The Detroit Lions have had a busy offseason, and now their focus shifts to the 2024 NFL Draft. Fans are eager to see who general manager Brad Holmes will select with the 29th pick in the first round, and their excitement is heightened by the fact that the draft will be held in the Motor City this year.
With the draft in Detroit, there is pressure on the front office to get this right. But even beyond that, Holmes and his team are likely feeling pressure given their performance. The Lions finally won the NFC North for the first time in 2023. And in the playoffs, they went all the way to the NFC Championship Game.
Holmes has shown that he can find diamonds in the rough in the NFL Draft. This year, he’ll have to do just that. But who could he target early on? Let’s take a look at three potential options for the Detroit Lions in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft.
Kool-Aid McKinstry, CB, Alabama
Even after NFL Free Agency, the Lions were in a position to add a cornerback. However, after a warrant for Cam Sutton’s arrest became public, Detroit recently freed him. With Sutton’s departure, the team now needs a starting cornerback. McKinstry is one player who Lions fans should keep an eye on.
McKinstry has impressive ball skills, allowing him to disrupt pass attempts rather effectively. He has exceptional awareness in zone coverage and remains composed even in tough situations. He can be a bit too physical, especially when jamming receivers. And his play recognition could use some work in the NFL.
Overall, there is still a lot to like with the Alabama product. McKinstry could step in on day one and start opposite of Carlton Davis. He gives the team a more long-term option at the position, as well. That could lead Brad Holmes to target the draft for a corner as opposed to signing a veteran like Stephon Gilmore.
Brian Thomas Jr., WR, LSU
A more underrated need for the Lions concerns their receiver group. While Detroit has retained Donovan Peoples-Jones, Josh Reynolds remains a free agent. The Lions have Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jamieson Williams, and Kalif Raymond at the position. However, there is still room for one more option.
Brian Thomas Jr. is elusive after the catch and is naturally explosive. He has excellent ball-tracking skills that allow him to be a deep threat in the offense. There are some issues with his footwork, and his play prior to the 2023 season wasn’t especially noteworthy. Still, the Lions are in a position to take a bit of a gamble here.
The Lions could finally add a true deep threat to their roster with the selection of Brian Thomas Jr. He could open things up for Amon-Ra St. Brown and tight end Sam LaPorta, as well. While not Detroit’s most pressing need, don’t be surprised if Brad Holmes elects to add a wide receiver with the 29th overall pick.
Jackson Powers-Johnson, IOL, Oregon
Fans of the Lions should also keep an eye on their offensive line. Detroit takes pride in the quality of its product line. However, the line struggled with injuries last season. They lost starter guard Jonah Jackson this summer. While they added Kevin Zeitler, he is 34 years old and has a one-year contract.
