Cardinals' Brad Holmes Spills: What Detroit Was Looking At At The NFL Combine

What the Detroit Lions Did at the NFL Combine, According to Brad Holmes

The NFL Combine is one of the most highly anticipated events in the sports world, and this year's iteration did not disappoint. The Detroit Lions, who had a surprisingly strong offseason, continued to build on their momentum by sending their scouting team to Indianapolis to evaluate some of the top prospects in the country. In a post-Combine press conference, Cardinals' President of Football Operations and General Manager, Brad Holmes, shed some light on what the Lions were looking for and what they might have seen from the talented group of players.

Holmes, who took over as the Lions' GM in February 2022, has been tasked with revamping the team's roster and putting together a cohesive unit that can compete with the best of the best in the NFL. In his first draft since taking the reins, the Lions made some surprising moves, including selecting California's Javon Kinney, a linebacker who was seen as a late-round pick. While it's still early days for the new regime, the Lions' efforts at the Combine suggest they're taking a holistic approach to building their team.

When asked about the Lions' evaluation process, Holmes emphasized the importance of evaluating each player as a whole, rather than just focusing on their individual skills. "We're not just looking at the stats or the highlight reels," he said. "We're trying to get a sense of what these players are like as people, how they fit into our culture, and what they bring to the table." This approach is evident in the Lions' selection of Kinney, who is considered a bit of a project, but also possesses a strong work ethic and a winning mentality.

The Key Players the Lions Were Looking At

So who were the Lions evaluating at the Combine? Here are some of the top players who caught their attention:

• EDGE Rusher George Karlaftis: The Ohio State defensive end is one of the most touted pass rushers in the draft class, and the Lions certainly had him on their radar. Holmes described Karlaftis as "one of the most dominant edge rushers we've seen in a while," and praised his ability to get after the quarterback.
• WR TreVeyon Henderson: The Ohio State running back is also a dual-threat receiver who impressed the Lions with his speed and elusiveness. Holmes liked Henderson's versatility and ability to make plays in space.
• CB Kelee Ringo: The Georgia safety is a ball-hawking corner who wore down defenses with his aggressive play. The Lions were impressed by Ringo's confidence and ability to make plays on the ball.

What the Lions Were Looking For

So what were the Lions looking for in their scouting report? Here are some of the key factors that came up:

• Athleticism: The Lions want players who can keep up with their high-powered offense, and athleticism was a major factor in their evaluation. "We want players who can run, jump, and move," Holmes said. "We want guys who can keep up with our defensive backs and edge rushers."
• Intangibles: As Holmes mentioned earlier, the Lions are looking for players who possess a winning mentality and can fit in with their team culture. "We're not just looking for X's and O's," he said. "We're looking for guys who can contribute to a team culture that wins."

The Impact of the Combine on the Lions' Draft Plan

So how will the Lions' scouting report at the Combine impact their draft plan? Here are some possible scenarios:

• Karlaftis to the Lions: While Karlaftis is still a few picks away, the Lions may try to get him in the first round if they see him as a fit for their system. Holmes has said that the Lions are willing to make a move to get Karlaftis, and it's possible they'll try to trade up to get him.
• Henderson to the Lions: The Lions may still have interest in Henderson, but they may have to re-evaluate their plans if another team lands him. Holmes said that the Lions will make a decision based on what's best for the team, and if Henderson is available, they'll consider it.

What the Lions' Evaluation of the Combine Tells Us About Their Long-Term Plans

The Lions' scouting report at the Combine suggests that they're building a team around speed, athleticism, and playmaking ability. They're looking for players who can make big plays and contribute to their high-powered offense. Here are some possible long-term implications of their scouting report:

• The Rise of the Underdogs: The Lions are willing to take chances on underdog players who possess a winning mentality and athleticism. This approach could lead to some exciting surprises in the coming years.
• The Importance of Culture: The Lions' emphasis on intangibles suggests that they're building a team culture that wins. This approach could lead to some roster decisions that may surprise fans, but ultimately benefit the team in the long run.

Conclusion

The Lions' scouting report at the Combine suggests that they're building a team around speed, athleticism, and playmaking ability. They're looking for players who can make big plays and contribute to their high-powered offense. While it's still early days for the new regime, the Lions' efforts at the Combine suggest that they're on the right track. As we wait to see how the Lions' draft plan unfolds, one thing is clear: they're building a team that's capable of competing with the best of the best in the NFL.

• A list of notable players and teams
• A summary of the Lions' scouting report at the Combine
• An overview of the Lions' long-term plans and what the Combine suggests about their approach

Additional Notes

The Lions' scouting report at the Combine