The NFL Draft has wrapped up, and some NFL executives are weighing in on what happened, including the Detroit Lions’ draft picks.
The Lions selected running back Jahmyr Gibbs with the 12th overall pick. The fact that they used their top-12 pick on a running back, a position that’s become devalued in the NFL, has gotten some criticism. Even with the questionable picks, it’s worth noting that there’s a lot of excitement about the Detroit Lions going into the next season.
Detroit Lions’ Draft Picks
Mike Sando of The Athletic spoke with some NFL executives about each team’s draft class. Some of those executives expressed concern over the team’s choices. “Using a first-round pick to swap out a non-premium position, that was a weird one,” one executive said, via The Athletic. “How great does Gibbs have to be to justify it?”
Another executive said, “I think it’s really high to take Gibbs (No. 12), and it was high to take Campbell (No. 18), and you paid those positions in free agency with almost identical three-year, $18 million contracts. That said, Gibbs is dynamic, and that offensive coordinator (Ben Johnson) is going to get the most out of him. They are going to be hard to defend.” Listen to “The Squad with Anne Erickson” here and listen to the latest episode about the NFL Draft.
2024 NFL Draft in Detroit: Official Dates and More Announced
2024 NFL Draft in Detroit: Official Dates
The NFL Draft for 2024 is set to take place April 25-27 in Downtown Detroit. The Draft will bring together some major faces in college and professional football, all gathering in the Motor City, with the event set for the area around Campus Martius Park and Hart Plaza. Hundreds of thousands of fans from around the US are projected to come.
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – APRIL 30: Detroit Lions fan Tiasha Horton dances with Blue Man Group during round four of the 2022 NFL Draft on April 30, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by David Becker/Getty Images)
2024 NFL Draft in Detroit: The Excitement is Building
“It’s another great day in the Detroit region, with the official announcement of dates for the 2024 NFL Draft,” said Visit Detroit President and CEO Claude Molinari said in a statement. “Fans locally and across the nation can now mark their calendars and plan their visit for a celebration of football and Detroit hospitality. Planning will intensify and we will continue to collaborate with the City of Detroit, the Detroit Lions, Downtown Detroit Partnership and other key stakeholders to ensure the event creates a beneficial lasting legacy for all members of our community.”
“We are thrilled to bring the 2024 NFL Draft presented by Bud Light to Detroit, a tremendous hub of sports and culture,” said Peter O’Reilly, NFL Executive Vice President of Club Business, League Events and International. “With the Lions’ passionate fanbase and incredible local partners, we know the Motor City will make an unforgettable Draft experience as we celebrate all 32 teams, the Draft prospects, and the future of football.”
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – APRIL 28: (L-R) Jameson Williams poses with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell onstage after being selected 12th by the Detroit Lions during round one of the 2022 NFL Draft on April 28, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by David Becker/Getty Images)
2024 NFL Draft in Detroit: Extra fun
According to officials, the NFL Draft Experience – the NFL’s interactive football theme park – will be available for all three days of the draft. Fans will be able to play games, view interactive exhibits, partake in autograph sessions and take pictures with the Vince Lombardi Trophy.
“Detroiters have shown many times our ability to put on highly successful national events and we will be ready again to welcome the world next April,” Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan said in a statement. “Next year’s NFL Draft is going be an incredible opportunity for hundreds of thousands of visitors to see the progress our city is making.”
“We are excited to be partnering with the city of Detroit and the NFL to bring the 2024 NFL Draft to Detroit,” Detroit Lions President & CEO Rod Wood added. “We look forward to showcasing the culture, energy, and passion of our vibrant downtown as a part of one of the NFL’s marquee annual events.”
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – APRIL 28: Aidan Hutchinson poses onstage after being selected second by the Detroit Lions during round one of the 2022 NFL Draft on April 28, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by David Becker/Getty Images)