Adding Some Meat to the Bones
The draft is over, but Brad Holmes isn’t done. The Lions just signed two veteran defenders, and for once we get to welcome a Spartan to Allen Park instead of watching every single Michigan Wolverine get drafted first.
These aren’t splashy signings. They’re depth moves. Smart, boring, exactly-what-you’d-expect-from-Holmes moves that fill actual needs without breaking the bank.
DT Jay Tufele: The Space Eater
Tufele is a former fourth-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft who’s bounced around the league with the Jaguars, Bengals, and Jets. At over 300 pounds and 6-foot-3, he’s exactly what you think he is. A rotational nose tackle who eats space and clogs running lanes.
He’s not going to generate much pass rush himself, but that’s not why he’s here. He’s here to be a big body who makes life easier for the edge rushers. Sometimes the most important players are the ones who do the dirty work nobody notices.
LB Joe Bachie: Finally, A Spartan
After drafting what felt like half of Michigan’s roster, the Lions finally remembered Michigan State exists. Bachie was a three-time All-Big Ten linebacker for the Spartans, which means he knows how to play football in the state of Michigan.
In the NFL, it’s been a different story. He went undrafted in the 2020 NFL Draft and has spent time with the Saints, Eagles, Bengals, Colts, and Titans. Sixty-seven career games, mostly on special teams, where he’s actually graded out well. On defense, he can play Will or middle linebacker, which gives Dan Campbell some flexibility in sub packages.
Look, neither of these guys are going to make you forget about the stars on this roster. But depth matters, especially when you’re trying to build something sustainable. Holmes keeps finding ways to add useful players without overpaying, and that’s exactly how you stay competitive year after year.
Is signing a bunch of journeymen the secret sauce, or are we just happy to see any Spartans in Honolulu Blue? Drop your thoughts below.
