Detroit Lions
After the Lions selected four players on Saturday, giving them a total of six picks over the course of three days, general manager Brad Holmes wrapped up the 2024 NFL Draft. After the draft, Holmes and the Lions continued to work hard, calling undrafted players in an attempt to add them to the squad.
When Holmes spoke to the media on Saturday, he began by praising the city for organizing the draft so brilliantly and for the unprecedented turnout.
He then addressed all the key questions from the media, as follows:
How did the Lions come across Giovanni Manu out of the University of British Columbia and what do they like about his potential?
To acquire Manu, Holmes gave up a third-round pick for the next season. He gave Senior Personnel Director John Dorsey credit for starting that review process.
“He kind of got wind of – he had a really good workout and he kind of got on the workout circuit, and really starting back with (Lions Scout, Auxiliary) Ademi Smith who scouted him and then Dorsey finds out about the workout, and Dorsey and (Lions Assistant General Manager) Ray (Agnew) talk and Ray comes to me and he’s telling me like, ‘Man, I think you’ve probably got to take a look at Giovanni here,'” Holmes explained.
After seeing the footage, Holmes was enthralled with his 6-foot-7 height and 351 pounds, along with athletic attributes that would have placed him in the top 90 percentile of tackles at the Combine.
“We just kind of got enamored with the upside and then when we reached out to his agent and tried to get him in for a visit because he wasn’t at the Combine, we could hardly get on the dance card,” he explained.
“Every dancing spot on the card was taken. So that was visit number nine. He arrived on a Sunday, Sunday afternoon. We had a lot of positive feelings about him after he arrived and performed admirably while sitting with the coaches. Last year, we discussed Brodric Martin. Although this is more of a long-term investment, there is a lot of potential.”
Where do they see the versatile Sione Vaki contributing the most early on?
Vaki played safety at Utah and was a core special teamer before being pressed into running back duty where he had 42 carries for 317 yards and two touchdowns, while catching 11 passes for 203 yards and three scores.
Special teams are a big deal in Detroit and that likely played a factor in this selection with the new kickoff rules being implemented this year.
Vaki has ‘backyard’ football instincts, as Holmes described it, and he’s a player who can come in and play a number of different roles.
“Yeah, well that’s what first stood out is we thought he was one of the better special teams players in this entire Draft, all four phases of special teams,” Holmes said.
“Especially with some of the changes that are coming about, he’s really – he’s starting to come to life even more. But he’s a very unique player. Again, it’s nothing saying that he cannot play safety, but our vision of what he could become as a runner, really it starts with those special teams.”
What does Holmes think of the depth at cornerback after adding Terrion Arnold and Ennis Rakestraw Jr. at the position with their first two picks?
In the NFL, rivalry fosters success, and with veterans like Carlton Davis, Amik Robertson, Emmanuel Moseley, Kindle Vildor, and others taking on fresh opponents, there won’t be a lack of it in that room.
“They’ve got to win a spot, you know, because Carlton Davis III has been a proven starter,” Holmes stated. “Emmanuel Moseley is a proven starter when healthy. Amik Robertson is a proven player, much as these are competent athletes who have demonstrated their ability to start and make plays.
“They’re all wired right and want to play, but gosh, from a roster perspective, it’s fantastic to be there. These corners play when they do. Everyone must secure a seat, so they must succeed.”
Was Holmes shocked Christian Mahogany was still on the board in the sixth round at No. 210?
He remarked, “I was shocked.” At that moment, I didn’t think he would still be there. I’m not really able to elaborate. I can definitely think of a few examples here and there that we’ll probably keep to ourselves, but there are other guys about whom I would have doubtless had a lot more questions.
“I’m not sure. I just know that he’s a physical specimen that suits the way we want to play; he’s got some dirtbag in him, and he’s just one of those tough Jersey kids that doesn’t take no for an answer. He has some entertaining film to watch, and he has performed admirably while facing some strong defensive linemen. Thus, we were thrilled to have him.”
What did Holmes think of the football character Mekhi Wingo brings to the table?
Being the captain of the LSU squad speaks volumes about Wingo’s leadership and mental toughness. Few prospects going to the NFL rehab to return for LSU’s bowl game as he did.
“That’s the type of guy that I am,” he replied. “I didn’t feel like I had my complete ’18’ season since I had an injury earlier in the season, despite being that leader and No. 18.
“Of course I could have just packed it up but it really got to me, watching my team lose a few games with me on the sidelines, so once I had my surgery I was rehabbing my butt off and made an emphasis to really get back on the field to be with my guys one last time.”
At LSU, Wingo is given the No. 18 jersey, which is given to the player who most embodies the qualities and character that “defines LSU greatness.”
“I would say that you’re right on the football character aspect,” Holmes replied. “This person really does match our culture well. Fantastic child. It’s difficult to contain that No. 18 at LSU because it has symbolic meaning. His character, in my opinion, speaks for itself. His football persona is evident in the movie as well.”
What did Holmes have to say about the Amon-Ra St. Brown and Penei Sewell extensions?
“It meant everything,” he stated. “I’m thrilled for them first and foremost. Those men are our real core. Those men are our real cornerstone. They were our initial drafts. However, the primary thing I’ve been telling everyone is that, in addition to being a testament to all of their hard work, it also exemplifies who we are as an organization—that is, that they earned it. They deserved that. Earning it is our shared goal. We don’t anticipate taking occasional short cuts, and we give them all the credit. incredibly joyful.”
