The Detroit Lions hold the 29th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, and general manager Brad Holmes and head coach Dan Campbell say they have no plans to change their approach.
Detroit Lions Approach to NFL Draft
The Lions’ draft strategy will not change after Detroit advanced to the NFC Championship, as Eric Woodyard of ESPN discussed with Holmes and Campbell. “You guys know us by now. We’re just gonna pick the best player [available],” Holmes said at last month’s league meetings.
“I know it’s always, everybody wants to say, ‘It’s needs, needs, needs… and it’s a lot of appreciation for our process for free agency because I did always say about the whole needs train. Free agency is a time to do that.
“By now, you guys are familiar with us. When the league meetings were held last month, Holmes stated, “We’re just going to pick the best player [available].” “I am aware that everyone always wants to say, ‘It’s all about needs, needs, needs. You have to have needs.'” and I’ve always talked about the needs train, so there’s a lot of gratitude for our free agency process. The period of free agency is for that.
When Brad Holmes considers his strategy, he says that while the draft is about selecting the best player on your draft board, free agency is an area of necessity. According to Brad, areas of need may be targeted via free agency, and mistakes can be made if you target a need in the draft.
“You guys have heard me talk candidly about it, but free agency is a time to pull out the depth chart and start plugging holes and all that kind of stuff.” However, when it comes to the draft, attempting to fill a need can lead to some serious blunders and the loss of extremely important individuals.
Detroit Lions Draft History
In 2021, Brad Holmes and Dan Campbell traveled to Detroit together. Using the philosophy of selecting the “best player available,” they collaborated on the previous three NFL Drafts.
The Lions selected All-Pro great wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown and offensive lineman Penei Sewell in the 2021 draft. They are both regarded as some of the greatest in their respective fields.