The Detroit Lions are expected to have a highly successful 2024 season after making a long run in the playoffs for the first time in decades. Dan Campbell and Brad Holmes have rebuilt the squad with youthful, scrappy guys who still have much to show. Losing to the San Francisco 49ers in heartbreaking way has left a bad taste in the mouths of players, coaches, and front office personnel.
With another chance to add talent through the draft and free agency, Campbell’s fourth season as head coach will be even more anticipated. Conor Orr of Sports Illustrated has made big predictions for all 32 NFL teams. Despite the Lions’ potential to get to the Super Bowl in 2023, Orr feels Campbell’s team will ultimately lose in Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans. Related: Mock Draft Roundup: Lions Improve Pass-Rush
“I don’t believe it’s all that controversial to bet on a club that almost won the NFC championship this year, returns the majority of its core, and has a relatively favorable cap situation. “The Lions will face some stiff competition from a surging Packers team, and possibly a Bears team that keeps Justin Fields with the arrow pointing up,” says Orr. “All that said, OC Ben Johnson will spend the offseason steeped in ways to maximize this offensive line and powerful, dynamic running game.”
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Brad Holmes Will Trade Up in the NFL Draft.
For the first time in Brad Holmes’ tenure as Detroit Lions general manager, the team will begin the draft outside the top ten. Holmes has made first-round moves in the last two drafts, resulting in impact players. In the 2022 season, he moved up from No. 32 overall to select Jameson Williams, then dropped out of the top ten to build money before selecting Jahmyr Gibbs at No. 12. With the Lions picking at the end of the first round, the 2024 Draft could provide an opportunity for Holmes to make another move on the opening night of the event.
The fact that the Lions will host the Draft adds to the suspense, which may lead to an exciting moment if Holmes decides to trade up. The Lions’ third-year general manager’s views toward the board will determine if he does so. He has demonstrated a willingness to move up to acquire players at the top of his rankings, regardless of positional needs. The Lions have two consensus areas of need: cornerback and interior offensive line. While the Lions may wait to acquire a top-line prospect, some of the cornerback prospects will most likely be selected early.
