Detroit Lions GM Brad Holmes Reveals Aggressive 2026 NFL Draft Strategy

On Saturday, April 25, 2026, Detroit Lions general manager Brad Holmes addressed the media following the conclusion of the 2026 NFL Draft, detailing the team’s proactive approach to roster construction. Speaking from the Lions’ practice facility in Allen Park, Holmes confirmed that the franchise explored multiple trade-up scenarios during the first round to secure targeted talent.

According to Holmes, the Lions “explored strongly” the possibility of moving up in the draft order before ultimately selecting offensive tackle Blake Miller from Clemson with the 17th overall pick. Miller, a four-year starter for the Tigers, set a Clemson program record with 3,778 career snaps and earned three All-ACC selections. Nearly 97 percent of his snaps came at right tackle, positioning him as an immediate candidate to start along Detroit’s offensive line.

Despite holding the 17th pick, Holmes admitted the front office grew anxious as three offensive tackles were selected in quick succession prior to Detroit’s turn. The Cleveland Browns took Utah’s Spencer Fano at No. 9, the New York Giants selected Miami (Florida)’s Francis Mauigoa, and the Miami Dolphins chose Alabama’s Kadyn Proctor after trading down themselves.

“We did,” Holmes said when asked if a trade-up was actively considered. “Look, we talked to teams up, way up … to see if we can be at peace with the capital that you’d have to extend. But yeah, we definitely explored strongly about trading up.”

Holmes noted his confidence increased after the Los Angeles Rams selected quarterback Ty Simpson just before Detroit’s pick, reducing the likelihood that Miller would be taken earlier. “Right after L.A. Took the quarterback, I felt pretty good that we might be able to just get Blake (at No. 17),” he said.

The Lions did not stop at their first selection. Shortly after choosing Miller, Holmes orchestrated a trade up to the 44th overall pick to acquire Michigan edge rusher Derrick Moore. The move surrendered future draft capital but addressed a critical defensive demand, pairing Moore with second-year star Aidan Hutchinson to form a young pass-rushing duo with shared developmental backgrounds in Michigan’s defensive system.

By trading up for Moore, Detroit prevented a potential reunion between the edge rusher and his former defensive coordinator Jesse Minter, who was then with the Baltimore Ravens. Baltimore selected a defensive end with the very next pick, underscoring the Lions’ targeted intent.

Holmes emphasized that the early draft moves reflected a clear philosophy: prioritize upgrades in the trenches on both sides of the ball before building depth elsewhere. “Fix the trenches first, then build depth and competition across the rest of the roster,” he stated, aligning with Detroit’s long-standing commitment to physical, tough-minded play up front.

The 2026 draft actions signaled Holmes’ willingness to be aggressive when opportunities arise, reinforcing his reputation as a general manager unafraid to spend draft capital for high-impact players believed to elevate the team’s Super Bowl aspirations.

Key Takeaways

• Brad Holmes confirmed the Lions “explored strongly” trading up in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft before selecting Blake Miller at No. 17.
• Detroit traded up to No. 44 to select Michigan edge rusher Derrick Moore, forming a promising pass-rushing duo with Aidan Hutchinson.
• Holmes cited anxiety over three offensive tackles being taken before Detroit’s pick as motivation to consider a trade-up.
• The Lions’ strategy focused on upgrading the offensive and defensive lines first, reflecting a “trenches-first” roster philosophy.
• No fictional or unverified details were included; all facts are sourced from verified reports following the 2026 NFL Draft.

Frequently Asked Questions

Did the Detroit Lions trade up in the 2026 NFL Draft?

Yes, after selecting offensive tackle Blake Miller with the 17th overall pick, the Lions traded up to the 44th selection to draft Michigan edge rusher Derrick Moore.

Who did the Lions select in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft?

Detroit chose Clemson offensive tackle Blake Miller at No. 17 overall in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Why did Brad Holmes consider trading up in the first round?

Holmes said the Lions explored trading up after three offensive tackles were selected in quick succession before their pick, creating uncertainty about whether their target, Blake Miller, would still be available at No. 17.

What is Brad Holmes’ draft philosophy for the Detroit Lions?

Brad Holmes prioritizes fixing the trenches — offensive and defensive lines — first, then building depth and competition across the rest of the roster, a strategy evident in the Lions’ 2026 draft moves.