Lions GM Brad Holmes Defends 'F Them Picks' Attitude

Holmes says he'll trade draft capital for the right player to help Detroit reach the Super Bowl.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 5:38pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A cubist, geometric painting depicting a football player making a catch, with the player's jersey number 9 visible among the fractured, overlapping planes of color.The Lions' aggressive approach to the NFL Draft under GM Brad Holmes aims to acquire top talent, even if it means trading away valuable draft picks.Today in Detroit

Detroit Lions general manager Brad Holmes defended his aggressive approach to the NFL Draft, stating that he's willing to trade away draft picks if the team has strong conviction in a specific player who can help the team reach the Super Bowl. Holmes acknowledged that this strategy has drawn criticism from the media and some fans, but he remains committed to being bold in pursuit of the right talent.

Why it matters

The Lions have been active in the draft under Holmes, trading up to select players like wide receiver Isaac TesLaa. This has drawn debate, as some feel the team should focus more on building through the draft rather than trading away picks. Holmes' comments show he's willing to be aggressive to acquire players he believes can make an immediate impact.

The details

Speaking at his pre-draft media session, Holmes was asked if he would still use the 'f them picks' approach to add a player who could help the team reach the Super Bowl. He responded, 'Absolutely, yeah, if it's the right guy. You guys know me. I mean, I thought you guys get mad at me sometimes. I do that too much sometimes. But no, if we have that kind of conviction for a player, absolutely, we're gonna go and get them.'

  • Holmes has been the Lions' general manager since 2021.

The players

Brad Holmes

The general manager of the Detroit Lions who has been willing to trade draft capital to acquire players he believes can help the team reach the Super Bowl.

Isaac TesLaa

A wide receiver the Lions traded multiple third-round picks to move up and select in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Absolutely, yeah, if it's the right guy. You guys know me. I mean, I thought you guys get mad at me sometimes. I do that too much sometimes. But no, if we have that kind of conviction for a player, absolutely, we're gonna go and get them.”

— Brad Holmes, General Manager, Detroit Lions

What’s next

The Lions will look to continue being aggressive in the 2027 NFL Draft as they aim to build a roster capable of reaching the Super Bowl.

The takeaway

Brad Holmes' willingness to trade away draft capital for players he believes can make an immediate impact shows the Lions' commitment to being bold in their roster-building approach. While this strategy has drawn criticism, it also demonstrates the organization's conviction in its ability to identify and acquire top talent.