Allow Brad Holmes Time to Develop the Detroit Lions Defense
The Detroit Lions, once an afterthought in the NFL, have slowly begun to build a foundation that could one day bring them the success that has eluded the franchise for decades. Under the leadership of General Manager Brad Holmes, the Lions have shown glimpses of hope, especially on offense, where quarterback Jared Goff and a well-rounded supporting cast have injected life into the team. However, the key to achieving sustained success in the NFL often hinges on the ability to field a strong defense, and that is where Holmes’ vision for the Lions will be tested in the coming seasons.
While the Lions’ offense has been relatively stable in recent years, the defense has struggled to maintain consistency. This isn’t a new problem for Detroit, but it’s one that Holmes, who took over as general manager in 2021, has prioritized addressing. His early moves, including drafting cornerback Jeff Okudah, linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez, and defensive linemen like Aidan Hutchinson, suggest that he is committed to building a defense that can eventually complement a high-powered offense. But success on the defensive side of the ball is a gradual process, one that requires time, patience, and strategic planning.
### The Challenges of Building a Defense
Building a top-tier defense is a multifaceted challenge, and it’s important to recognize the complexity of what Brad Holmes is trying to accomplish. In the modern NFL, defenses face an evolving landscape, where offenses are becoming more sophisticated and unpredictable. It is no longer enough to simply have a strong defensive line or a shutdown corner; teams need a complete, well-rounded unit that can execute in multiple situations.
The Lions’ defense has shown promise, but it remains a work in progress. Holmes’ focus has been on acquiring players who possess the physical tools, football intelligence, and mental toughness needed to compete at the highest level. It’s clear that he is building for the long term, but building a championship-caliber defense doesn’t happen overnight. It requires not only draft success but also effective coaching, development, and continuity.
One of the most notable aspects of Holmes’ approach is his emphasis on building through the draft. The Lions’ most recent draft classes have included defensive standouts like Hutchinson, a dominant pass rusher who was selected second overall in 2022, and Rodriguez, a hard-hitting linebacker who has quickly become a fan favorite. These players provide the foundation upon which the Lions’ defense can be built, but it will take time for them to reach their full potential.
Additionally, while the Lions have invested heavily in the draft, they have also made strategic moves in free agency, bringing in veterans who can help mentor the young players and provide leadership on the field. This combination of youth and experience is crucial for developing a defense that can grow together over time. However, this growth takes time, and it is unreasonable to expect immediate results from a group of players that is still learning how to play together at the highest level.
### The Importance of Patience
One of the key things that fans and analysts must understand about Holmes’ plan is that it will take time. The Detroit Lions, like all NFL teams, are operating in a league where success is rarely instant. Teams that try to rush their rebuilds or make hasty decisions often end up making short-sighted moves that set their progress back even further. Holmes has shown a steady hand in his first few years as general manager, and the Lions are reaping the benefits of that approach.
Allowing Holmes time to develop the defense is essential for several reasons. First, developing young players is a process that cannot be rushed. It’s not enough to simply draft players with potential; those players need to be nurtured, taught, and given the opportunity to grow. That takes time, especially when dealing with the intricacies of defensive schemes and the speed of the NFL game. Young players will make mistakes early on, but it is those mistakes that will eventually help them develop into dependable contributors.
Second, NFL defenses often need time to gel. Defensive units, unlike offenses, require a level of chemistry and communication that can only be built through experience. A cornerback needs to understand the tendencies of his fellow defensive backs, while linebackers need to be in sync with the defensive line to stop the run and apply pressure on the quarterback. This kind of cohesion cannot be rushed, and it is why teams that make significant changes to their defensive units often take time to find success.
### The Defensive Building Blocks
Brad Holmes’ vision for the Lions’ defense centers on building a unit that can be both aggressive and disciplined. His early drafts have focused on adding versatile players who can fill multiple roles and adapt to the ever-changing demands of the game. Aidan Hutchinson, for example, is a rare combination of power and speed on the edge, making him a key piece in the Lions’ pass rush. Alongside him, players like defensive tackle Alim McNeill and linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez represent a new era for Detroit’s defense—one focused on athleticism, football IQ, and discipline.
The Lions’ defensive backfield is also an area of focus, with Jeff Okudah and other young cornerbacks looking to establish themselves as top-tier players. Okudah, who has faced setbacks with injuries, is finally beginning to show the promise that made him the third overall pick in the 2020 draft. If he continues to progress, he could become a key component of the Lions’ defensive backfield for years to come.
In the secondary, Holmes will need to find additional pieces, but his patience with developing the young players currently in place could pay off handsomely. The Lions have also shown signs of improvement in their pass defense, and while there is still room to grow, it is clear that Holmes has prioritized making long-term investments in this area.
### Coaching Matters
Of course, developing a defense goes beyond just acquiring talent. The coaching staff plays an integral role in molding the players and helping them reach their potential. Head coach Dan Campbell, along with defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn, have been tasked with developing the talent that Holmes has brought in. Their ability to coach up these young players, provide them with the right tools, and put them in a position to succeed will be crucial in determining how quickly the Lions’ defense can reach its peak.
Campbell and Glenn have made strides in changing the culture in Detroit, emphasizing toughness, discipline, and a never-give-up mentality. These traits are essential for a defense to succeed, and the Lions’ coaching staff is creating an environment that fosters growth and development. If they can continue to nurture these players, there’s no telling how effective the defense can become in the years ahead.
### Conclusion
In order for Brad Holmes to develop the Detroit Lions defense into a championship-caliber unit, fans and analysts alike need to give him the time and space to execute his vision. Building a successful defense is a long-term project that requires patience, consistency, and a steady hand. The Lions’ defense may not be elite right now, but with the right development, coaching, and player acquisition, it can become one of the league’s most formidable units in the near future.
Brad Holmes’ approach to building the Lions’ defense is a smart and methodical one, but it won’t happen overnight. The players need time to develop, the schemes need time to take root, and the overall cohesion of the unit needs to grow. For the Detroit Lions to realize their full potential, it’s crucial that the fans and ownership allow Holmes the time to fully implement his plan. After all, the road to success in the NFL is rarely a straight line, but with the right strategy and the right mindset, the Lions’ defense could soon be one of the league’s best.
