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.
Eric Woodyard of ESPN sat with Holmes and Campbell to discuss the Lions’ approach to the 2024 NFL Draft. After Detroit had gone to the NFC Championship, their draft strategy would surely change. It will not.
Detroit Lions Approach to NFL Draft
“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 … you gotta get 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.
Brad Holmes reflects on his approach, saying free agency is an area of need, while the draft is about grabbing the best player available on your draft board. Brad says free agency can attack areas of need, and mistakes can be made if you reach for an area of need in the draft.
“Free agency is a time to pull out the depth chart and start plugging holes and all that kind of stuff, but you guys have heard me talk openly about it. But when it comes to the draft, you can really make some mistakes when you’re trying to reach for a need, and you’re missing out on really impact players.”
Detroit Lions Draft History
Dan Campbell and Brad Holmes came to Detroit together in 2021. They have worked together on the last three NFL Drafts with a “best player available” mentality.
In 2021, the Lions drafted All-Pro offensive tackle Penei Sewell and All-Pro star wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown. Both are considered some of the best at their respective position.
In 2022, the Lions drafted Pro Bowl defensive end Aidan Hutchinson and high-flyer wide receiver Jameson Williams. Both played critical roles in the Lions’ playoff run in 2023.
In 2023, the Lions struck gold in the draft. Running back Jamyr Gibbs, linebacker Jack Campbell, tight end Sam Laporta, and safety Brian Branch were all unequivocally rookie sensations. All four played a vital role in the playoff run to the NFC championship game. All four will be key members of the Lions’ future.
More draft picks have played essential roles for Detroit in their careers, but these names have been stars since entering the league. With at least two superstars per draft, Holmes and Campbell should keep doing what they are doing.
Full Lions Draft History Under Holmes and Campbell:
| Year | No. | Round | Pick | Player | Name | Position | College |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 1 | 1 | 12 | 12 | Jahmyr Gibbs | RB | Alabama |
| 2 | 1 | 18 | 18 | Jack Campbell | LB | Iowa | |
| 3 | 2 | 3 | 34 | Sam LaPorta | TE | Iowa | |
| 4 | 2 | 14 | 45 | Brian Branch | DB | Alabama | |
| 5 | 3 | 5 | 68 | Hendon Hooker | QB | Tennessee | |
| 6 | 3 | 33 | 96 | Brodric Martin | DT | Western Kentucky | |
| 7 | 5 | 17 | 152 | Colby Sorsdal | T | William & Mary | |
| 8 | 7 | 2 | 219 | Antoine Green | WR | North Carolina | |
| 2022 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 | Aidan Hutchinson | DE | Michigan |
| 2 | 1 | 12 | 12 | Jameson Williams | WR | Alabama | |
| 3 | 2 | 14 | 46 | Josh Paschal | DE | Kentucky | |
| 4 | 3 | 33 | 97 | Kerby Joseph | DB | Illinois | |
| 5 | 5 | 34 | 177 | James Mitchell | TE | Virginia Tech | |
| 6 | 6 | 9 | 188 | Malcolm Rodriguez | LB | Oklahoma State | |
| 7 | 6 | 38 | 217 | James Houston | LB | Jackson State | |
| 8 | 7 | 16 | 237 | Chase Lucas | DB | Arizona State | |
| 2021 | 1 | 1 | 7 | 7 | Penei Sewell | T | Oregon |
| 2 | 2 | 9 | 41 | Levi Onwuzurike | DT | Washington | |
| 3 | 3 | 8 | 72 | Alim McNeill | DT | North Carolina State | |
| 4 | 3 | 37 | 101 | Ifeatu Melifonwu | DB | Syracuse | |
| 5 | 4 | 7 | 112 | Amon-Ra St. Brown | WR | USC | |
| 6 | 4 | 8 | 113 | Derrick Barnes | LB | Purdue | |
| 7 | 7 | 30 | 257 | Jermar Jefferson | RB | Oregon State |
Would you be