Drew Petzing Is About to Make This Offense Fun Again
Two weeks past the 2026 NFL Draft and we’re finally getting some clarity on what this Lions offense is going to look like under Drew Petzing. The short answer? Different. The longer answer? Maybe exactly what we’ve been waiting for.
Expect a pretty fair amount of change philosophically. The Lions will stay run-first because that’s who they are, but we’re talking more 12 and 13 personnel, more gadget plays, more field stretching and deep shots. This thing should be designed to get guys into space to do damage and get some big plays done.
Translation: they’re finally going to use all those weapons they’ve been collecting.
The Ones That Got Away
Look, the Lions had a very good draft. But there are always players that make you wonder what if. A few names that could come back to haunt us:
LB Kyle Louis went to the Dolphins, and this guy is going to be special in that hybrid linebacker/safety role. The Lions could have used him at the Will too. RB Kaytron Allen has David Montgomery vibes, which would have been like getting Sonic and Knuckles back together again.
Then there’s RB Eli Heidenreich, who brings that Super-Back ability to play running back, fullback, receiver, and tight end. For a team that loves offensive weapons, that just made sense.
Edge rusher Akheem Mesidor was more ready to contribute right now compared to Derrick Moore, who may be the better pass rusher long-term but still needs work on run defense. The Lions would have had to take him in the first round though, and Blake Miller was the better pick at that spot.
Brad Holmes on LaPorta and Branch
Here’s the thing about Sam LaPorta and Brian Branch potentially walking after 2026: it’s not happening. Holmes already said he doesn’t see injuries as a reason not to pay them. Both guys are getting paid, whether it’s during training camp or mid-season.
Unless they both show major dropoffs due to those injuries during the 2026 season, neither is hitting the open market. Holmes doesn’t let homegrown talent like that walk away.
The Quarterback Future
Jared Goff is the Lions quarterback for a while. At least until probably 2029. But next April’s draft is expected to be the deepest quarterback class in years, and the Lions will probably take the Packers route.
Draft a guy, let him develop on the bench until it’s time. The class is loaded: Arch Manning, Jayden Maiava, Dante Moore, Julian Sayin, LaNorris Sellers, Trinidad Chambliss, John Mateer, and more. You could accidentally land a pretty decent quarterback next year.
Which is exactly the kind of problem a well-run franchise should have. Remember when our biggest draft concern was whether we’d completely whiff on a first-round pick? Now we’re debating which future franchise quarterback to stash for three years. What a time to be alive.
Think Holmes whiffed on any of these draft choices or is this just typical Lions fan paranoia talking? Drop your take below.
Drew Petzing getting the keys to this offense is exactly what we needed. If Holmes can finally get us to actually use all these playmakers instead of just running the same plays over and over, this thing could get dangerous fast. I’m hyped to see what this looks like next year.
I like the optimism about the QB class next year, but I’ve learned not to get too excited about ‘deep’ draft classes until we actually see how it plays out. That said, I trust Holmes to make the right call if we’re drafting someone to develop. He’s earned that much.
Man, remember when we used to worry about which mediocre veteran we’d sign just to fill a hole? Now we’re actually thinking about which future franchise QB to tuck away for a few years. That’s a completely different mindset from what I’ve seen running this team before. It’s refreshing honestly.
The fact that Holmes is already locking LaPorta and Branch in no matter what tells you everything you need to know about how he values loyalty with his own guys. That’s the kind of culture we’ve been missing, and it makes me believe in what he’s building here.