Brad Holmes Breaks Silence on Lions’ Biggest Draft Question

“We didn’t ignore it [in the draft],” he said. “There were some good ones that were out there that just got picked before we were able to, but it just didn’t quite line up. And I didn’t really think that class was as deep, either, so it had to line up and you had to strike right.”

That’s classic Holmes.

Stick to the board. Don’t reach. Trust the process.

What about Branch and Joseph?

The Lions are optimistic about both players—but there are still real questions.

Branch is working his way back from a torn Achilles, while Joseph dealt with a knee issue that cost him significant time last season.

When healthy, though?

It’s one of the best safety duos in the league.

• Branch: Pro Bowl talent, playmaker, tone-setter
• Joseph: Ball hawk with 20 career interceptions and All-Pro pedigree

That’s not a group you panic over.

Quietly solid depth behind them

Detroit also didn’t ignore the position entirely this offseason.

They brought in depth and experience:

• Christian Izien
• Chuck Clark
• Avonte Maddox
• Thomas Harper

It’s not flashy, but it’s functional.

And it gives the Lions options if either starter needs more time.

The bottom line

This wasn’t neglect.

It was discipline.

The Lions didn’t force a pick just to check a box—and that’s exactly how Brad Holmes has built this roster.

Could safety still be addressed down the line?

Absolutely.

But for now, Detroit is betting on health, development, and a draft board that didn’t quite cooperate.

And if history tells us anything, that’s usually a pretty good bet.