Lions GM Brad Holmes Open to Trading Up in First Round of 2024 NFL Draft

Detroit Lions General Manager Brad Holmes has stated he is willing to trade up from the team's current position in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft. Holmes made the comments to reporters, indicating such a move would depend on identifying a specific player and would be executed using the team's additional draft capital. He also reiterated his draft philosophy of prioritizing players he considers the best available over immediate team needs.

Current Draft Position and Resources

The Detroit Lions hold the 17th overall selection in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft. In addition to that pick, the team possesses eight other selections across the draft's remaining rounds.

General Manager's Statement on Strategy

When asked directly about the possibility of trading up, Holmes responded:

"Absolutely. Yeah, if it’s the right guy... if we have that kind of conviction for a player, absolutely. We’re going to go and get him."

He added that he would use other draft picks to facilitate a trade.

Holmes elaborated on his overarching draft philosophy, stating:

"It’s hard to sleep at night when you don’t get the player you really, really wanted because you reached for a need."

He indicated his strategy focuses on selecting the players he believes are the best, rather than drafting based solely on positional needs.

In his remarks, Holmes also noted, "You guys know me. I feel like you guys get mad at me sometimes, I do it too much sometimes," acknowledging a perceived tendency to trade up.

Precedent for Trading Up

Holmes has executed first-round trade-ups in two previous drafts during his tenure as General Manager:

• In the 2022 NFL Draft, the Lions traded up to select wide receiver Jameson Williams.
• In the 2024 NFL Draft, the Lions traded up to select cornerback Terrion Arnold.