Detroit Lions general manager Brad Holmes and assistant general manager Ray Agnew met with the media Thursday morning to discuss the recent establishment of the team’s initial "53-man" roster.
Probably, even if it's not week 1. Main value would be what they could offer prepping Goff. Maybe they don't feel as big of a rush with Marques Tuiasosopo on staff, working with that group.
Yes, Martin and Hooker are now confirmed as misses. Still possible that one or both hits with another team. Holmes's record is still stellar, end if either of those two had worked out the way it looked like it could, it would have been almost supernatural. It will be interesting to see if Manu can get on the field this year, and what he looks like next training camp. To a lesser extent, I feel like Vaki also needs to show more to justify the capital that was used to acquire him.
Thanks for the update. I think we still have to trust Holmes in his decisions. The proof is in the results and by far the majority of decisions have been of the home run variety.
He mixes some cockiness/arrogance in, but at least he isn't just spouting cliches. He is direct and doesn't just stand up there dancing and talking in circles. He isn't afraid to make some people uncomfortable.
It remains case-by-case. They knew what they were getting into with Manu. It's common to roster a fourth tackle, often a young player, and it's not uncommon to not need that player much. Still, it's why you keep a veteran fifth on the practice squad. We'll have to assess where Manu is during next camp, and maybe if there aren't more signs of progress, they pull the plug. But if there's a similar jump from year one to two in two to three, you persist with the plan.
Would love a little more explanation on Hassanein. I guess it was safe enough to expose him to a waiver claim since almost no one was claimed across the league. But is the advantage that he will then be eligible for the practice team earlier than IR (which would have been what, the whole season?)?
They must keep raising the bar! In 2021, the roster would have been at 20! I know St. Brown started 9 games his rookie year, probably the last 9. I would think Teslaa will be the same.
We should not compare TeSlaa to St. Brown or really anybody to him. The other wide receivers in 2021 were not as good as St. Brown, Jamo, and Leif. Also, St. Brown is a top 10 or 5 receiver in the league who played receiver all through college and maybe HS. TeSlaa is on year 4 -- 2 in Division II and 2 in the SEC. He can be a very valuable team member even if he never makes All Pro. Unrealistic expectations will only set you up for disappointment which you might then spread to other fans. Personally, I am thrilled with where he is at and expect him to get gradually better this year and next.
I don’t think the intention was to suggest the standard for TeSlaa should be ARSB, but rather the likely pathway of a rookie WR for the Lions, ie even ARSB didn’t start until after nearly half the season (on the 2021 team!) and expectations for TeSlaa should not be greater than this.
yeah, but that is still a pretty cocky thing to say. The guys who got cut, and especially the ones who then signed to the PS have to feel some sting from that comment.
Not really the lions see the PS as an extension of their team. The players on PS just weren't good enough to beat out their counter parts. The team isn't keeping 5 OT's because they have extra room...they need to make a roster that means some guys who are good enough for your team get cut because you have 3 or 4 better guys at their position.
" The players on PS just weren't good enough to beat out their counter parts."
That is not what Holmes said. He specifically said they only kept 50 because they were the only ones who met the standard worthy of making the final roster.
The extra open spot on the roster strategy works for the PS insurance to prevent poaching. If you have 2, 3 or 4 guys that could fit spot 53 having them on the PS and having the ability to move to roster if another team comes along offers flexibility to avoid losing the cut player or the PS poaching.....I love the strategic approach by this leadership team on all fronts.
Let Brad cook and cook he did indeed. Side note, don’t know if I’ve ever said this, but I love the pacing of your articles. Feels like watching pieces of the press conference along with listening to your inner thoughts, almost like we’re in your head. 10/10
I see Holmes does not intend to rush anything with Smith.
Justin, Do you see the Lions adding a QB to the practice squad?
Probably, even if it's not week 1. Main value would be what they could offer prepping Goff. Maybe they don't feel as big of a rush with Marques Tuiasosopo on staff, working with that group.
Yes, Martin and Hooker are now confirmed as misses. Still possible that one or both hits with another team. Holmes's record is still stellar, end if either of those two had worked out the way it looked like it could, it would have been almost supernatural. It will be interesting to see if Manu can get on the field this year, and what he looks like next training camp. To a lesser extent, I feel like Vaki also needs to show more to justify the capital that was used to acquire him.
Thanks for the update. I think we still have to trust Holmes in his decisions. The proof is in the results and by far the majority of decisions have been of the home run variety.
Hey - the LIKE icon is back. How'd you fix that so quick? 🤔
Thoughts and prayers.
You have to love Brad Holmes.
He mixes some cockiness/arrogance in, but at least he isn't just spouting cliches. He is direct and doesn't just stand up there dancing and talking in circles. He isn't afraid to make some people uncomfortable.
Re: lack of appetite for projects: this seems to indicate that the runway for Manu's progress is getting shorter. Time to fly, Gio!
Are there more injury settlement guys who might make their way back to the team?
It remains case-by-case. They knew what they were getting into with Manu. It's common to roster a fourth tackle, often a young player, and it's not uncommon to not need that player much. Still, it's why you keep a veteran fifth on the practice squad. We'll have to assess where Manu is during next camp, and maybe if there aren't more signs of progress, they pull the plug. But if there's a similar jump from year one to two in two to three, you persist with the plan.
Loved it! ♥️ This is BYOHI. Bring your own heart icon e. 😎
Would love a little more explanation on Hassanein. I guess it was safe enough to expose him to a waiver claim since almost no one was claimed across the league. But is the advantage that he will then be eligible for the practice team earlier than IR (which would have been what, the whole season?)?
Or maybe he's not that good? (IR would cost him 4 games - AND one of the limited "return to active" designations.)
I suspect it means they have a handshake deal about him resigning once he is available.
They must keep raising the bar! In 2021, the roster would have been at 20! I know St. Brown started 9 games his rookie year, probably the last 9. I would think Teslaa will be the same.
We should not compare TeSlaa to St. Brown or really anybody to him. The other wide receivers in 2021 were not as good as St. Brown, Jamo, and Leif. Also, St. Brown is a top 10 or 5 receiver in the league who played receiver all through college and maybe HS. TeSlaa is on year 4 -- 2 in Division II and 2 in the SEC. He can be a very valuable team member even if he never makes All Pro. Unrealistic expectations will only set you up for disappointment which you might then spread to other fans. Personally, I am thrilled with where he is at and expect him to get gradually better this year and next.
I don’t think the intention was to suggest the standard for TeSlaa should be ARSB, but rather the likely pathway of a rookie WR for the Lions, ie even ARSB didn’t start until after nearly half the season (on the 2021 team!) and expectations for TeSlaa should not be greater than this.
The standard is the standard. Also if fully healthy we would have had those 3 roster spots filled and maybe had to cut muscle and not fat
yeah, but that is still a pretty cocky thing to say. The guys who got cut, and especially the ones who then signed to the PS have to feel some sting from that comment.
Not really the lions see the PS as an extension of their team. The players on PS just weren't good enough to beat out their counter parts. The team isn't keeping 5 OT's because they have extra room...they need to make a roster that means some guys who are good enough for your team get cut because you have 3 or 4 better guys at their position.
" The players on PS just weren't good enough to beat out their counter parts."
That is not what Holmes said. He specifically said they only kept 50 because they were the only ones who met the standard worthy of making the final roster.
So you can't also see how you can't keep 6 offensive tackles even if they meet the standard?
He even says later "we want to add here or at this position but those guys aren't here right now."
The extra open spot on the roster strategy works for the PS insurance to prevent poaching. If you have 2, 3 or 4 guys that could fit spot 53 having them on the PS and having the ability to move to roster if another team comes along offers flexibility to avoid losing the cut player or the PS poaching.....I love the strategic approach by this leadership team on all fronts.
Nice touch leading with Za’Darius Smith…loved the Magic Eight Ball reference!
Gotta give the people what they want.
Let Brad cook and cook he did indeed. Side note, don’t know if I’ve ever said this, but I love the pacing of your articles. Feels like watching pieces of the press conference along with listening to your inner thoughts, almost like we’re in your head. 10/10
You get me the way I try to get the royal you. It's all about making it a crisp, fun read for things like this.