DETROIT – I know there’s a lot of excitement about the NFL Draft finally being in Downtown Detroit, but don’t be mad at Brad Holmes if the Lions trade their only pick in the first round.
Nobody knows what the Lions are going to do at No. 29 overall on Thursday. This franchise has typically had a pick in the top 10, when it’s much easier to speculate on which players will be available when their turn comes up.
The other major difference with this year’s draft: Instead of trying to build toward being competitive, the Lions are supplementing a roster that’s already proven to be championship-caliber.
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Sure, the Lions could use another edge rusher. They need help in the secondary. The offensive line and wide receiver corps could both use a boost.
But it’s hard to guess which direction the Lions might go. Holmes has long lived by the “best player available” mentality. And considering the signings and trades he made this offseason, it’s clear he wanted to maintain that flexibility heading into the weekend.
So don’t be surprised if Thursday night rolls around and the Lions don’t make a selection.
Take a look at the success Holmes has had in the middle rounds of the draft. Sam LaPorta and Brian Branch in the second round. Alim McNeill, Ifeatu Melifonwu, and Kerby Joseph in the third. Amon-Ra St. Brown and Derrick Barnes in the fourth.
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So if the Lions’ first-round pick is coming up and Holmes still sees several of his targets left on the board, he might think it’s a worthy gamble to stockpile a few more picks and hope at least one of those guys makes it to his next selection.
I think most of the fan base has bought into the “Trust Brad Holmes” mindset. It’s been fun to watch the Lions make multiple first-round selections the last two seasons, but there won’t be much argument with whatever he decides to do. His track record speaks for itself.
It would be a bit of a bummer for fans who attend the first round if they don’t get to see their team make a pick, but remember: Holmes’ goal isn’t to impress on April 25, 2024. It’s to win on Feb. 9, 2025.