DETROIT LIONS NFL DRAFT REVIEW - "OPERATING ON A DIFFERENT PLAN(E)"  

Lions front office doesn’t wanna just build a contender they wanna build a dynasty with the most aggressive nastiest hard-working players in the league

They put character and grit at a premium. No whiners. No laziness. That's the funnel

Mahogany was the steal of the draft

You talked about the differences between BAL and DET in drafting, and it made me think about what I've learned in 4 Brad Holmes/Dan Campbell drafts. - Brad does have a legit Grit List of some sort, that all of his selections come from. This is non-negotiable, as evidenced by 5 of 6 players being on Erik Schlitt's Pre-Draft Grit List, with the 6th being OL Manu, where Erik didn't have much info on a Polynesian from Univ of British Columbia, but he definitely fits the Grit profile. - Brad drafts BPA, not need. Except for the 4th Rd. I've noticed Brad uses the 4th for project picks that he does not want another team to scoop up. ARSB, Derrick Barnes, traded multiple 4ths to get Brodric Martin in 3rd Rd (because he felt another team was going to grab him in a normally DT heavy 3rd Rd), and this year Manu and 3-Phase weapon Vaki were his project picks. Everything else is just BPA, regardless of position. But in a case like Gibbs last year, Brad knew he wouldn't go Top 10, so he traded back to get resources and then draft him. - Brad has no fear of trading up if a player he has on his board is rated far and ahead of all other players and the draft position at the time, that he knows could be picked by any team seeing the value as well. And in trades he prefers pick swaps over straight up giving picks. But he will if needed. - Brad does not draft for RAS numbers, but he uses measurables to confirm what they see on tape. If they don't match, it's back to the tape. Holmes even prefers in-game GPS speeds vs 40 times. - Brad trusts the coaching staff, so he is not afraid to get small school or limited-experience players, especially on Day 3, if they can show some coachable traits in college and dominance over lower level talent.

Thanks Coach. You're a Godsend to the Pride and we love you for it.

NEVER HAVE ENOUGH CORNERS. by the end of the season we're pulling guys off the street to play corner. every year. i'm all for stocking up. LOVE IT. LFG!

Brad always says not everyone can play with the lions

Thankyou for papering my Lions feed with such great information. Love your content!

Sione Vaki is so versatile, I think they are looking for key players on special teams specifically. Campbell loves special teams plays and remember Detroit made Jalen Reeves-Maybin the highest paid special teamer in the league, and he was the Pro Bowl representative for special teams. Vaki has the same potential to return a fake punt for a TD, or cause a fumble, he can backup a few positions, and watching this kid, he has a knack for making critical plays in key moments. This special teams is going to be amazing.

Good analysis. One thing I am reminding people of is as of this moment. The 2 corners that played for the Lions in that NFC championship... one is gone, and the other was brought back BUT is literally now the CB6 on the roster

40 times can be misleading. It doesn't account for reaction time, acceleration, and speed in pads.

All time best draft names. Rakestraw, Manu, Vaki, Wingo and Mahogany.

While I can't speak to specific numbers, based on everything I have read over the last 3+ years of the Holmes/Campbell regime, half of our roster (maybe even more than half) is made up of players that were team captains at some point in their careers (college or pro). I think that fact kind of flies under the radar as the grit factor gets all of the press, but the two are often times intertwined. When you have a roster full of gritty leaders that all have a team mentality, the unity that results can elevate individual players to achieve beyond what their natural talent might otherwise produce as far as the actual results on the field.

Excited to see what Hank Fraley will do with Manu. Thanks as always for your videos.

Dude comes on here when he is obviously sick and gives a hell of a breakdown on the Lions draft. Then at the end asks us to forgive him for his voice. You really are salt of the earth, coach. Thank you for what you do.

As a fan of the lions for over 35 years our front office had always acted as if they were playing checkers whereas this group is playing.....and dominating......3 dimensional chess

Imagine Skipper and Manu pulling alongside each other 😭 just a wall of man meat

Appreciate this channel so much. I don’t know of any other YT channels that dive into the Lions X&Os and player breakdowns as its main focus. There are a couple, but most have clickbait titles with a bunch of fluff as filler for content. Appreciate you and your channel, Coach.

I think the comment regarding "Can these guys beat out James Houston IV?" For a lot of the positions, the answer to that for different Lions positions was only guys from this draft in the first and second rounds. That's less to do with the Lions and more to do with this draft class. Holmes is really good at having a feel for when he needs to move up or down. They also have a plan for the guys they circle on the board pre-draft. That's why they get so hyped when they grab someone. They KNOW what they want to do with him, and that's from collaboration.

Your graphing concept is incredibly insightful and all of us die hard Lions are honored to have your "coaching" us up alongside our (pinch me, am I dreaming?) Superbowl caliber Detroit Lions.

Every time Holmes or Cambell talk they always say straight out "there are very talented players that can't play for the Lions." They tell us consistently that they are looking for a specific type of personality, to go with talent. So yes, I think they have a much smaller window, or funnel of players they're willing to take than most of the other teams. Which is why I think they move around and grab the players on their list.

TECHNICALLY they did take a corner in the 3rd round by trading for carlton davis 3

im ok with Brad Holmes going for 2 corners because i beleive the vision is thst Arnold and Rakestraw will be depth guys this year and starters in a couple years from now

Look, when our GM and coach pick so many pro bowlers iand all pros in the last three drafts. They can select anybody and I'll be happy.

The lions front office is probably years ahead of its time in how to build a roster . And finding the perfect players to fit their teams I think they are also dynasty building. The L.A rams chased a superbowl and haven’t been to the nfc championship since chiefs and patriots built long standing dynasty’s

This is the best "Lions" channel on RU-vid. I actually feel guilty for never watching your Ravens videos...

Manu could make our jumbo package unreal. Monty running behind Zeitler, Sewell and Manu might make just about any 3rd/4th and short makeable.

brad holmes said arnold and rakestraw were #1 & 2 corners on their board

Appreciate the analysis, Coach. Looking forward to another year of devouring all the Lions content you put out on the same day. #OnePride

Please get rest and be well, Coach. As always, many thanks for your tremendous & thoughtful content.

You do a great job covering the lions. Appreciate your coverage.

Soup to nuts, I personally am beyond thrilled with this Lions draft. Vaki & Manu are actually the picks I’m most excited about. Going to be fun & interesting with these two. As far as Manu, Yes he is super raw, yet the athleticism & potential is absolutely there. He is definitely worth the investment & try. Detroit was prob one of best landing spots for him as far as culture & coaching style. He gets to apprentice & develop behind Sewell & Decker too. Then tack on Hank Fraley & the rest of the coaching staff at the helm. I’m stoked & don’t give a witches tit that so many without the reasonable foresight are whining about this pick. Happy the Lions were able to grab Manu.

Saw a speech by Campbell to his team about the type of players they target. It’s more about character than talent. Is essentially what he’s saying. I mean of course these guys have talent but that’s only the start. I love this strategy….no divas, players with humility and toughness and team spirit. How can you go wrong with drafting quality people first

I really like your page you have a professional perspective

I think you are right about the edge. The one thing people dont get is that we dont necessarily need another superstar edge. We have one, what we needed was players who could take the pressure off of Hutch to slow the double teams and allow him to do his thing. Now we have a beefed up line, especially with Reader. And depth at the other edge we didn't have. As well as a rotational beast like Houston being healthy. Which all together should mean that front D will be so much more next year.

mingo is a missile aimed at running qbs like fields, geno smith, lamar, etc who torch the lions D

Did I hear you say Dan Skipper reporting? 😂🤣😂🤣

The NFC North is going to be a blood bath this year. If you look what the other teams in the NFC had drafted. We countered not only with defensive interior but, corner.

I'd saved this to enjoy. It was well worth it! We Lions fans are so renewed, happy, feeling our space, feeling good. Other fanbases make fun of us for hanging the NFC North Champions banner... but what good is reaching new heights, making great strides, if we do not celebrate those moments, those triumphs? Would a person skip a celebration just because someone else thinks they are too cool, too above all that? Heck no. More fool they! Sure, there is much still to adjust, test, balance on the roster. Baltimore still gives me nightmares. But for now, this off-season, One Pride & let's celebrate a real nice Draft. Perhaps a hard-core Secondary will emerge! And the O-line may just surprise everyone. Your appreciation of, and the ability to reveal, the subtle nuances of the trades and Holmes' approach is phenomenal. Thanks!

Atmosphere was insane! Live about a mile away from downtown and headed down there Thursday and Saturday. Great event and great success for Detroit very happy with how everything went

So glad you mentioned the 18 game, two bye, roster expanding moves of the future. The Roster really needs to expand to 60+ players with all dressing on Game day. Btw the lions traded up on 4 of their 6 picks and down on a 5th

I think that between Houston, Davenport, Paschal, & maybe even Betts - they have enough depth at the other end of Hutch. There's always room for improvement, but the theoretically improved secondary should elevate the effectiveness of their 4 man rush. Also, I'm excited to see Rakestraw involved in the kinds of blitz packages that were successful with iffy at the end of 23, he seems built for that.

The 2 corners are depth and injury insurance. Over the last 3 yrs they have lost significant time of corners to injury. This means we'll have someone competent to come in.

Detroit Lions Growl & Grit Growl & Grit How D rolls 2024 Lions Growling every game! ❤the culture. Lions are creating traditions…

Thank you for this video and your take on things here… I especially loved the last 3-4 minutes of your take. You are THE FIRST person that I’ve heard see it and explain why, Brad Holmes and everyone else involved, do what they do… You see it. I wish ALL Lions fans could come across this video. Cause see, “SOL FANS” refuse to see what they are truly doing, which is building a competitive & sustainable franchise for once. They just want to whine & complain, because that’s what they’re used to doing. And a lot of people don’t see it because of what they’ve been used to seeing for decades. “SOL FANS”, are mad about the loss to the 49’ers when NOBODY thought we would be in the NFC championship game… But since we blew a big lead, could’ve been in the Super Bowl, there are people still upset… BUT NO ONE EVER THOUGHT THAT WE WOULD EVEN BE THERE! The goal for EVERYONE was, division title, playoff’s, playoff win…🤷🏾‍♂️ #OnePride✊🏾🦁💙 #InBradWeTrust💯

I’d agree the Lions have a smaller funnel/total # of players they like/consider; they’re pickier due to their significant value in specific character and player traits - which is part of what makes them aggressive getting their guys

Probably Spielman whose in the room saying it like it is. Supposedly Shiela and Rod Wood are letting the "football guys" handle football decisions and if true, have no reason to start second guessing now. They'll ride them like a wave until they start losing.

Your insights, dedication, and quality are always appreciated. 2023 was amazing to start subscribing to your coverage of Detroit and Baltimore. Learned a lot about football and enjoying more. You did pick two 10+ winners?, get better with throat. Detroit got what they needed, then traded a lot of chaff picks in middle rounds to drive better Q in defensive backfield for Glenn to coach. Thanks for all your work and sharing. 👍🏾

This Giovanni Manu guy is the most intriguing pick the Lions made in the draft in my mind. Obviously he's worlds behind developmentally, but the guy's physical traits kinda remind me of Jonathan Ogden. Again, he's got a looooooong way to go to even get close to Ogden's level, but that's the crazy amount of upside I think he possesses. I believe Hank Fraley is one of the best O-line coaches in the league, so I expect him to get Manu coached up properly, though it's not likely to happen overnight, no matter how good Fraley is.

Brad ain't gonna get his flowers from the media until we put a trophy in the case. I would say it would be nice to see a Baltimore vs Det superbowl, but nah. Them mfers scare me after last year. 😅

The Lions draft was exactly the kind of players you would expect them to take. They are football first guys with leadership qualities. Many of them were captains of thier teams. These guys have character and s dedication to what they do. This class is different in that the Lions took players who play multiple positions. Depth at many positions in one player. That allows them to keep extra players in places like d-line, o-line, and corner.

As usual, great in-depth analysis. I loved the 1st round pick by the Lions. I know Dan and Brad claim they don't draft per needs, but I also think they believe if there's a player you're targeting that can start right away and make an immediate impact whilst strengthening your weakest point then you most definitely draft THAT need!

As a lions fan of 3+ decades, it is so insane that the motor city kitties are an elite organization now. Brad Holmes is tremendous!

You said well in the end there man. They are not just set up for this year but for years to come

I liked the draft and agree the trade prices weren't bad. Next year they're just missing a third round pick. I'm fine with that. Good mix of talent for now (CBs, Wingo) and the future (Mahogany, Manu).

Agree with you about Steven Gilmore. Last year they kept him on the roster to keep him and develop him. It would be nice to know how he is progressing, although taking CBs at #24 and #61 seems to indicate they are not counting on him in 2024. Davis is a one year rental (they will not re-sign him), Moseley is a huge question mark, and even Robertson is only on a two year contract. So, long term CB was a need. Getting your first and second ranked CB is a huge win for the long term success of this team.

Once again a pure pleasure. That’s why I have you Patreon. I’m telling everyone about you as well. You take on how we don’t need everyone to develop at the same time is just what I was telling my friends. We are set to compete for many years.

Get better soon! Really appreciate you doing this, especially when you’re not feeling well.

oh you know they will be wheeling and dealing. if someone is available in the 3rd round in 2025 they want, they will be there..

Kneecaps. Kneecaps for everybody in the building.

Lions have targeted their guys since Holmes and Campbell have come. Holmes, said at end of draft presser in mid to late rounds they have to know the exact fit of where players will play. Vaki on ST's and who knows where else. CB will be a bloodbath. Manu, is a giant freak athlete that Hank Fraley will be able to mild. Mahogany I don't get how a team didn't take much higher in hopes he starts this year for them. They have become a deep and talented football team.

I forgot about zonovan knight. He had a nice 2 or 3 game with the jets 2 years ago. At the very least hes a good special teamer and could return kicks with the new rules while Raymond handles punt returns.

It’s surreal to go from a laughing stock to having fans of other teams producing Lions content! You do it better than most and have a creative angle. Thanks for enhancing our Lions experience!!!

The Lions didn't have a problem scoring points the last few years.

Great point that no one mentions about ends/edges available when we took Rakestraw: "would any of them start in front of Houston or Davenport?" def no clear yes

I always like your breakdown. Especially since your not a Lions fan. I think you give good outside anaisist of the team without a subjective point of view. Keep up the good work.

Your analysis is so superior to the big names who evaluate the draft and the NFL in general. I selfishly hope you are never hired by the media conglomerates who stifle the voices of their analysts. I really enjoyed all your takes on the Lions draft.

Vaki might return kicks with the new rules. They have 2 returners now.

A lot of fans not liking Davenport but when Healthy he is a tuff out. Dominant

Honestly, I’m at the point where I trust Brad Holmes so much to where I don’t question his strategy anymore. I’ll wait to see how the players make their impact, and I’m pretty confident we’ll look back at this draft as a good draft.

Great breakdown, also hopefully feeling better soon. Appreciate all the effort. I believe ultimately, on this draft...like every single team....hoping we strike gold..another james houston out of nowhere, another iffy manafanwoo developing and becoming pretty great, another Rodrigo out of nowhere. Again in brad Holmes we trust and hope it all works out

I agree that Jermaine Burton WR ALA was a potential talent upgrade over DPJ or Antoine Green with one of the 3rd round picks they traded away for Arnold. However, his character concerns (allegedly coachable and incident with a fan after a game) would have taken him off Brad Holmes' draft board. He targets captains or players with high football IQ, grit, and determination. Burton doesn't seem to meet those thresholds. An additional point being that WR draft pick would have to play special teams to make the roster. When you're looking that far down the roster, special teams value becomes very important on a players inclusion in the game day roster. A mid to late round WR likely wouldn't have been a significant enough upgrade over DPJ or Green as a player that probably doesn't play 3rd phase. That's what made Sione Vaki a desirable selection - his special teams value. I think it's a little high to take a special teams only player, but the RBs I liked better at that selection also likely would not have played special teams. So in that sense, Vaki's path to the 53 man roster is a little more clear.

I'm genuinely curious where Branch fits in among this haul of CBs? Who are the starters on the outside? I'd be interested in seeing your projected defensive depth chart in 2024

The point is that Brad has a gift for targeting assets that are usable in our team plans.

Can you make some time to analyze Seattle and what Macdonald has cooking over there? Looking forward to the szn!

Yeah, a few fans were complaining that Brad didn't take an Edge in round 4-7. People don't seem to realize, there isn't going to be some game breaking edge defender in those rounds or even just a year 1 starter 9 times out of 10. Like you mentioned there really wasn't anything special in those rounds in terms of DE.

Great review !

love your videos thank u for making these for us lions fans

Holmes and Campbell are playing chess, not checkers. Building a dynasty here in Detroit. Love the content. Keep up the good work.

I have been a Lions fan for 33 years. They got who I think was the #1 CB in the draft. They need a Top OL Backup that can backup and be the future at center. This draft had 2 or 3 that fit the bill with the 2nd pick. There may not be another next year. Drafting Rakestraw was a fail in my opinion with signing 3 CBs in FA. Nevermind the future at Edge. Houston was not himself when he came back in the playoffs. Cominsky did not play as good as before being resigned and Davenport I am not impressed with at all. Now I know the prospects at OL drafted were good but nither plays Center. Looks can be decieving. 2023 draft was amazing but they did not address CB as a result, they lost the NFC Championship game. As a whole I gave the draft a B.

Even with the trade up for Manu, Detroit was scored as the #1 draft for value over expected draft position.

Vaki and Manu were both confirmed to have been selected right after we took them. Brad said he got the answers after he took the test and was proven right

I am not to worried about the Lions not drafting a WR. JAMO started to be a consistent receiver late last season, he can easily handle the workload left behind from Reynolds' departure. Still have LaPorta and 2 good pass catching RBs as options beyond WR

"Not everybody can play here" is kind of the mantra Detroit goes by in regard to player acquisition. They'll always get THEIR guys.

The Detroit Lions are always open for business in the draft

I think Sione Vaki will surprise people as a RB 3 for us he can run the heck out of it and catch it and make you miss def has that grit we look for.

I cannot disagree with anything you said, and some of it lines up directly with what Brad Holmes and Dan Campbell have said in the past. The purposeful intent and plan for each and every player they draft is there, and something they have commented on. After last years draft they said that there is no amount of talent that can overcome the culture fit that is required for players to play for the Lions. Dan Campbell has mentioned it in meetings too, there is a reference in their Inside the Den episode 1 from this season about it. He mentions how not everyone can play for the Lions. One thing I found interesting in an interview with Manu was that the Lions told him that he would be playing on the right side with Sewell. That is really exciting to hear considering the type of player he is and what they can do with two big men that can move like that on the right side. He is the clear succession plan for Zeitler and is not likely to get many in game snaps this year while he develops. The Lions play old school, bully ball. Their defenders have to be able to stop the run and tackle, their receivers and tight ends have to block, all of them, no exceptions, and you see that on the field. Ben Johnson mentioned it in an interview, no team in the NFL blocks for their teammates downfield like the Lions do. From the Craig Reynolds block on the Saint TD in Tampa last year to the Jamo block on the Monty 75 yard TD against the Chargers, it does not matter if your a UDFA or the #12 overall pick. We play a certain brand of football in Detroit now, and I think that will resonate with Ravens fans since that is how Ozzy Newsome built the Ravens to be when they came over from Cleveland. There is a team identity and culture, and either your a Raven or your not, it is the same with the Lions now too.

I think Marshawn Kneeland might've been our pick if he was there at 61. But after him and Braswell were off, there was no edge worth it in the top 80

Thanks coach

Davis, Robertson, Arnold, Vildor, Mosley, and Rankstraw make up the main part of the new CB room. People forget about Mosley because he only played 2 snaps last year. Hes coming if tearing both Achilles so we will see if he can return to form.

In the first week of OTAs sione vaki has been practicing with running backs. When holmes handed in his name at draft it was written and read as utah running back sione vaki. Hell be primarily special teams but im thinking the goal is to be a third down back like theo Riddick used to be. Vaki won't be afraid to block and he can catch

Safety won't be as open as everyone is stating. BB will rotate as the 3rd safety in Nascar sets and will backup both SS and FS while starting at the Nickle. Rakestraw Jr is also about that scenario - allowing Branch to play every defensive down he's available for by staying on the field in base defensive sets (no nickle) by pushing Melifonwu to the bench on most of those plays. Rakeshaw will probably train at all 3 corner spots. Moseley is a toss-up. So Vildor might be the odd one out... but someone will likely crosstrain at safety too. Branch, Melifonwu, and Joseph should all take natural rookie contract years types of leaps as p.ayers with Those 3 to 5 new outside corners 《Moseley not new, new/used/perennially injured ☆ but a serious X~FĄÇŤĄĥRŔĞ》

Brad and Dan draft players they love. Their board is smaller than other teams because of their prerequisites to play in Detroit.

You were thinking about, Colby Sorsdal. The OL man who’s name you couldn’t remember…. #OnePride✊🏾🦁💙 #InBradWeTrust💯

Last year many analysts we're saying that if you flipped their second and first round picks, they would have loved the draft. This year if you took their fourth round picks in the 6th and 6th round picks in the 4th, everything would be jelling.

-We got cb1 by most people’s boards-A Rakestraw great value but preferred wr -B - love the upside for Manu. after his top 30 visit he seamed at min worth a shot to be the swing tackle /future starter-b- -Vaki phew there is always 1 move from brad that I don’t get per year. Levi with his back injury history, that Denver wr that never played a down we gave up a 5th to get, I’m sure there is more I’m not thinking of. Vaki is a really good athlete but if we needed a 6th rb or safety that can hit and not cover we could have just called Tracy walker back. -D and if it’s about special teams then maybe draft a kicker ?? Both 6th round guys were home runs I would have taken mahogany in the 3rd no problem-A I just think brad continues to amaze and this is by far the deepest and best lions roster we have ever had.

Your knowledge of our roster is insane, respect.

Never can have enough CBs in today's NFL. I think picking 2 CBs allows the Lions to at least have some solid depth.

No one knows what the Lions need and which players they want more than Brad & Dan. If this is what they did, then they nailed it again.

ST will become way larger part of game plans. Starting our defenders at opponents 40? ... this guy is an assassin