GM of the Detroit Lions knocks out local media by name for their poor NFL Draft coverage
Brad Holmes, general manager of the Detroit Lions, is tired of people questioning his approach to team development.
Holmes and Detroit have shown that they were right to go young, stay the course, and grow through the trenches after an unexpected run to the NFC Championship game.
Holmes did not hold back during a victory lap during a press conference held last week to wrap out the season. He even went so far as to specifically criticise prominent members of the local sports media.
Holmes specifically criticised Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press, a Lions beat writer, for raising doubts about the team’s top two picks in 2021—defensive tackle Derrick Barnes and offensive lineman Penei Sewell.
“When you reflect on those choices, many people in this room did not agree with them,” Holmes remarked. Dave Birkett expressed his preference for us to select a quarterback over Penei Sewell. People were against us selecting a wide receiver in the fourth round. Nobody wanted to wait for the next Derrick Barnes to emerge. However, each and every action was deliberate and made with purpose.
Ifeatu Melifonwu’s appointment as a cornerback was previously criticised by Carlos Monarrez, a local columnist and radio broadcaster. Monarrez was also pushed back by Holmes.
The Lions are starting a new era as a franchise. Holmes has assembled a strong roster, positioning the club for victory. Holmes is more than welcome to take a victory lap.
Nevertheless, it makes sense that the local media in particular would be wary of the Lions’ offering until the team has achieved long-term success. Right now, history is favouring the haters.
