Brad Holmes Okay Taking the 'Thrashing' for Passing on Jalen Carter

Brad Holmes addresses passing on Jalen Carter.

Detroit Lions general manager Brad Holmes drew some criticism for his two first-round selections in the recently completed 2023 NFL Draft. 

Prior to the draft, Detroit's third-year general manager addressed the reactions that supporters have when a player they want added to the roster is passed on.

"I respect them just because I know a lot of work and thought is put into it, and a lot of people are talking to different people, externally or even inside buildings," said Holmes. "I know that there’s some of that information that is real, so that’s why you probably should look at it. But then, there’s also a lot of information that I don’t expect the people that are putting out the mock drafts to know, and it’s not their fault. They’re not in medical meetings. 

"I look at them, I respect them, but it’s not always going to be right," Holmes continued. "And then, you’ve just got to make the best pick that you can and be confident with it. Post-draft and immediate draft grades, when the pick didn’t line up with those mocks, you’ve got to be willing and comfortable to take the thrashing, because they didn’t line up with the mock. It’s all good.”

With Detroit's first selection, Alabama running back Jahmyr Gibbs was the pick at No. 12 overall. The team's second selection was Iowa linebacker Jack Campbell. 

Many supporters wanted the Lions to land Georgia defensive tackle Jalen Carter at No. 6 overall. 

Though the defender had dealt with character concerns during the pre-draft process, he remained one of the most talented players available. 

Speaking Tuesday with 97.1 The Ticket, Holmes discussed his team's process when it came to selecting players in the draft. 

"I've always said everything is case-by-case, you know, and so we do an exhaustive amount of research," Holmes explained. "Again, going all the way back on these players, whether it be their intangibles, their character. We get very fine, detailed medical reports. All that comes into play to make the best decision. Everyone's case by case." 

The Lions were criticized for their selections, because the two positions they took, running back and linebacker, are positions that don't typically carry high future value. 

Based on evidence throughout the league, players in these roles oftentimes don't receive second contracts from the teams which select them.

However, the Lions felt confident in their evaluations. As a former scout, Holmes has criteria that he uses to gauge a prospect's potential fit in Detroit. 

The third-year GM later explained why the team decided to make the moves they made. In Gibbs and Campbell, the Lions acquired two players who they believe will help them win right away.

"Just because somebody plays end or offensive tackle or whatever those quote, unquote premium positions are, that doesn't automatically make them instinctive, productive, smart, top intangibles, those things that we look for, as the Detroit Lions," Holmes explained. "And all I say, you know, look, it's been draft season. You know, that's been the talk. So you know, people for the past couple of months have been trying to forecast again, with very minimal information, minimal medical information, all that kind of stuff. They've been trying to, and that's been the entertainment. 

"But soon, you know, we'll have OTA camps, they'll be here and then we'll have players back on the field, draft season will be over with," he continued. "Then, training camp will come, and then everybody's getting ready for the season. And then ultimately, the season will kick off. And, that's ultimately the reason why we acquire the players that we acquire, because we're trying to win games."

Lions invite kicker to minicamp 

Detroit is bringing in a second kicker to compete for a roster spot. John Parker Romo, who kicked for the San Antonio Brahmas in the XFL this spring, has been invited to rookie minicamp for a veteran tryout. 

Romo was 17-for-19 for the Brahmas, with a long field goal of 57 yards. 

Brad Holmes on the #Lions passing on Jalen Carter/ Tyree Wilson and the "cognitive strain" that mock drafts place on the public:

"You gotta battle the whole thing of people having minimal information versus people having all the information, which is us." pic.twitter.com/s1TjVRRqox

— Will Burchfield (@burchie_kid) May 2, 2023