BREAKING NEWS: The Detroit Lions and general manager Brad Holmes and head coach Dan Campbell say they have no plans to change their approach.

The Detroit Lions and general manager Brad Holmes and head coach Dan Campbell say they have no plans to change their approach.

Eric Woodyard of ESPN spoke with Holmes and Campbell about the Lions’ approach to the 2024 NFL Draft. After reaching the NFC Championship, Detroit’s draft approach would undoubtedly change. It won’t.

“You must be familiar with us. “We’re just going to pick the best player [available],” Holmes stated during last month’s league meetings. “I know it’s always, everyone wants to say, ‘It’s needs, needs, needs … you gotta get needs.'” And there is a lot of gratitude for our free agency process, as I have always mentioned the full needs train. Free agency is the time to do so.

Brad Holmes focuses on his strategy, stating that free agency is a need, whereas the draft is about selecting the best player available on your draft board. Brad believes that free agency can address areas of need, but that reaching for an area of need in the draft can lead to blunders.

“Free agency is a time to pull out the depth chart and start mending holes, but you’ve already heard me talk about it openly. But when it comes to the draft, you can make some serious blunders when trying to fill a need and end up missing out on potentially impactful guys.”

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 selected All-Pro offensive tackle Penei Sewell and All-Pro wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown. Both are ranked among the greatest in their respective fields.

In 2023, the Lions found gold in the draft. Running back Jamyr Gibbs, linebacker Jack Campbell, tight end Sam Laporta, and safety Brian Branch were all standout rookies. All four were crucial in the postseason journey to the NFC Championship Game. All four will be important parts of the Lions’ future.

More draft picks have played important roles for Detroit during their careers, but these players have been stars since they entered the league. With at least two superstars in each selection, Holmes and Campbell should continue their success.