Holmes drafts above-average athletes (avg 61th percentile)
The Lions FO represents one of the most successful rebuilds in recent NFL history. Brad Holmes arrived in 2021 and immediately made a franchise-altering move, trading Matthew Stafford to the Rams for Jared Goff and draft picks that became Jahmyr Gibbs and Sam LaPorta. His draft-and-develop philosophy has produced an exceptional hit rate: Penei Sewell, Amon-Ra St. Brown, Aidan Hutchinson, and Terrion Arnold are all foundational pieces. The front office structure is notably deep with experience - John Dorsey brings two Super Bowl rings and GM experience (Chiefs, Browns), Ray Agnew was the man who pounded the table for Aaron Donald in LA, and the scouting infrastructure includes holdovers like Rob Lohman (19 years with organization) who provide continuity. The 2024 addition of Dwayne Joseph as Director of Scouting - a frequent GM candidate himself - signals the depth of talent in the building. Holmes has fostered a genuinely collaborative environment with Dan Campbell, and their alignment on roster construction philosophy is evident in every move. The organization also shows commitment to developing future executives, with the Wally Triplett Fellowship and a track record of promoting from within. The main risk is poaching - Agnew, Dorsey, and Joseph are all names that appear on GM candidate lists, and the coaching staff has already been raided (Aaron Glenn to Jets, Ben Johnson to Bears). But the foundation Holmes has built appears sustainable.