Detroit Lions general manager Brad Holmes and the personnel staff have received acclaim for their draft haul. After the dust has settled, there has been a little more controversy about the moves to trade up, particularly in the fourth round. There has frequently been discussion and argument among pundits about the worth of trading up for players. Most NFL insiders believe that trading down is a better way to secure additional capital.
This year, Holmes chose to trade up four times in order to get possibilities that the company valued. The choice to move up to select Giovanni Manu, an offensive lineman from the University of British Columbia, was one of many that sparked controversy. Holmes’ hostile behavior was discussed in a recent meeting with NFL leadership. According to a report in The Athletic, “One exec thought the Lions trading a 2025 third-round pick to the Jets for University of British Columbia tackle Giovanni Manu at No. 126, and then using another fourth-rounder for combination safety/running back Sione Vaki, bordered on arrogance.”
Though the decisions were regarded as bold, Detroit has earned the benefit of the doubt due to their recent success in targeting offensive line prospects in the draft. Overall, the franchise has performed admirably in the Draft in recent years. Holmes’ recent mid-round draft successes include Sam LaPorta, Brian Branch, and Alim McNeill. Under his leadership, the Lions climbed from the bottom of the NFC North to the brink of the Super Bowl. “They are really good, so they have earned that right,” the executive said. “It’s a little different than the arrogance coming from Atlanta. Detroit has had a lot of success drafting offensive linemen.
With a roster set and ready to compete for the Super Bowl, it’s reasonable that critics and fans would question Detroit’s leadership. The company agreed to take certain calculated risks that potentially pay off several years in the future. “Detroit is taking a swing, and you have to admire teams that are willing to do that,” said another executive. The Lions’ Day 3 Draft haul comprised Manu, Vaki, defensive lineman Mekhi Wingo, and offensive lineman Christian Mahogany.
