The Brad Holmes era as general manager of the Detroit Lions has been a very good one to date. The team is strongly considered a Super Bowl contender thanks to Holmes’ ability to shape the roster and work with head coach Dan Campbell.
Holmes and the Lions’ front office earned some flowers in a recent survey done by The Athletic. 40 NFL executives and coaches ranked their top five front offices. Based on the points system used, the Lions were voted as the 5th-best front office.
The poll used a 10-7-5-3-1 scoring system. The Lions did not receive any first-place votes but did end up with 62 total points and appeared on 20 of the 40 ballots.
Holmes, who took over in 2021, helped guide the Lions to one of the best seasons in franchise history last year.
As one general manager put it: “If you asked: Who is the No. 1 GM in the league right now, this minute? It might be him. I love the demeanor, love what he stands for.”
Holmes and Campbell see things through the same lens, which has helped the GM acquire the types of players who will fare well for Campbell. They’ve built a roster that appears tough, selfless and talented.
“Detroit has done a great job of figuring out their style and getting guys who fit that in the draft and free agency” an NFC executive said.
Holmes’ first-round picks include right tackle Penei Sewell, defensive end Aidan Hutchinson, wideout Jameson Williams, running back Jahmyr Gibbs, linebacker Jack Campbell and cornerback Terrion Arnold. The Lions have built one of the best offensive lines in the league and have revitalized quarterback Jared Goff by building around him.This was hardly a small-scale rebuild for an organization that had one playoff victory in the Super Bowl era before the new regime’s arrival, and Holmes brought a turnaround in a remarkably short time. When building out the roster, Campbell has said he wants players who would have been great teammates during his playing career, and Holmes has delivered.
“Detroit has done a nice job building it in their own image, which is unique to everybody else,” an executive said.
The only teams ranked higher than the Lions were the Ravnes (15 first-place votes), Chiefs (13), 49ers (3) and Eagles (5). The Seahawks, Rams, Steelers and Cowboys also received a first-place vote each.
