The Detroit Lions have a unique predicament in hosting the 2024 NFL Draft.
Picking toward the end of the first round, No. 29 overall, the organization may keep their supporters awake late into the night as they await their first selection.
However, there’s no guarantee that the Lions even make a first-round selection, as they could trade back into the second round. Doing so would allow them to accumulate assets that will help them add talent to the roster.
However, it may disappoint fans who went to downtown Detroit in anticipation of the Lions’ first-round pick.
General manager Brad Holmes recognized this, saying that while he wants to please the fans, he will ultimately do what is best for the organization.
“That’s something that, we have to do the right thing for the organization,” Holmes explained in his pre-draft media session. “If it makes sense and it lines up and it’s the right thing to do, then we have to do the right thing and so, say that happens, where the fans have been waiting there all night for this pick and we get an offer that we really can’t turn down, we’ve got to do the right thing. And hopefully our fans will forgive us. We won’t expect immediate forgiveness right then and there, but hopefully when the season starts and that player selected is out there, we can get past that. I totally understand that.”
Holmes and his team will be faced with producing another class of standouts, having set a high standard in 2023 with the picks of Brian Branch, Jahmyr Gibbs, Jack Campbell, and Sam LaPorta.
This year’s Draft, which will be held in Detroit, provides an excellent opportunity for Holmes to fill gaps in his organization.
It will be an exciting time in Detroit, since the downtown area has already been converted into an NFL-themed event. Businesses in Detroit are likely to have an economic boost, while the home team will eventually provide fans with an entertaining experience.
But if that moment occurs in the first round remains to be seen. Holmes quipped that if he decides to move out of his current drafting position, he will issue an apology message to supporters.
“Obviously, with the fans, and first and foremost, I’m very pleased about the Draft being held in Detroit. “I really am,” Holmes replied. “It’s just another opportunity for our franchise, our city, and the entire world to come to downtown Detroit. We have several major NFL markets within commuting distance, so I expect it to be rather crowded. I’m excited about the local companies. I think it’ll be quite exciting. All that said, I know the perfect storm is, “Okay, get to the pick, stay there; they’ve been waiting all night.” You make the decision, and everyone is delighted. However, if it is in the best interests of the organization, we must act appropriately. I’ll issue a PSA and apologize.”
