Lions GM hints team could trade out of first round in NFL Draft

Lions fans will have to wait long to see what their team does with its first-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, as Detroit isn't scheduled to make its first selection until pick No. 29.

However, general manager Brad Holmes hinted that fans may have to be more patient than previously thought, entertaining the idea of trading out of the first round with teams looking to move back into it.

"That's something that, we have to do the right thing for the organization," Holmes said via Christian Booher of SI.com. "If it makes sense and it lines up and it's the right thing to do, then we have to do the right thing."

That opportunity could certainly present itself to the Lions. This year's draft has a couple of quarterbacks, Oregon's Bo Nix and Washington's Michael Penix Jr., who seem to be fringe first-rounders.

If a team wants to snatch one at the end of the first round so that it has a fifth-year option, it may give Detroit a call.

It might be a smart move for the Lions, barring a player on the board who is too good to pass up. If that's the case, Holmes hopes those in Detroit, which is playing host to the draft, will understand.

"Say that happens, where the fans have been waiting there all night for this pick, and we get an offer that we really can't turn down, we've got to do the right thing," Holmes added. "Hopefully our fans will forgive us. We won't expect immediate forgiveness right then and there, but hopefully when the season starts and that player selected is out there, we can get past that."

It may be disappointing for fans in attendance on April 25, but this year's draft class is deep at several positions the Lions could be looking to strengthen. Acquiring more picks will only help with that.

Holmes has built a talented roster quickly in Detroit. So, if the team does move back, fans should give him the benefit of the doubt.