The Phone Calls That Change Everything
Look, I’ve been watching Lions drafts for decades. I’ve seen us draft wide receivers in the top 10 who couldn’t catch a cold. I’ve watched us reach for guys nobody else wanted. I’ve sat through draft classes that made me question my life choices.
But this is different. Brad Holmes keeps proving he knows what he’s doing, and watching these kids get that life-changing phone call never gets old. Even for a franchise that has broken my heart more times than I care to count.
The best part about draft weekend isn’t the grades or the mock drafts or the hot takes. It’s those pure moments when a kid’s decade of work pays off in a single phone call. When the emotions hit and you remember why you love this sport in the first place.
Here’s what we’ve got from the Lions’ 2026 draft class celebrations and their first media sessions. These are the moments that make it all worth it.
First-Round Pick Blake Miller
Miller’s got both sides of the phone call captured, which is perfect. You get to see the exact moment his world changed and hear the Lions making it official.
The Clemson offensive tackle looked ready for this moment. No surprise there. Holmes doesn’t swing and miss on first-rounders.
Second-Round Pick Derrick Moore
Moore’s got multiple videos on his Instagram showing the celebration. You can see the pure joy when that call came through.
The kid’s first media session is already up too. You can also catch his first media session via a Zoom with reporters here.
Fourth-Round Pick Jimmy Rolder
Rolder was at his stepfather’s charity golf event when Detroit called. No video of that moment yet, but the NFL Network coverage shows him getting selected.
A Michigan linebacker joining the Lions. That feels right. The kid already knows what it means to play in this state.
Here’s video of his Zoom with Detroit media shortly after he was selected by Detroit
Fifth-Round Pick Keith Abney
Abney’s draft party video shows exactly what you want to see. Pure celebration. Family going crazy. Dreams coming true.
His media session is up on the team site too
