Brad Holmes: Detroit Lions didn't chase needs in picking Derrick Moore

Allen Park — Detroit Lions general manager Brad Holmes stepped to the podium on Friday night looking like a man who had just started a vacation.

Clearly, it felt good to finally fill the positional need that eluded the Lions in the draft during early rounds over the last few years.

After drafting Michigan edge defender Derrick Moore with their second-round pick — one day after filling their other biggest need, offensive tackle, by selecting Clemson's Blake Miller No. 17 overall — Holmes said he wasn't worried about filling holes on the roster. It just so happened that the best players available in each round made sense, roster-wise.

Detroit Lions General Manager Brad Holmes speaks during a press conference at the Lions Meijer Performance Center in Allen Park, Mich. on Jan. 8, 2026.

"It really did line up, just because we've always said, we're just going to take the best player, so, look, if there was — I'm sure there was other tackles that were available ... but these were the guys that we liked," Holmes said. "When it blends together like that, it's really nice. Couldn't be happier, actually."

The Lions have been on the search for another permanent edge partner to play opposite Aidan Hutchinson since drafting the Michigan product with the No. 2 pick in 2022. That year, the Lions also added Josh Paschal, who was released this offseason after four rocky seasons. Since then, Detroit has been unable to blend its need for a pass rusher with the best players available on Days 1 and 2.