On this week’s episode of Twentyman in the Huddle presented by Microsoft, Detroit Lions Executive Vice President and General Manager Brad Holmes sits down with Tim Twentyman for an in-depth breakdown of the Lions’ draft class. Brad and Tim discuss each of Detroit’s eight draft picks in the 2023 NFL Draft, including Jahmyr Gibbs, Jack Campbell, Brian Branch, Hendon Hooker and more. Before wrapping things up, Brad discusses the importance of teamwork across his scouting department when stacking a draft board, as well as talks through the process of signing undrafted free agents to the team.
Highlights include:
– 0:00-0:25: Podcast introduction
– 0:26-1:53: Why does Brad Holmes get so emotional in the draft room?
– 1:54-4:00: Holmes on Alabama running back Jahmyr Gibbs
– 4:01-7:09: Holmes on Iowa linebacker Jack Campbell
– 7:10-9:50: What do “positional value” and mock drafts mean to Brad Holmes?
– 9:51-13:07: Holmes on Iowa tight end Sam LaPorta
– 13:08-15:06: Holmes on Alabama defensive back Brian Branch
– 15:07-18:38: Holmes on Tennessee quarterback Hendon Hooker
– 18:39-20:54: Holmes on Western Kentucky defensive lineman Brodric Martin
– 20:55-22:14: What do the Lions look for in Day 3 picks?
– 22:15-23:47: Holmes on William & Mary offensive lineman Colby Sorsdal
– 23:48-26:07: Holmes on North Carolina wide receiver Antoine Green
– 26:08-27:17: What’s the overall impression of the 2023 Lions draft class?
– 27:18-28:05: Holmes on the importance and process of undrafted free agents
– 28:06-29:38: How did the front office work on this draft as a group?
– 29:39-30:12: Looking forward to rookie minicamp and beyond
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45 Comments
Man I can't believe how likeable of a tandem Holmes/Campbell are. I can't remember one time in my life that I was so enamored with both coach & GM. Starting to really drink the KoolAid now! #OnePride
I wish I had this mans skillset – what an awesome occupation – we have the best in the business folks!
8:20 I love Brad calling out y’all mouth breathers parroting the brain trust of Bucky Brooks and Mel Kiper 😂
After listening to Holmes speak about several draftees not needing to play right away. That they had a bit of a runway to get up to speed—it’s clear that the Lions are finally able to play the long game with talent. Which should bode well in the bigger picture for Detroit.
Anyone that says the lions failed in the draft just hasn’t been paying attention.
In Brad we Trust
I'm of the belief Brad Holmes has a savant'ish way about him. He took advantage of every situation he was in and meticulously studied how it was done and how he might make it better. Brad's created a finite process of evaluating players, that takes into considering how the player fits the team, culture and coaching. I have a feeling he will have many people that work with him that will also be very successful. Lastly, I want him to be so great that he becomes a Detroit Lion legend and part of making the Lions a bonafide WINNER for years to come. Amen!
Here we go again with lions being 5-12
"(in 2022) Teams ran for 121.6 yards per game, the highest average since 1987, as defenses built to stop the pass started allowing more and more yards on the ground. Running the ball is becoming efficient: The average carry last season went for 4.5 yards, the highest average in NFL history. The 49ers made the NFC championship game after a big midseason trade for running back Christian McCaffrey, and lost in that game to the Eagles, the team with the most expected points added via the running game."
-Rodger Sherman , via the Ringer
I think Brian Branch deserves to have Detroit fans, welcome him properly to the Lions.. The lonely walk he took by himself on draft day was SAD!!!! FRFR!!!! #OnePride
We know Brad, we know :).
Another great show Tim, thanks! Brad Holmes is the man! In Brad we trust – let him cook and bring Detroit a championship!
I had a Raider fan text me after day 1 saying our GM has lost it, I texted him back we got one of two guys that can take it to the house from anywhere on the field and the only great LB with a very deep TE, DB, DL advantage Detroit, I see you Mr Holmes.
Was Tim on an interview to be a scout, I think that could work.
TELL EM BH AND TIM
Any body language experts here? He'll start off a response while pinky picking his right ear. Is that a tell?
Would you all be serious about buying a shirt that says, "B Holmes does not care about your mock draft"? They can be made
Trust the process and be patient. I've been saying this since they were 1-6 last season. This decade, the North runs through Detroit! Go Lions!
It’s good see that the lions are finally building something special. Brad is doing a great job.
Guys, to be completely honest, he's definitely more than a Lil excited, maaaaan, cmon bro, just be real my brotha!!!
If they could’ve gotten Moody pk it would have been perfect
This is exactly what I been saying. They picked the guys that were available they thought would make the most impact on this team. Thats what the draft is for and they've done more homework on these guys. You dont make a pick based on positional value, you make it on team value and they felt these guys had the most team value at the spot they were picked. Could they have waited? Maybe or maybe not but why would you pass on the BPA to help your team and take a chance on losing them because they might be there later because everyones mock has them going later. They have their board for whos most valuable for them. I think they had a great draft
It's so nice having a good and smart coaching staff. Our last ones couldn't get outa a wet paper bag…
Tim asked who wins in a race between Jamo vs Jahmyr?
I think it would be very, very, very, close if Jamo ran…………..backwards while wearing a pair of moon boots 2 sizes, too small😂
personaly i dont think he needed to explain himself
Brad Holmes is an ELITE GM. His communication skills, as well as his knowledge of the players, show that his cognitive ability to assess players is top notch. We're blessed to have him.
It’s such a waste for Witherspoon to go to the Seahawks. He would’ve been a star CB under the Lions with all the vet presence here. Typical of Brad Holmes to come out on top for us this draft, though. I love this regime!
Incredible Interview.
This guy is awesome
BH is playing chess…not checkers. He gets Lions. Check back in 1-2 years. We’ll have the receipts.
The Lions leadership is this exact opposite of Urban Meyer at Jax.
Lions were right to trade their sixth pick to go down the ladder if they weren’t serious about going after a Quarterback plus they were able to use what money available to go after players to fill the the position the Lions were lot more concerned about!
I am so glad it was said here as I kept saying it at all the draft haters. I trust Brad Holmes as he has not given me any reasons not to. If he believes these players are what we need to win let’s go.
I want to work for Brad Holmes.
I started watching the Lions(and football) in the mid 90's. Seeing Barry Sanders run was such a pleasure. Even then, they never won a division (I started after 91). THIS is OUR SEASON every fan who has endured the PAIN the Lions have dished out FOR THE LAST 30 YEARS. Not to mention the fans who have been watching longer then me.
Detroit picked up a gem in Hendon Hooker. GBO! 🍊
There's too much to say. One thing I feel is true is that the Detroit lions are gonna be a BIG presence in the league. NFC championship likely. Who knows. .. be afraid. GO LIONS !!!
I feel like the Detroit Lions could take the east. There's an Energy here thats gonna DOMINATE the NFL! Wont be easy… ohh i cant wait!! Go Lions!!!
ONE PRIDE! No one is gonna want to play us for fear of getting pawed and mauled. I feel that they are disciplined, reducing penalties. Strong offensive line, watch Sewell oh my gosh are you kidding! Be afraid! secondary ..yeh alll good there,no? Proud of the Detroit lion organization. Nice! Season ticket holder through the Silverdome era start to finish! Man its great to see the lions organization be force. It will fun to see how the league is gonna try to smack em down like they always do. Not a pity party they do always get bullcrap. NOT THIS TIME! LIONS ARE FOR REAL.
Sam LaPorta is going to be one of the most dynamic TE’s. You can line him up in the box, in the slot, even at RB. He’s a freak.
lions are gonna be scary this year.
In homes we trust …i have zero worries this yr…expecting at least 2 wins in the playoffs
Good content, but piece of advice!
Don’t explain to Holmes what each player means to the Lions. 😂
He’s looking at you like “yeah no sh*t, I drafted the guy!”
Tim- you are my favorite to watch/listen to. Thank you for these awesome interviews. You don't ask the same stupid questions like everyone else.
Still several big reaches by The Lions. Both # 1 were an unabashed reach. They may be great and a perfect fit re team culture but only the Lions had these two picks that high on the board. Perhaps Detroit knows something no one else is aware of. Holmes seems happy so lets see what transpires in the next couple of years.