When Detroit Lions general manager Brad Holmes and head coach Dan Campbell discuss adding a player to their roster, you’ll often hear them use the term “fits us.” They’re not just referring to raw talent, but something deeper.
During his season-ending press conference after the 2023 season, Holmes made it clear where he prioritizes talent on the player evaluation scale.
“We have to move beyond just looking for the most talented player,” Holmes stated. “In my view, that’s the baseline for evaluation. Who’s the fastest? Who’s the strongest? Who’s the tallest? That’s an easy assessment. No, it’s about identifying the right intangibles in a player, and that’s what has defined us.”
The Lions have clearly identified and acquired players with the intangibles they seek. These individuals have become the core of the team’s development and success since Holmes and Campbell took over, and many will continue to play a key role as they receive significant contracts moving forward.
Holmes recently had an extensive interview with Local 4 News in Detroit at the Lions’ facility. A variety of topics were covered, including his views on talent evaluation. These ideas aren’t new, but they are worth repeating.
“It’s all about the intangibles, the qualities that can’t always be measured,” Holmes shared. “Talent is easy to spot, it’s easy to find. This player’s big and strong. Sure, but there are thousands of players like that. What we want to know is who has the drive, the passion, the determination, and the competitiveness for the game that we value?”
“It’s not just about talent, it’s about your determination and how you handle adversity,” Holmes added. “Will you crumble under pressure, or will you rise to the challenge? Do you have the mental toughness to push through? Those intangibles are what we’re after. To me, that’s what distinguishes a great player from an average one.”
While it’s no surprise that great players require something extra, and those intangibles are what set them apart, few teams approach this with the clarity and focus that the Lions do. They know exactly what those qualities look like and actively seek out players who embody them.