For Lions fans, the NFL Draft is always a rollercoaster. General manager Brad Holmes has consistently demonstrated a willingness to move around the board, whether trading back to accumulate picks or aggressively trading up to grab a player he's confident will make a difference. This strategy has been clear in past drafts, with significant moves for players like Jameson Williams and Jahmyr Gibbs, along with quieter, strategic maneuvers in the mid-rounds.
Recently, a newly surfaced behind-the-scenes video from the New York Giants' draft room has shed light on just how aggressive Holmes was during Day 2 of the 2026 NFL Draft. Released as part of the Giants' internal content series, the footage reveals that the Lions attempted a substantial trade-up from pick No. 50 to pick No. 37.
This is not speculation or rumor sourced from an anonymous executive. The video clearly shows the Lions' front office actively trying to jump nearly 13 spots in the second round, with the Giants ultimately declining the offer.
The Video That Changes the Narrative
The clip, part of the Giants' "Inside the Draft" series, provides a glimpse inside New York's war room during the second round. Phones ring off the hook, teams shuffle draft boards, and executives make quick calculations. At one point, a Giants executive states, "Detroit's on the line. They want to come up to 37."
The camera pans to the draft board, highlighting remaining prospects as the Giants' brass huddles to weigh the offer. After a detailed discussion, they choose to stay put, leaving the Lions unable to find a trade partner to bridge the gap. Detroit remains at pick No. 50.
With the No. 50 pick, the Lions selected defensive end Derrick Moore, a Michigan native whose draft projections ranged from late second to early third round.
A Strategic Addition at Edge Rusher
Detroit's roster already features prominent edge rushers such as Aidan Hutchinson and Levi Onwuzurike, complemented by depth in players like Myles Adams and Payton Turner. Moore, known for his power and technical skill, fits the Lions' defensive scheme seamlessly. His ability to set the edge against the run and apply inside-out pressure makes him a valuable addition from Day 1.
However, the video's revelation--that Holmes aggressively pursued a trade up--suggests the Lions had a particular player in mind at No. 37. This raises the question: Who was Detroit targeting?
The Likely Targets
By the time pick No. 37 arrived, the draft had seen a run on interior offensive linemen and cornerbacks in the early second round, with several wide receivers and tight ends quickly selected. Considering Detroit's roster:
- The wide receiver corps boasts Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, Greg Dortch, Tom Kennedy, and Malik Cunningham.
- The tight end group includes Sam LaPorta, Brock Wright, and Tyler Conklin.
- Running backs Jahmyr Gibbs, Isiah Pacheco, and Justin Jackson provide robust depth.
- Linebackers Jack Campbell, Derrick Barnes, and Malcolm Rodriguez continue to solidify that unit.
- The secondary features Brian Branch, Kerby Joseph, Terrion Arnold, D.J. Reed, and Ennis Rakestraw, making it one of the league's deepest.
With that in mind, the most logical area of need for adding young talent would seem to be edge rusher or possibly offensive lineman or cornerback. The Lions' offensive line, anchored by Penei Sewell and supported by Colby Sorsdal and Giovanni Manu, is solid but always a priority for enhancement given Holmes' attention to detail there.
Therefore, Detroit's pursuit to move up might have targeted either:
- A highly regarded edge rusher who was unlikely to drop to 50.
- A cornerback or offensive lineman perceived as a difference-maker who would not have been available at No. 50.
Without direct confirmation from the Lions, speculation remains regarding the exact player pursued. Yet, Holmes' determination to jump 13 spots signals he identified a prospect he believed capable of becoming a foundational player.
Brad Holmes' Draft Philosophy: Taking Calculated Risks
This aggressive effort aligns with Holmes' draft strategy. In previous drafts, he made bold moves such as trading up to select Jahmyr Gibbs at No. 12 despite analysts suggesting a later pick sufficed, and moving up for cornerback Ennis Rakestraw in 2024.
Holmes trusts his evaluations and is willing to pay a premium for a player he deems "his guy," reinforcing a front office mentality centered on precise roster building.
Although the trade did not materialize, Detroit still secured a high-upside pass rusher in Derrick Moore, validating patience and depth in their draft plan.
Looking Ahead: Moore's Role and Lions' Future
Head coach Dan Campbell and defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard will integrate Moore into a strong defensive end rotation, expecting immediate contributions to both pass rush and run defense.
The Giants video offers a unique window into the chess match of the NFL Draft and highlights the Lions' active approach to roster management. It shows a front office relentless in its pursuit of upgrades, even when sitting on a deep and talented roster.
For Lions fans, this insight is encouraging. It proves Holmes and his staff are not passive participants but aggressive, calculated contenders willing to swing for the fences to fulfill their championship aspirations.
Conclusion: The Deal That Almost Was
While the player the Lions sought at No. 37 will wear another team's colors, Detroit's efforts to secure him speak volumes about the organization's drive. The team "settled" for Derrick Moore, a promising player who has impressed in offseason workouts and appears ready to contribute meaningfully.
As the Lions move toward training camp, all eyes will be on Moore to see if he validates the front office's confidence. Yet, the bigger narrative remains Holmes' fearless ambition, a quality that should excite fans as Detroit continues its pursuit of a Super Bowl.
This video is a reminder that behind every draft pick is a complex strategy, with near-misses just as telling as the picks made. For the Detroit Lions, the future looks proactive, confident, and full of promise.