The Detroit Lions are set to enter the 2026 NFL Draft with the 17th-overall pick, and the team can go in a number of directions. Detroit is coming off a down year, finishing 9-8, but the team is still respected as a contender ahead of the 2026 season. The question is how will the Lions use the draft to help them get back on track.
According to general manager Brad Holmes, everything is on the table. Holmes spoke with the media on Monday for his pre-draft press conference, and he was asked if Detroit would entertain putting together a costly package to move up in the draft. The general manager emphatically responded, “Absolutely,” making it clear that the Lions will do whatever they can to go and select the prospects they feel are the best players.
"Absolutely. Yeah, if it's the right guy. You guys know me… If we have that kind of conviction for a player, absolutely. We're going to go and get him."Brad Holmes, Lions General Manager
Brad Holmes says Lions are open to trading up in 2026 Draft
Holmes has been the general manager in Detroit since 2021, and he has quite the resume in the draft. From easy picks like Penei Sewell to gems like Amon-Ra St. Brown in his first draft, Holmes has essentially built this dominant version of the Lions by putting together successful draft classes in the last five years.
Even when his strategy was questioned at times, he proved to be making the right decisions in the end.
READ MORE: ESPN analyst's full 2026 mock draft for Lions might be the best one of the year
As far as his history trading up, Detroit was able to draft wide receiver Jameson Williams in a move that saw the Lions go from pick No. 32 to 12th overall. Detroit moved up for Terrion Arnold as well, but Holmes also orchestrated a trade back that landed Jahmyr Gibbs and Jack Campbell.
Ultimately, his philosophy as a general manager has been fluid but one thing has been consistent: the Lions have found stars and important core pieces who are helping the team contend for a championship. As Detroit enters the 2026 Draft with nine total picks, the franchise will try to keep it’s momentum, whether the Lions have to trade or not.
Add us as a preferred source on Google