The 2024 NFL Draft is quickly approaching, and the Detroit Lions have plenty of options for their draft picks. From adding starting-caliber players to depth across numerous positions, general manager Brad Holmes and his staff will strive to transform the Lions into champions rather than mere competitors. The draft is the next piece of the puzzle, following free agency.
Looking at the Lions’ roster as it is after the first couple weeks of free agency, it’s worth considering how they’ll spend their draft capital. Are there any positions in desperate need of a promising young rookie? Are there any positions in which free agents would be the best option?
If the Lions are unable to reach an agreement to extend Jared Goff, 2024 might be his final season with the team—if they cannot agree on an extension, how likely are they to sign him as an unrestricted free agency in 2025? If Detroit considers signing an extension with their primary quarterback, they may be looking for a younger alternative. Given Hendon Hooker’s age (26) and lack of professional experience, depending on him to take over in 2025 would be a risky gamble.
According to all reports, the intention is to keep Goff in Detroit for the long term, even if an extension does not materialise by early 2024. Drafting a quarterback early would almost probably disrupt those discussions. Furthermore, the Lions are drafting 29th overall, so they would have to move up to get the top prospects. There is no incentive to choose a late-round quarterback when Hooker is already on the roster. The Lions used a third-round pick on Hooker, so it would make little sense to move on from the high-ceiling quarterback following a redshirt year that everyone expected. Let him play in training camp and the preseason first.
