Brad Holmes Just Fed Us a Line About OT and EDGE, and We’re All Supposed to Smile and Nod
Brad Holmes stepped up to the podium at Allen Park on Monday for his annual pre-draft song and dance. Fifteen minutes of carefully crafted non-answers before disappearing back into the war room. Standard operating procedure for any NFL general manager worth his salt.
Look, the man’s job during these pressers is simple: say absolutely nothing while appearing to say something. Don’t tip your hand, don’t create bulletin board material, and for the love of all that’s holy, don’t give other GMs any clues about what you’re planning next week.
Holmes mostly nailed it. Sure, a few quotes made the rounds on social media, but I couldn’t tell you what this team is actually planning based on anything he said Monday. Mission accomplished.
But then there was this gem about Larry Borom and Larry Wonnum, the team’s free agent additions at offensive tackle and defensive end:
“I thought Borom put out good tape last year. I don’t foresee that—I don’t have a crystal ball, but from the last thing I saw on tape, he’s got starter-level ability, and same as Wonnum. You’re talking about guys that have been starters in the NFL, but just kind of look at where the trend is going, where the arrow’s going. They’re still young. We feel good about both of them, so we don’t feel like we have to supplement them.”
That last part is the kicker. “We don’t feel like we have to supplement them.” Translation: we’re totally fine rolling with what we’ve got at our two biggest question marks.
Do You Believe Him? Because I Sure as Hell Don’t
Come on. This is the same Brad Holmes who has consistently preached best player available, who won’t reach for need over talent. But you think he’s going to pass up a blue-chip tackle or pass rusher if one falls to him? Please.
Holmes isn’t lying exactly. He’s doing his job. But there’s zero chance he’s being completely honest about his draft intentions, and frankly, we’d be fools to expect otherwise.
Think about the question he was asked: “What’s your confidence level in Borom and Wonnum if those guys can be every-down starter types? Or do you think you have to supplement them in the draft?”
What was Holmes supposed to say? “Yeah, those guys are stopgaps at best, and we’re absolutely hunting for upgrades”? That’s a great way to torpedo your relationship with two players before they even show up to minicamp.
The Art of GM Double-Speak
Here’s the thing about being an NFL general manager: you just signed these guys. You brought them to Detroit specifically to fill holes on your roster. You cannot immediately undercut them publicly without looking like a complete amateur.
Holmes had to express confidence in Borom and Wonnum. It’s GM 101. But expressing public confidence and being privately satisfied with your depth chart are two very different things.
I’m not reading Holmes’ comments as some definitive statement that the Lions are avoiding offensive tackle or defensive end in the draft. I’m reading them as a guy doing damage control before the damage even happens.
Holmes has shown repeatedly that he won’t sacrifice talent for need. But if the best player available when Detroit is on the clock happens to play right tackle or defensive end, you think he’s passing because Larry Borom had some decent snaps in Chicago?
The Real Holmes Strategy
Here’s what I think is really happening: Holmes is hoping like hell that when his pick comes up, the best talent available plays one of those two positions. And if it doesn’t line up that way naturally, don’t be shocked if he starts working the phones to trade up and make it happen.
This is the same GM who has built one of the most complete rosters in the NFL through shrewd drafting and smart free agency moves. He didn’t get here by being satisfied with “good enough” at critical positions.
The Lions have championship aspirations. You don’t chase rings with question marks protecting your quarterback’s blindside or getting after the opposing passer.
Holmes’ comments Monday weren’t a roadmap for next week’s draft. They were standard-issue GM speak designed to keep everyone guessing while supporting the players he’s already brought in.
Actions Speak Louder Than Press Conference Platitudes
Want to know what Holmes really thinks about his roster construction? Watch what happens on draft night. If a premier tackle or edge rusher is sitting there when Detroit picks, see how quickly he pulls the trigger.
The Lions have built something special in the Motor City, and Holmes knows it. This isn’t the time to get cute or settle for mediocre because you’re worried about hurting someone’s feelings.
Borom and Wonnum might surprise everyone. They might turn out to be exactly what Detroit needs. But that doesn’t mean you stop trying to upgrade if the opportunity presents itself.
Holmes has earned the benefit of the doubt with his track record. But believing everything he says in a pre-draft presser? That’s a level of trust that even the most die-hard Lions fan shouldn’t have.
So what do you think? Is Holmes actually satisfied with his offensive tackle and edge rusher situations, or is this just more pre-draft theater? Drop your take below because I’m betting half of you are ready to call me crazy for doubting the man who helped build this roster.
