The Detroit Lions have two first-round picks this year, and general manager Brad Holmes has declared he’s open for business.
The Detroit Lions are kickstarting the stretch run of the 2022 pre-draft process down at the Senior Bowl this week. They are also in a solid position in possession of two first-round picks, with needs across the roster as general manager Brad Holmes considers all options.
On that note, speaking to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero down in Mobile, Holmes declared himselff open for business with the No. 2 overall pick.
I spoke at the @seniorbowl with #Lions GM Brad Holmes about taking advantage of this week, Jared Goff’s future and the chances he’ll trade out of the No. 2 pick: “I’m never scared to move around, so we’re definitely open for business, always.” @nflnetwork pic.twitter.com/x8Fhc5ic4v
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) February 3, 2022
“I’m always open for whatever,” Holmes said. “We’re still in the early stages of it, we’ve got a good feel of the class, we’re at a much better place at this stage of the process than last year. But, still, we’ve got a lot more work to do. But, I’m never scared to move around, so we’re definitely open for business, always.”
Lions general manager Brad Holmes keeping options open
Essentially three months out from the draft, Holmes is not married to anything–and that’s how it should be. Trading out of the top-five overall to add more picks is fine to stay open to. But the lack of a sure-fire franchise quarterback in this draft class makes it unlikely teams a little further down in the first round will be compelled to make an aggressive move up. Most that will look to possibly draft a quarterback on Day 1, if not all, can just stay put at their current spot and take one.
If Holmes is going to move around the draft board, up or down, having two picks in a three or four-pick span late in the first round to early in the second round looks like a better opportunity. The Lions second first-rounder (courtesy of the Rams) will be No. 31 or No. 32, followed by a second-round pick at No. 34. Someone may want to move up to the late first-round if a quarterback they like is there, or pairing the two picks that are in close proximity for a move up could be on Holmes’ radar.
Holmes has declared himself open for business, to deal the No. 2 pick or whatever else might land on the table to move around the draft. Time will tell if any other general managers want to engage.