Brad Holmes comes in behind Jerry Jones in 2023 NFL GM Rankings

NBC Sports Edge has released their annual NFL GM Rankings, and Detroit Lions general manager Brad Holmes checks in at No. 13. Holmes ranks just behind Jerry Jones (and Stephen Jones) of the Dallas Cowboys. In the article, Patrick Daugherty questions the fact that Holmes selected an “off-ball linebacker and change-of-pace running back” with the Lions' two first-round picks.

Key Points

1. Holmes ranked No. 13 in NBC Sports Edge NFL GM Rankings: Detroit Lions general manager Brad Holmes is ranked 13th in the annual NFL GM Rankings released by NBC Sports Edge. He is positioned just behind Jones of the Dallas Cowboys.
2. Selection of off-ball linebacker and change-of-pace running back questioned: Patrick Daugherty raises questions about Holmes' decision to choose an off-ball linebacker and change-of-pace running back with the Lions' two first-round picks. Daugherty highlights the deviation from expectations and the potential impact on the team's performance.
3. Bold decisions and the future of the Lions: The article emphasizes that the choices made by Holmes, particularly the unconventional draft picks, will play a significant role in determining whether the Lions can break free from their long-standing struggles or regress into mediocrity. The decisions reflect a deep belief in Jared Goff's comeback campaign and raise the stakes for Holmes and head coach Dan Campbell.

Brad Holmes comes in behind Jerry Jones in 2023 NFL GM Rankings

Here is what Daugherty has to say about Holmes.

Holy heat check, Batman. Nearing the end of their impressive, methodical rebuild, the Lions entered the draft with the No. 6 and 18 picks. In other words, they could add two impact players at premium positions instead of projects or lottery tickets. Instead, they emerged with an off-ball linebacker and change-of-pace running back. Not the way fans or fantasy managers drew it up. In addition to being used at unorthodox spots, the selections also spoke to a deep belief in Jared Goff's 2022 comeback campaign. Where Goff's recent career trajectory makes last year look like an outlier, the Lions saw a multi-year answer under center, and no need to use that impressive draft capital to move up for, say, Anthony Richardson. These are bold decisions indeed, ones that will decide whether the Lions break out of their decades-long morass or fall back into another 6-8 win doom loop. Brad Holmes and Dan Campbell had done nearly everything right up until this offseason. That calls for benefit of the doubt. Doubt is just the natural state of being with a franchise that hasn't gotten out of its own way since 1991.    

The Rankings

Here are the top 15 in the rankings:

1. Howie Roseman – Eagles
2. Andy Reid/Brett Veach – Chiefs
3. Kyle Shanahan/John Lynch – 49ers
4. Sean McDermott/Bradon Beane – Bills
5. Duke Tobin/Mike Brown – Bengals
6. Sean McVay/Les Snead – Rams
7. Bill Belichick – Patriots
8. Brian Gutekunst – Packers
9. John Schneider – Seahawks
10. Mickey Loomis – Saints
11. Eric DeCosta – Ravens
12. Jerry Jones/Stephen Jones – Cowboys
13. Brad Holmes – Lions
14. Chris Drier – Dolphins
15. Joe Douglas – Jets