The reviews suggest he was a day 3 guy who will be a good backup. He is a big boy though. Not sure the urgency. But that seems to be a theme this year.
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2025 Detroit Lions: 0-0 HOF Game on tape, as DC said..."We got work to do" (18 Viewers)
- Thread starter Da Guru
- Start date
The reviews suggest he was a day 3 guy who will be a good backup. He is a big boy though. Not sure the urgency. But that seems to be a theme this year.
BobbyLayne
Footballguy
• RB Jahmyr Gibbs
• LB Jack Campbell
• TE Sam LaPorta
• S Brian Branch
• QB Hendon Hooker
• good player, a reach but very explosive
• good player, not my flavor but he’s fine
• good player, can’t block, don’t like it but that’s a running theme this year
• great pick but…oh forget it we don’t care about the depth chart or need
•apparently we have more talent on defense than I was previously aware. Fills a need (which we don’t care about right), I’m just completely baffled how badly the plan went off the rails this draft.
Watching Jack Campbell’s opening press conference. White shirt, black tie and he’s talking about pure bred puppies. He’s a nice kid, you want your daughter to marry someone like this. Genuine, humble & respectful, he sounds like a square from the 60s. Likes to go to church, hang with friends, be outside and hunt. Frank Ragnow loves this pick.
Jahymr Gibbs comes across as a quiet introvert. First career touch as a freshman was a 75 yard kickoff return. Insane highlight reels from all 3 years. Said his two favorite players were Megatron and Barry, who were on hand to welcome him to Detroit.
They know what they’re doing, I’m just some random fan with an opinion.
• LB Jack Campbell
• TE Sam LaPorta
• S Brian Branch
• QB Hendon Hooker
• good player, a reach but very explosive
• good player, not my flavor but he’s fine
• good player, can’t block, don’t like it but that’s a running theme this year
• great pick but…oh forget it we don’t care about the depth chart or need
•apparently we have more talent on defense than I was previously aware. Fills a need (which we don’t care about right), I’m just completely baffled how badly the plan went off the rails this draft.
Watching Jack Campbell’s opening press conference. White shirt, black tie and he’s talking about pure bred puppies. He’s a nice kid, you want your daughter to marry someone like this. Genuine, humble & respectful, he sounds like a square from the 60s. Likes to go to church, hang with friends, be outside and hunt. Frank Ragnow loves this pick.
Jahymr Gibbs comes across as a quiet introvert. First career touch as a freshman was a 75 yard kickoff return. Insane highlight reels from all 3 years. Said his two favorite players were Megatron and Barry, who were on hand to welcome him to Detroit.
They know what they’re doing, I’m just some random fan with an opinion.
BobbyLayne
Footballguy
I checked out, we made a trade?
3 picks for 96 OK good
Big boy, watched him at the East West Shrine Bowl where he had a sack and forced a fumble. Team captain and a cheerleader type, very on brand. Two gap run stuffer. True pass rush grade of 80.9. Did not test but plays like he’s strong like Bull. Needs to work on his pad level doesn’t get low. Tall for a NT (6’5” 336.) 1300 college snaps at North Alabama & Western Kentucky. Improved his play every year as he got bigger & stronger.
Like this one a lot. Project but he’s got upside. Brodric will fit right in giving Alim an occasional rest, don’t see him as more than rotational this year but he could develop into an eventual starter.
BobbyLayne
Footballguy
Except for Branch we were a round/half a round early on every single pick. Hooker had buzz but I wouldn't say he fell, he has significant limitations as a prospect.
Whatever. I think I heard often as I was researching players to not fall in love with players and then be disappointed when your team has a board that looks different from the one you've developed. We are being roundly criticized for ignoring positional value and drafting guys who are not a need. I don't feel good about the decisions Brad Holmes has made the last two days.
it's his job to know. I'm just a casual fanatic who developed some opinions by listening to some other non-professionals. The scouting department has access to information we don't, they sat with the players and those interviews were a big influence on their process. We don't agree with their conclusions but Holmes did say he wants BPA and he doesn't have a depth chart in the war room.
I don't know what else to do except hope it all works out for them. Almost everything up until the last two days has made sense and I supported. I'm having a hard time squaring it up at the moment.
Moonlight
Footballguy
I like that we didn’t draft him higher. I would have rather taken a flier on a younger cheaper QB.
Due to his leg He likely will not be of much help next year and we will need to still address our backup for next season. He will just be another year older in 2024 after that.
He does have some nice stats and may develop into a nice backup but I do not see him as a starter
BobbyLayne
Footballguy
Brodric Martin RAS 2.14
These must be pro day numbers bc he didn't test
found it:
Pro-day Workout Stats: Brodric Martin
Well....that's interesting.
These must be pro day numbers bc he didn't test
found it:
Pro-day Workout Stats: Brodric Martin
| Forty Yard Dash | 5.36 SECS |
|---|---|
| Broad Jump | 10'0" |
| Bench Press | 20 Reps |
| Shuttle | 4.94 SECS |
| Three Cone | 8.16 SECS |
Well....that's interesting.
BobbyLayne
Footballguy
Alim McNeil (obviously) was a NT who is a different kind of athlete.
Ilov80s
Footballguy
Interesting. He is gigantic.
BobbyLayne
Footballguy
Testing can be overrated. Brian Branch didn't test great, doesn't matter bc his instincts and football IQ get him to where he needs to be way faster than someone who is more athletic.
Martin played at very small schools and probably didn't have the same kind of infrastructure, nutrition and training as a Power 5 prospect. Not making excuses, that stuff is common, you have to factor it in.
Martin played at very small schools and probably didn't have the same kind of infrastructure, nutrition and training as a Power 5 prospect. Not making excuses, that stuff is common, you have to factor it in.
BobbyLayne
Footballguy
Conversely, they say Michigan players you almost have to discount their testing bc they have specialists working with them on every measurable. Sprint/speed coaches, special drills to prepare for 3-cone and the shuttle - every year their guys test great. Scouts know that and it's like "OK but they're from Michigan so that's normal that they come to Indy and blow it away."
Mister CIA
Footballguy
Wishing you all the best. No emotional ties to Detroit, but I think the glass is half-full. The good news is we will all find out if the culture is coming together this season. I'm not saying the Lions should win 11 games this season, but it will be a setback if they don't. EDIT: Win 10 or 11, AND make the playoffs.
Go, y'all!
... Thinking about dropping some change on a Jets/Lions Super Bowl.
Go, y'all!
... Thinking about dropping some change on a Jets/Lions Super Bowl.
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King of the Jungle
Footballguy
A big guy like that will not hitting more than 20 reps on bench is odd.
BobbyLayne
Footballguy
Holmes emphasized how important relationships are in the NFL. Two of their draft day trades were with the Cardinals.
The Cardinals assistant GM was the Director of College Scouting with the Lions last year.
The Cardinals assistant GM was the Director of College Scouting with the Lions last year.
BobbyLayne
Footballguy
That seems correctable though, right? Static number isn't the end of the story.
Pretty sure I saw an interview with Brodric a few months ago, will see if I can find it. Wasn't my favorite Day 3 DT (Kobie Turner and Jarrod Clark were higher on my list) but I was impressed with him at the Shrine. I was watching Ricky Stromberg and some other IOL closely and Martin kept blowing **** up. Made the Arkansas C look like dog poop, took his lunch money every series in the 2nd half when they were both in.
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Mister CIA
Footballguy
Great front office technique.
In my dynasty 12-teamer there's a handful of owners who I can engage in conversations that begin with win-win in mind.
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Mt. Man
Footballguy
Before Draft:
2 1sts, 2 2nds, 1 3rd, 2 5ths, 2 6ths
Now:
2 1sts, 2 2nds, 2 3rds, 1 5th, 1 7th
Needs hit at DB, Dline, LB and TE. RB that can be a receiving weapon. QB that could be something, but at minimum is a "why not?" in the 3rd.
I won't pretend that I love all of it. Lions prioritized "their guys" over where experts and mocks put players. Maybe that works out, but it comes with a lot of questions. Still, it's easy to see Campbell and LaPorta as starters from Game 1, with Gibbs, Branch and likely Martin in the mix. No G, no WR, and need depth in... many places, but this came together in a way that raises eyebrows but leaves room for optimism.
2 1sts, 2 2nds, 1 3rd, 2 5ths, 2 6ths
Now:
2 1sts, 2 2nds, 2 3rds, 1 5th, 1 7th
Needs hit at DB, Dline, LB and TE. RB that can be a receiving weapon. QB that could be something, but at minimum is a "why not?" in the 3rd.
I won't pretend that I love all of it. Lions prioritized "their guys" over where experts and mocks put players. Maybe that works out, but it comes with a lot of questions. Still, it's easy to see Campbell and LaPorta as starters from Game 1, with Gibbs, Branch and likely Martin in the mix. No G, no WR, and need depth in... many places, but this came together in a way that raises eyebrows but leaves room for optimism.
Moonlight
Footballguy
It’s hard to put into words but the draft just seems off. Maybe losing out on Witherspoon disrupted the rhythm
Lions shifted gears as was previously mentioned by others herein by emphasizing the LB and TE position and placing an emphasis on winning it now players.
I thought they would replace Swift but didn’t expect they would use their top choice to do so.
Hooker pick makes no sense to me.
I’m still supporting Holmes until he proves otherwise and if these guys were tops on the board. These picks as a group demonstrate the Lions focus on leadership, intelligence and love for football.
Mister CIA
Footballguy
That's good cred.
BobbyLayne
Footballguy
Brad Holmes does not care about what Mocks and Consensus thought of Martin
Listening to his presser rn and he's talking about how athletic he is and how good his pro day was. Bruh, that's straight up gaslighting. Said they were sold from his Top 30 Visit because they love his energy. When his team forced a turnover in the Shrine Bowl he herded everyone on the defense together and led them down to the end zone to celebrate (like most of them were just gonna run off to the sideline lol.) Means nothing but I just remember it bc it was the most boring football game I watched all year (no touchdowns, all FGs) and his play was one of the few things that was memorable. Again, on brand kind of player.
Feel like we have a pretty romantic approach to the evaluation process. We want a particular type of player, he fits. IDK I would do it differently but they are fairly consistent in their approach.
Listening to his presser rn and he's talking about how athletic he is and how good his pro day was. Bruh, that's straight up gaslighting. Said they were sold from his Top 30 Visit because they love his energy. When his team forced a turnover in the Shrine Bowl he herded everyone on the defense together and led them down to the end zone to celebrate (like most of them were just gonna run off to the sideline lol.) Means nothing but I just remember it bc it was the most boring football game I watched all year (no touchdowns, all FGs) and his play was one of the few things that was memorable. Again, on brand kind of player.
Feel like we have a pretty romantic approach to the evaluation process. We want a particular type of player, he fits. IDK I would do it differently but they are fairly consistent in their approach.
BobbyLayne
Footballguy
This is either gonna be a baller *** haul or a beautiful disaster lmao. HBO probably reaching out to Brad's people about basing Draft Day 2 on his process this year.
This is either gonna be a baller *** haul or a beautiful disaster lmao
This is either gonna be a baller *** haul or a beautiful disaster lmao
BobbyLayne
Footballguy
All the analytics guy roasting the Lions.
I appreciate the takes from Bootleg Football (Brett Kollman and EJ Snyder) who give Holmes credit for running this draft the way the Seahawks did in the mid-2010s, ignoring convention and just getting their guys. They're two of my favorite film guys and I have found a lot of sleepers by following them, I respect their opinions.
"Brad Holmes has conviction and he's going to get his guys, they're going for the division this year."
Jahymr Gibbs
Jack Campbell
Sam LaPorta
Brian Branch
Hendon Hooker
Brodric Martin
I appreciate the takes from Bootleg Football (Brett Kollman and EJ Snyder) who give Holmes credit for running this draft the way the Seahawks did in the mid-2010s, ignoring convention and just getting their guys. They're two of my favorite film guys and I have found a lot of sleepers by following them, I respect their opinions.
"Brad Holmes has conviction and he's going to get his guys, they're going for the division this year."
Jahymr Gibbs
Jack Campbell
Sam LaPorta
Brian Branch
Hendon Hooker
Brodric Martin
Leroy Hoard
Footballguy
Interesting that the last two years he did trade ups with Vikings and Packers inside division.
Leroy Hoard
Footballguy
Probably the biggest "name" who actually liked their draft. Him and Holmes must buy their draft boards at the same supply house.
Leroy Hoard
Footballguy
Last year his partner wanted Malik Willis in the first round.
BobbyLayne
Footballguy
My personal Day 3 favorites:
Purdue CB Cory Tryce
Old Dominion T Nick Saldiveri
Clemson ED K.J. Henry
Eastern Michigan G Sidy Sow
CB Starling Thomas V UAB
Eastern Michigan ED Jose Ramirez
Clemson T Jordan McFadden
Michigan State DI Jacob Slade
Stephen F Austin ED BJ Thompson
Purdue CB Cory Tryce
Old Dominion T Nick Saldiveri
Clemson ED K.J. Henry
Eastern Michigan G Sidy Sow
CB Starling Thomas V UAB
Eastern Michigan ED Jose Ramirez
Clemson T Jordan McFadden
Michigan State DI Jacob Slade
Stephen F Austin ED BJ Thompson
Leroy Hoard
Footballguy
Hoping that Hooker doesn't scare off Teddy from coming. It would be best if both were here and Nate can leave the party.
BobbyLayne
Footballguy
Marcus Wittman (That Franchise Guy YouTube channel) is another film guy I like a lot. Another I have learned a lot from. This take is amplified by scores of others in a similar vein, but just keep in mind these takes are from guys who believe strongly in analytics, positional value, and (unspoken truth) staying close to the consensus rankings.
FWIW, Marcus is a Packers fan.
FTP
FWIW, Marcus is a Packers fan.
FTP
Uruk-Hai
Footballguy
This.
I'm almost always wrong (see my gameday picks for the Ravens score), but I love the Hooker pick and I think Branch is going to be a star. The RB is going to be really good, too. Flood the roster with good players and don't worry about the prognosticators.
I think we were spoiled by getting those high impact players on the top of the draft who will dominate. There is no Penei or Hutch or Jamo at high-value positions.
Brad hit some big home runs the last two seasons no doubt. This year, he could of gotten that guy in Jalen Carter, but the Lions just did not see that work ethic and dedication there so we passed. I am not sure I am buying we could have moved up to #3 though for AR15. That price was too big, IMHO.
Looking back through Lions drafts over the years, it is unusual for us to have even two players who stuck and made a big impact for many years. It is very rare to have three. I think will have 4 guys who will be long-time major contributors as starters, but probably lacks any true perennial all-pro stud. So in terms of Lions drafts, this will be much better than our average, but not great. Disappointing only because of the massive amount of draft capital we had going into it.
So the concern now is, it does not seem like we did enough to catch up to the Eagles and 49ers. We played it too safe filling in some holes. So maybe we are stuck making it to multiple NFC championship games and maybe slipping into a Super Bowl, but not good enough to win it all.
Then again, It is not always that flashy team with the super talented studs who win it all. Just maybe, we can be like one of those blue-collar teams like the New York Giants who can slip in and win a Super Bowl or two with great coaching and hard nose playing.....and a miraculous helmet catch.
Brad hit some big home runs the last two seasons no doubt. This year, he could of gotten that guy in Jalen Carter, but the Lions just did not see that work ethic and dedication there so we passed. I am not sure I am buying we could have moved up to #3 though for AR15. That price was too big, IMHO.
Looking back through Lions drafts over the years, it is unusual for us to have even two players who stuck and made a big impact for many years. It is very rare to have three. I think will have 4 guys who will be long-time major contributors as starters, but probably lacks any true perennial all-pro stud. So in terms of Lions drafts, this will be much better than our average, but not great. Disappointing only because of the massive amount of draft capital we had going into it.
So the concern now is, it does not seem like we did enough to catch up to the Eagles and 49ers. We played it too safe filling in some holes. So maybe we are stuck making it to multiple NFC championship games and maybe slipping into a Super Bowl, but not good enough to win it all.
Then again, It is not always that flashy team with the super talented studs who win it all. Just maybe, we can be like one of those blue-collar teams like the New York Giants who can slip in and win a Super Bowl or two with great coaching and hard nose playing.....and a miraculous helmet catch.
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Ministry of Pain
Footballguy
They could have taken Bijan at 6 if they were going to go Gibbs anyways but I thought they might jump ona RB earlier than some initially thought.
Not a huge fan of Detroit’s Draft thus far but they deserve the benefit of the doubt so want to reserve judgement
FairWarning
Footballguy
As a Bears fan, I’m glad Detroit had this draft. I was concerned this would be the one that separates them from the rest of the division. If Goff excels, they just wasted the 2nd round pick.
Leroy Hoard
Footballguy
I've heard criticism that in the first 2 years Holmes got lucky and had no brainer picks fall to him. Well then we also have to allow for drafts where the best players fall away from him or had flaws. This was one of those. His answer was to get in his opinion the best players that were remaining. Still waiting for the 30 year streak of no playoff wins or division titles to end.
Da Guru
Fair & Balanced
Campbell said his favorite food is communion wafers.
Campbell, Rags, AA and Hutch will be hunting and fishing.
Da Guru
Fair & Balanced
That was Caputo who is always wrong.
Da Guru
Fair & Balanced
Have to say a little disappointed in draft. Sure Gibby will add some flashy plays but so did Swift who will be probably be gone. I wanted Carter only because he was ranked as most impactful player in draft by many. Yes I was concerned about work ethic but talent can prevail and to get a Warren Sapp type DT that can dominate is rare. Thought is was worth rolling the dice on.
LaPorta looks good on film but we had 8 TDS and a high scoring offense after trading Hock anyway.
Most of the pundits have been luke warm on this Lions draft. And this is the draft I had been waiting for.
Shocked about Jake Moody in third. I know him from around town and played softball against him. Going to get a nice contract as a third rounder.
LaPorta looks good on film but we had 8 TDS and a high scoring offense after trading Hock anyway.
Most of the pundits have been luke warm on this Lions draft. And this is the draft I had been waiting for.
Shocked about Jake Moody in third. I know him from around town and played softball against him. Going to get a nice contract as a third rounder.
Leroy Hoard
Footballguy
Karsh is his partner, but you're right about Caputo.
Da Guru
Fair & Balanced
Don`t remember Karsh wanting Willis, remember Gator and Caputo talking him up. Now we know why Willis dropped so far.
Leroy Hoard
Footballguy
I didn't think I'd ever see a kicker taken that high again.
King of the Jungle
Footballguy
No doubt, the number stuck out because of the guys size. He can certainly improve strength at this level. Good to hear the positive assessment. This was a tough draft as I think the talent pool was fairly thin, if they came away with their guys then good for them. I got my shock and whining out of the way. We will see how this looks on the field and I will reserve further judgement until then.
Since the draft has gone kind of wonky I would like that to continue and draft a kicker. The Maryland kid would be nice since Moody went early.
Chaka
Footballguy
Hooker was 24 last season.
Someone posted a list of older rookie QBs in Hooker's thread. I'll see if I can dig it up.
Chaka
Footballguy
I joked about Hooker's age, but not worried about it. With COVID we kind of hit unconventional waters with college careers getting stretched out due to missed seasons and allowed extensions. You can't compare. I think Hooker was a steal at where we got him. Perfect backup for the next two seasons with potential to be a good starter. No, he is not Mahomes or Hurt...
..but here is the not so secret, secret....Holmes and Campbell already believe they have their franchise QB. Despite being told numerous times, no one in the media or internet analysts believes this, and they over-react accordingly.
..but here is the not so secret, secret....Holmes and Campbell already believe they have their franchise QB. Despite being told numerous times, no one in the media or internet analysts believes this, and they over-react accordingly.
We colluded ourselvesThis guy is always gold!
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Besides his hilarious reactions, the great thing about this guy is he nails the picks. He knew we moved up for Jamo and he knew we moved up for Branch.
Ilov80s
Footballguy
Yep, the college players were older this year.
