When Myles Garret declared he was requesting a trade on Feb 3rd, fans around the league started calling for their favorite teams to acquire the defensive superstar, including many fans of the Detroit Lions. But could trading for Garrett be a mistake for Detroit?
Yes, Myles Garrett In Detroit Is A Nightmare
Alright, Detroit faithful, lower your swords and hear me out before you decide I should be crucified. Would Myles Garret and Aidan Hutchinson be an absolutely filthy pass-rushing duo that would trigger every quarterback’s flight or fight response? Yes. Would trading for Myles Garrett instantly make Detroit a Super Bowl favorite? Also yes.
We all just watched the Philadelphia Eagles’ defensive front completely dismantle the Chief’s offensive line and put Patrick Mahomes through hell. A Detroit defensive front of Hutchinson, Garrett, Alim McNeill, and DJ Reader would have the same effect against any team in the league. But let’s look at the key pieces of the Eagles’ D-line and see how they were acquired.
The Eagles selected Josh Sweat in the fourth round of the 2018 NFL draft. Jalen Carter was taken with the ninth pick of the 2023 NFL draft, and Philly also took Nolan Smith Jr. in the same draft. Would anyone like to guess who Brandon Graham was drafted by? Ah yes, the Eagles in 2010. Philly also drafted Jordan Davis and Milton Williams. I think you can see the point I’m trying to make here. Philadelphia didn’t buy their success in the trenches. They drafted it.
In Brad Holmes We Trust
While we’re on the topic of drafting success, I’d be remiss not to mention Brad Holmes and his innate ability to consistently hit home runs on draft night. Below are said home runs.
2021 NFL Draft
Round 1: 7th overall – Penei Sewell, OT
Round 2: 41st overall – Levi Onwuzurike, DT
Round 3: 72nd overall – Alim McNeill, DT
Round 3: 101st overall – Ifeatu Melifonwu, CB
Round 4: 112th overall – Amon-Ra St. Brown, WR
Round 4: 113th overall – Derrick Barnes, LB
Round 7: 257th overall – Jermar Jefferson, RB
2022 NFL Draft
Round 1: 2nd overall – Aidan Hutchinson, EDGE
Round 1: 12th overall – Jameson Williams, WR
Round 2: 46th overall – Josh Paschal, EDGE
Round 3: 97th overall – Kerby Joseph, S
Round 5: 177th overall – James Mitchell, TE
Round 6: 188th overall – Malcolm Rodriguez, LB
Round 6: 217th overall – James Houston, EDGE
Round 7: 237th overall – Chase Lucas, CB
2023 NFL Draft
Round 1: 12th overall – Jahmyr Gibbs, RB
Round 1: 18th overall – Jack Campbell, LB
Round 2: 34th overall – Sam LaPorta, TE
Round 2: 45th overall – Brian Branch, S
Round 3: 68th overall – Hendon Hooker, QB
Round 3: 96th overall – Brodric Martin, DT
Round 5: 152nd overall – Colby Sorsdal, OL
Round 7: 219th overall – Antoine Green, WR
Just about every single player Brad Holmes has drafted since he became Detroit’s general manager has contributed to the team’s success. His hit rate in the first round is astounding in itself, with every first-round selection making a noticeable impact and becoming a piece of the Lions’ core. Add in his mid to late-round success rate, and he’s been among the top NFL GMs along with Howie Roseman, the GM for the Philadelphia Eagles.
