Story by Sports Editor Mark Musgrave III

It was a surprising draft to say the least this year for the Detroit Lions. With General Manager Brad Holmes in his third year at the helm, fans knew he was ready to make some big moves. And he certainly did, lots of trades were made between teams throughout the league, Brad Holmes made sure the Lions were going all in this year. In the first round, they traded back from Pick 6 (acquired from the LA Rams) to Pick 12 and selected Alabama RB Jahmyr Gibbs. Gibbs was a great player for the Tide this past season, but a running back in the first round always turns heads for any team let alone in the top half. It certainly had sent mixed emotions throughout the fan base. This video from Barstool Detroit perfectly sums up how every fan felt at the time of the pick. Regardless of the controversy, Gibbs can be a valuable asset to the team next season. 

With their second first round pick at number 18, the Lions selected LB Jack Campbell from Iowa. He was one of the most efficient at his position in the NCAA. He added lots of value to the Lions defense that finished rock bottom in the league last season. 

In the second round, the Lions kept their eyes on Iowa and Alabama, selecting the top rated S and fifth ranked TE in the draft. Those picks being Sam Laporta and Brian Branch. Following these two picks came arguably the favorite pick of the night, Tennessee QB Hendon Hooker. He will be a great replacement for current QB Jared Goff as long as he recovers well from an ACL tear suffered last season.

On night three, Brad Holmes did his thing again. He traded first string RB D’andre Swift to the Philadelphia Eagles for a fourth rounder in 2025 and 7th rounder this year. 

In the later rounds, Brad Holmes added some depth on the Defensive and Offensive lines in Brodic Martin from Western Kentucky and Cody Sorsdal from William and Mary before closing out this year’s draft with WR Antoine Green from North Carolina. 

Next season, the Lions are favored to win the NFC North with +145 odds. Preseason games are still a few months away, but I’m sure I can speak for all fans when I say that the season cannot come soon enough. 

Detroit Versus Everybody.