Holmes has earned it.

[@justadadwholikesgaming5524]

We didn’t have any Tight ends who can do what Sam can do. He’s fast, fluid runner and route runner. Finds the holes in defenses. Dude catches screen passes and makes dudes miss. He’s not some clunky TE. He can line up at WR. And he’s a willing blocker. Was really good against DBs and Linebackers. He was legit the second best pass catching TE in the draft.

[@dod352]

Well 25% of those TDs were to a guy we traded halfway through the season. They got production, but don't have a legit threat at the position. LaPorta is one of, if not the best receiving TE in the draft this year. Gonna be a nice weapon for us.

[@YTSparty]

@@djdanicp I meant overall talent was thin that we jumped on a TE so early. DT was a huge need and that was our last pick, late 3rd round. So DT talent must have been really thin. Getting Branch was nice. I was expecting more defense. But again, the talent must not have been there.

[@garysuper1582]

Over the DECADES of futility, prior management never approached free agency, the draft, and managing the roster like this GM. Previous GM's were held Hostage by poor decisions, poor drafting, and coddling the few stars on the team. NO MORE!!!! Eveyone on this team is now on notice. This GM will do his job, period. I'm so impressed!! The makeover from last season is incredible. Hock, Okduh, soon swift, all gone. All addressed in one offseason! Not to mention Hooker. Finally a viable option! Keep up the EXCELLENT decision making Brad. Sheila hit this one, Big time!!!!!!!!!!!

[@TheLmoney420]

The Lions are drafting players that fit their team character and what they’re trying to build. These people complaining about the draft don’t take that ish into consideration. “Why didn’t we take Carter?” Well maybe because they interviewed him and have information we don’t have and thought, we don’t need this distraction or mindset in our locker room. 🤷‍♂️. There were other guys I probably would have taken, but it’s not my job, it’s Brad’s, and he has my complete trust to get the job done. Something I haven’t been able to say about a Lions front office in 30 years

[@DR.Detroit11]

I will give Brad the benifit of the doubt, I do have some doubt. I like Gibbs but a top pick for a player that will be on the team 4-5 years maybe vs a 10 year player bothers me a bit. I love the players...just a perplexing draft to me.

[@Janthdanl]

If he took branch at 12 and Gibbs where he took branch, no one would’ve batted an eye. This draft has been incredible when taken as a whole

[@keithtaylor7606]

Did anyone hear the last question that Brad said no a few times and closed out?

[@DudeistPriest906]

Titans at 11 affect his draft plans

[@keithtaylor7606]

@@DudeistPriest906 thx

[@penultimate8643]

My confidence in Holmes has not wavered. Personally I don't care that we took and RB at 12. If that's the guy they wanted, and I believe Gibbs IS who they wanted, then I'm good with it.

[@MegaBillWood]

3 years in a row now. High football I.Q. And high character See the pattern yet?

[@paulthomas9911]

Brad is such a good guy. and he looks for the same. jack campbell, hooker etc...from what i heard, they are solid on and off the field.

[@GlennCrinerLA]

Super Bowl team ❤️🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@imabadmofosofux2348]

I don't question Brad Holmes decisions.he hasn't giving me a reason to #Onepride

[@urvishshah6327]

Martin will stuff the runs better than Carter!!

[@lisadelorenzo8539]

WHERE IS THE OL REPLACEMENT FOR EVAN BROWN.

[@moosiethestaggie5100]

I was reasonably happy until the last trade up. At that point you just have to trust your board instead of giving away multiple picks.

[@DonnieDanks]

I trust he knows his board better than you.

[@davidickes4621]

He gained multiple picks in order to use them to move up. He didn't lose any picks. He gained picks to use to get an even better pick. That's how it works.

[@justadadwholikesgaming5524]

Lol when you need a Nose Tackle as bad as we did you go and get you a 6-5 340 pound nose tackle who fights . Helps our run defense alot. And we can rotate Buggs in and out as well.

[@tombray3169]

I think the lions have alot of young players that could be traded .they have better depth than in a long time .I hope they put hooked in 4 quarters alot to get him learning

[@robertmiller4004]

Great GM, however, his love of "UMM" is killing me! 😅

[@DeltronFF]

We got players who will play immediately and help us get into the playoffs. Don’t care who TV/Radio dummies who don’t even meet with/talk to the players think the actual professionals with track records should draft. It’s hilarious people think teams are going to follow some stupid Mel Kiper list like he’s some genius lol.

[@critrole]

In brad I trust don’t be surprised to see him trade back into the 4th tomorrow either

[@Fastie37]

Huge fan of BH, but trading up for Martin over Ika is a head scratcher. Only tape on Martin is the bowl game last year and there’s no push, no pressure, and looked slow. Compared to Ika who’s tape has all of that. Martin has a good story but we also need dawgs. Hope is all plays out.

[@cooperd9609]

I trust BH and DC. I really do. There have definitely been some questionable picks, pretty much all except branch. I like the players, just not the spots. Genuinely asking, can anyone justify using the 3rd on Hooker? If he’s strictly a backup to Goff, I feel like it’s just too high of a pick to use on that role. If he’s a Goff replacement, he won’t take a snap until he’s 27. Makes no sense to me. I’m trying to get it

[@swissfan100]

Goff has had one good season and one bad (although you can argue his first season wasn’t THAT bad given the circumstances, it just wasn’t playoff level), so I’m guessing they want someone they can turn to just in case he lays an egg. Also, I don’t remember who our back up was, but I saw him play in garbage time last year and there’s no way Hooker isn’t an upgrade over that

[@cooperd9609]

@@swissfan100 Yes we’ve had God awful backups that Hendon is certainly an upgrade over, I just feel like defense was more of a need than a backup QB. Especially for a 3rd round pick

[@dylandwyer4026]

“And umm” 😂

[@nicholaszammit8142]

If we rearranged the picks in this order: branch, hooker, gibbs, Campbell, laporta, martin, then people would be thrilled. Good haul so far

[@nlkasman3347]

Good picks. I'm not sure about our DT. Big guy, but not explosive. In Holmes I trust though.

[@MC-bd5ub]

Take a shot every time this guy says, "You know" or "Um"

[@itskyyuuuu]

Brad 'ya know' holmes

[@MC-bd5ub]

@@itskyyuuuu lol

[@MrJBEEZZY22]

Send BH to Toastmaster’s to rid him of the “ya know em’s”

[@Ohdeerhere]

i remember there was a study that found people paid more attention to a speaker and remembered more about what was said when they used phrases like "um". it's like we know that means they're thinking and they're about to say something that wasn't preplanned or scripted so what follows is more meaningful. so all those years your teacher or professor told you to not say "um" was actually bad advice!

[@MC-bd5ub]

@Tom West While that may be true, I'm going to highly doubt the frequency of which he used the term would have been reccomend. The guy said "um" or "you know" over a hundred times. It's pretty hard not to use filler words when making a speech that isn't written down, but at the level he's at, he should have had someone work with him on his public speaking. I'm not making fun of the guy, but his speech for being a professional and someone that's supposed to be one of the smartest people in the organization is very sloppy and doesn't evoke confidence in that sentiment.

[@KingMike-un5vz]

Its the SEC who get the best players

[@adgee5401]

That’s just what they tell you.

[@KingMike-un5vz]

@@adgee5401 naw that's what I see including some really good players from Michigan Penn state n Ohio state usually n then you have some good players from Iowa & msu n Wisconsin n Illinois & other schools then you got the big 12 and pac 12 n the acc

[@honolulublues5548]

​@@KingMike-un5vz so, basically the power 5 conference schools is where you see good players, is that it?

[@KingMike-un5vz]

@@honolulublues5548 I see others but it's just a lil bit concerning like we didn't need to get the TE this early Darnell Washington was available

[@honolulublues5548]

@@KingMike-un5vzwell, I trust BH knows what this team needs and seems to be an above average evaluator of talent (their scouts as well). He seems to know what the team needs based on culture and talent. No draft is ever perfect, but Holmes has yet to show a reason to doubt his skills.

[@donbur1553]

All the day 1 whiners back like they never left lol😅

[@earthsucks9555]

If they don’t win a playoff game next year is the season a failure?

[@swissfan100]

@@earthsucks9555 sort of depends to me at least. If the lions go 10-7 and the wildcard and go out first round, yes. But the record is 11-6 or better and win the division, then no. I know it’s sort of a dumb take given the end result is the same but as long as I’ve been a fan, I think 2008-2010 was when I started, I don’t think we have won the division

[@djwinger-y3j]

Football guys drafting football players to play football in Detroit. Bright future in the 313

[@jonsmith9708]

Hendon Hooker will be best pick of lions draft

[@matthewshepherd303]

Outstanding draft so far.

[@austinfaulkner9525]

Y’all don’t forget we got one more day of draft I really feel like they trading swift today

[@josheel.3502]

This draft is a weird one. It doesnt wow you and the value creation in the picks is questionable to put it lightly. But if you look back at it in a couple of years and come away with a starting MLB, QB, RB, TE, it could look like an absolute banger. Nothing left but to wait and see how it turns out. Evaluating these descisions before any of these guys set a single foot on an NFL field is pointless anyways.

[@Janthdanl]

I mean we got 5 too 50 players, that’s pretty great I’d rather have 5 top 50 guys than 2 top 50 guys and 3 guys who are the 4th or 5th best at their position. Just my opinion tho

[@jesuschristhimself.]

I just wish hendon was 2 or 3 years younger

[@dansonfrancis2862]

This has been a good job by Brad. It's a little sad to see all the unintelligent fans on here talking so loud. Hey go lions tho

[@sagittarianking1398]

A-

[@juliushaliburton]

In holmes we trust

[@JamesM18]

Chef Holmes

[@DetroitTyler]

As pissed off as I was with round 1, I feel they knocked rounds 2 and 3 out of the park. So far I grade this draft a rock solid B+, glad they brought in a DT, hope Levi is healthy heading in to next season as well for some depth and competition.