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Detroit Lions general manager Brad Holmes held his final pre-draft press conference on Friday. The rookie GM showed a lot of poise and wisdom beyond his experience level, providing some clues to where the Lions might look in the draft while keeping his hold cards concealed.
When asked about the value of picking at No. 7 overall, Holmes acknowledged the high value in getting it right. But he also noted that the Lions are open to trading the pick–and not just trading back from the top 10.
“Whenever you’re picking in the top-10, obviously it’s an extremely valued pick. It’s very exciting to be looking at this crop of players that would be worthy of selecting,” Holmes stated. “Where I just came from (the Los Angeles Rams), I wasn’t really used to picking in the first round that much, being up in the top 10. But at No. 7, we do have a cluster of players that we’re comfortable with picking.”
And then came the mic drop,
“At the same time, we will be very prepared and also to move in either direction. We’re still open in those regards.”
Many fans have openly rooted for the Lions to trade back and acquire more picks, but Holmes has now stated for the second time in the draft process that he’s not opposed to moving up if the value is there.
The first two picks appear to be locked in with Jacksonville projected to select Trevor Lawrence and the Jets keyed in on Zach Wilson. San Francisco already traded up to No. 3, which effectively rules them out as a trading partner as well. Atlanta at No. 4 and Cincinnati at No. 5 would be the logical trading partner for Detroit if they wish to move up.
For what player(s) would Holmes consider moving up for? The GM didn’t bite on that one.