Detroit Lions general manager Brad Holmes held his annual pre-draft press conference on Thursday morning. While these sessions are typically uninformative, Holmes is known for being one of the most honest and open general managers in the NFL.
Here are five key takeaways from Holmes’ comments:
Za’Darius Smith’s future with the Lions remains uncertain. Holmes confirmed that there have been no discussions between the team and Smith’s agent since the 2024 offseason, leaving it up to Smith to make any moves. If a reunion happens, it will be prompted by Smith himself.
The Lions have not fielded any calls about trading their 28th overall pick, likely due to its low value compared to other picks in the draft. However, Holmes acknowledged that this could change depending on how the board falls and who is available around Detroit’s pick.
Holmes’ track record of trading up vs. down suggests he may be more willing to make moves, but he emphasized that it depends on each draft and the specific players available. He also hinted that the team’s roster situation might lead them to consider taking a risk on a player they want, even if it means giving up other picks.
The Lions prioritize quality over quantity when building their roster. Holmes expressed a desire to focus on getting the best football players for the team first, rather than accumulating a surplus of younger players in an attempt to maintain financial flexibility.
Holmes also discussed the team’s trade value chart, which is more flexible than some other teams’. He acknowledged that different teams have different philosophies, but the Lions are willing to negotiate and find deals that work for both sides.
Source: https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2025/4/17/24410492/nfl-draft-5-things-we-learned-from-lions-gm-brad-holmes-pre-draft-presser