Dream Scenarios for Detroit Lions in 2024 NFL Draft

What is Brad Holmes' dream Draft scenario?

Jan 8, 2024; Houston, TX, USA; Washington Huskies wide receiver Rome Odunze (1). / Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

The NFL Draft is quickly approaching.

As the biggest event of the offseason grows closer, excitement is building around what talent Detroit Lions' general manager Brad Holmes will add to the roster in this year's Draft.

The Lions currently are slated to have the No. 29 overall pick, which marks the latest that Holmes has ever picked in the first round.

Here are five dream scenarios for the Detroit Lions in the 2024 NFL Draft.

1.) Lions land standout corner at No. 29 overall

 The Lions will be picking outside the top-10 for the first time in the Brad Holmes era. That top-tier capital has given him an opportunity to make trades that benefit his team and land starting-caliber players. 

Now, he has to wait his turn deep into the Draft’s first night. However, there’s a chance the work could be done for the Lions if Quinyon Mitchell falls to their No. 29 overall pick. 

Mitchell is the best fit of the top cornerbacks for Detroit’s defense, as he is tight in coverage and an active defender in the run game. As a result, the Lions would benefit greatly from getting the opportunity to select him. Another added bonus of this scenario is that Holmes would not have to trade up to land a premium, starting-caliber prospect.

2.) Detroit trades up into top-10, lands elite pass-catcher

In this scenario, the Lions would go from an elite offense to an unstoppable one. By moving up into the top-10, Holmes would be free to add a top-tier pass-catching threat. Specifically, the team could get its hands on either Brock Bowers or potentially Rome Odunze and Malik Nabers.

Marvin Harrison Jr. has proven to be one of the best receiving prospects in years, so he has a strong case to be the first non-quarterback drafted this year. However, Nabers, Bowers and Odunze could all be available if the Lions were to move up into the top-10.

Specifically, I believe Odunze would be the best fit in the Lions' offense. He's a big target who could play the 'X' wideout position. This would fit exactly what Detroit is currently lacking.

If this were to happen, Ben Johnson would get another exceptional target for quarterback Jared Goff and his offense. This would allow the Lions to be a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses.

Feels like Lions fans are most comfortable and relaxed they have ever been heading into Draft! #NFL #DetroitLions pic.twitter.com/ZNhKzio7QD

— DetroitSportsPodcast (@DetroitPodcast) April 7, 2024

3.) Holmes secures hefty capital moving down

With the Lions slated near the end of the first round, they are in a prime position to acquire capital from a team looking to get back and secure a late pick on night one.

All first-round picks come with a fifth-year option, which is pivotal for teams who may need an extra year to evaluate what they have in a player. As a result, a team could offer up a deal for Holmes to move out of the first round and acquire more capital on the second night of the Draft.

Holmes has done good work in the middle rounds, so it would be exciting to see him add multiple more picks later in the event in an effort to find the next overlooked star. While it would be disappointing for the Lions to not pick on the first night of a Draft they're hosting, it would benefit them to add more capital.

4.) Lions bolster offensive line as top prospect falls

Another dream situation for the Lions would be for center prospect Jackson Powers-Johnson to slip down the Draft boards and wind up being available at the 29th overall pick.

The Lions have one of the league's best offensive line units, headlined by center Frank Ragnow and tackle Penei Sewell. However, the unit is getting older at some positions and could use a revitalization of youth.

Powers-Johnson would be the perfect fit, as he has the versatility to play either guard position as well as center. A center in college, it may take some time for him to develop at guard. Still, he projects as a solid pro prospect.

5.) Focus on trenches early, skill players later in draft

With a complete offense and growing skill on the defensive side, the Lions can use the Draft to simply stockpile talent on both sides of the ball.

An ideal situation for the Lions would be to take the top talent in the trenches on the first night, then have some of the best skill position players available for them in rounds 2 and 3.

One example of this would be for the Lions to select Illinois defensive tackle Johnny Newton in the first round, followed by Xavier Legette in the second round. By targeting the trenches early, Detroit would get the best available strength and talent. Meanwhile, in a deep receiver class, Day Two would be the perfect time to add a wideout to the offense.