Detroit Lions general manager Brad Holmes values hosting prospects on "top-30" visits despite some NFL teams, like the Jacksonville Jaguars and Los Angeles Rams, canceling pre-draft visits. Holmes emphasized the importance of evaluating prospects beyond their on-field performance, considering factors such as personality fit and locker room dynamics.
Each NFL team can host up to 30 prospects for pre-draft visits, with the Lions engaging with potential first-round picks like Shemar Stewart and Tyleik Williams. Holmes, known for drafting players from pre-draft visits, believes in the in-depth insight these meetings provide, highlighting the team's thorough evaluation process.
While some teams opt out of pre-draft visits to avoid "implicit bias," Holmes and the Lions continue to value these interactions as crucial in understanding prospects' character and readiness for the NFL. The Lions' approach underscores their commitment to thorough player evaluation beyond traditional scouting methods.