'That's exciting': Lions GM Brad Holmes welcomes challenge of picking later in draft

Allen Park — There’s a new offseason feeling in Detroit. 

The general outlook is shining bright. Even the recent history is pretty rosy. But if there’s one big difference between this offseason and the last two, it’s draft capital. As the Lions try to maintain their claim as a Super Bowl contender, their ability to hit home runs in the 2024 NFL Draft will go a long way.

Compared to drafts of the past, Lions general manager Brad Holmes is working with less and picking later. The Lions made six picks in the first three rounds last year. Their first pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, which is set to be held in Detroit, is No. 29.

Holmes on Monday welcomed the challenge in his end-of-season press conference at the team’s facility in Allen Park.

“It’s going to be the same exact process,” Holmes said. “It’s going to be the same exact plan. We’re going to be very strategic, very selective. We’re going to look for the same type of players… 

“We’re picking later back — actually, that’s exciting for me.”

All 23 players selected by Holmes through his first three drafts are still with the team.

Holmes selected two Pro Bowlers with his first four picks in 2023, taking Pro-Bowl running back Jahmyr Gibbs at No. 12 overall and tight end Sam LaPorta, a First-Team All-Pro in his rookie season, with the No. 34 pick. He initially held the sixth and 18th picks but ultimately made four choices by pick No. 45, where the Lions got standout defensive back Brian Branch. 

At each of the last two drafts, Holmes had an extra first-round pick to work with from the Matthew Stafford trade. The Lions made six picks in the first three rounds last year. 

The extra capital has allowed Holmes some flexibility. He was able to trade up in 2022 for Jameson Williams and trade down in 2023 to grab Gibbs while also adding the pick to take LaPorta. 

But this year’s draft will not be uncharted territory. Holmes was working with a similar stockpile of ammo in 2021, when the NFL Scouting Combine was canceled prior to his first draft as Lions GM and he selected two All-Pros anyway. 

“The other reason why I loved that draft is there was no combine. You either had to know the film and pick the right players or not, and actually know the player and have the right intangibles.”

Strong conviction has accompanied each one of his picks as Lions general manager. Holmes was heavily criticized following his 2023 draft, which now has an argument to be his strongest class, for disregarding positional value. He said they’ll stick to their philosophy of drafting “football players.”

We’re always picking football players, it’s just that when we pick football players high, (the media has) bashed us,” Holmes said. “But we’ll still continue to pick football players and the guys that are for us. So, really, (that) doesn’t change.

“Will it be different? Yes, it will be different … we’ll just keep sticking to our plan and go as normal. I think it’s proven that it’s worked so far for us.”

nbianchi@detroitnews.com

@nolanbianchi