Dan Campbell Discusses Lions’ Goals Going into NFL Draft

The NFL Draft is coming to downtown Detroit April 25 – 27. Head coach Dan Campbell says the Detroit Lions' goals going into draft time are very simple and strong. While it's amazing to have all the action in our backyard, the Detroit Lions aren't concerned about where the draft is happening.

The Detroit Lions had a stellar season in 2023. Okay, maybe stellar isn't even a strong enough word. The Detroit Lions had one of the best seasons in franchise history in 2023. So, going forward, they really just need to keep doing what they've been doing and grow, because the NFC North is going to be a tough division this coming season. That said, it's obvious that the Lions' goals going into draft time are important, and the just-right moves could really pay off bigtime.

Right now, the Lions have the No. 29 overall pick in the NFL draft. This is rare for a team that usually ends the season at the bottom of the NFL rankings. In fact, Detroit hasn't selected in the late 20s since 2015. That's an oddly good thing, of course, because it means the Lions are stronger than ever. After all, the Lions scored a division championship and made it to the NFC Championship Game last season. So, picking late in the draft just means they're rocking it on the field.

Speaking to the press, Campbell said that his plans for making the No. 29 pick are the same as if they were making the No. 1 pick. "Since we've been here, we've really, 'Man, draft the best player available,'" he said via the Lions' official website. "Don't let the 'man, we absolutely have to have a linebacker. We absolutely have to have (blank).' Just go with what you believe is going to fit your team and what you feel like is the best player at the time."

Campbell also discussed that even the strongest teams have "warts" and "areas you're always going to want to be able to improve in. Nobody's a perfect roster." That said, he's happy that the Lions are "the best we've been in four years, and we feel like, man, we've got a lot of those holes filled and so this kind of feels like the first draft we're going in and, we're still best player available, but we've got places taken care of going into the draft, which is pretty cool." No matter what, seeing the team's goals going into NFL draft time should be exciting.

We're coming up on the 2024 NFL Draft, and those who are going through football withdrawals, like me, are so ready for it. The next best thing to watching the games is taking in all the draft action, so it can't come soon enough. The NFL Draft, after all, is really the main event of the offseason. Also, now that we know which new players teams have picked up in free agency, we have a few more clues about which players teams might swoop up during the draft.

Detroit will host the 2024 NFL Draft. As a Motor City girl, I'm so happy to see the action coming to the D. The event, presented by Bud Light, will take place from April 25 through 27, and it's free to attend. Attendees may register for free entry by downloading the NFL OnePass app or via the web at NFL.com/DraftAccess. Also, all adults are required to register to attend and may also register up to five kids to get into the event. Fans must download the NFL OnePass app or register via the website to enter the 2024 NFL Draft Experience, presented by Rocket Mortgage. In doing so, they'll also receive digital content and enter for a chance to win exclusive prizes, according to the official NFL website. For fans who don't have a smartphone, registration is also available on the NFL's website via their Fan Services.

In addition to the main attraction, the 2024 NFL Draft Experience, presented by Rocket Mortgage, will happen throughout the entire event. The free event will offer "immersive exhibits and sponsor activations," including the chance to "take photos with the Vince Lombardi Trophy; enjoy the youth-focused Play 60 Zone; shop exclusive merchandise at the NFL Shop presented by Visa; and score autographs from current NFL players and Legends at the Autograph Stage," according to the NFL's website.

So, 257 players are slated to be part of the draft, and they'll be called over seven rounds. Of course, quarterbacks usually get a lot of play, and this year, 11 quarterbacks will be anxiously anticipating their new homes. I've put together five wild predictions for the NFL Draft this year, plus some under-the-radar predictions. These players could really change the strength and chemistry of the teams to which they're assigned. So, even if these aren't totally shocking picks, I think what they'll bring to their teams will be earth-shaking. Football season can't come soon enough.

It's no secret that the Bears have their sights set on Caleb Williams of USC. They traded Justin Fields to the Steelers to put the focus on Williams and his future with the team. All eyes will be on him next season. He'll be the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.

The Washington Commanders need some help. So do all the teams who are picking first in the draft, of course. But, the Commanders have been trying to rebuild for years now. There are rumors that the Commanders could trade the No. 2 pick, but I don't think so. Especially after trading Sam Howell to the Seahawks, it seems like they're keeping their No. 2 pick. Chances are, they'll snag quarterback Jaylen Daniels of LSU.

The Arizona Cardinals will get the No. 4 pick, and they'll have a few different options. It will be one of the more interesting draft picks. But, to me, it seems like going with WR Marvin Harrison Jr. of Ohio State is a no-brainer. He'll help strengthen their offense in a big way.

New head coach Jim Harbaugh will have some fun with the NFL Draft this year. The Chargers really need some good pass catchers, so it seems like Malik Nabers of LSU would be the perfect fit. He'll be the strongest WR they have, to boot.

The New York Giants are in a bind due to Daniel Jones and his injuries. So, snagging J.J. McCarthy of Michigan would be a smart move. They'll be able to do that, based on the order they are in the draft. It will be interesting to see what consistency this Michigan guy can bring to the team.

One under-the-radar pick is possibly the Detroit Lions picking up EDGE Chop Robinson of Penn State. They already have one of the best EDGE players in the league with Aiden Hutchinson, and adding Robinson would add fuel to that fire. Their defense could get the boost they need to get to the Big Game.

The Philadelphia Eagles could bring on CB Nate Wiggins of Clemson. Their secondary needs major help, and Wiggins will be one of the best corners in the 2024 draft, so why not go for it? I'd be surprised to see them pick anyone else in the first round.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers could use a good CB, and Kool-Aid McKinstry of Alabama fits the bill. They traded Carlton Davis to the Lions, so the Buccaneers need to pick up a CB with their pick. McKinstry is solid, and they'll put him to work on day one.

The Seattle Seahawks are in a curious position, in that they had a strong season, so they don't get a high draft pick, but they still need to add some extra talent. One smart choice would be OT Troy Fautanu of Washington. This move would put him back together with his college offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb.

The Las Vegas Raiders need some help in the CB department, and they'll hit that sweet spot in the draft where they'll be able to pick up Quinyon Mitchell of Toledo. He's going to be the first cornerback picked in the 2024, in my opinion. Others agree, too. The Raiders will be a good fit for him.