What time are the Detroit Lions picking on draft night? We’ve got estimated times if they stay at 29, or if they trade up.
For the first time in a very long time, the Detroit Lions will likely have to wait a long time to make their first selection in the NFL Draft. Entering Thursday night, they’re slated to pick 29th overall. The last time their first pick was that late in the draft was 1993 when they traded away their first-round pick and selected 33rd overall.
That means a late night for Lions fans. The 2024 NFL Draft is scheduled to kick off at 8 p.m. ET in downtown Detroit, but when will the Lions be picking?
Well, you can never know for sure, but let’s look at some historical data of the 29th overall pick and when the selection has been made.
Here’s a look at the last 3 drafts, and when the 29th pick was first leaked on Twitter. Note: This is only when the pick was first leaked, not when it was announced on television.
- 2023: Saints select Bryan Bresee at 11:33 p.m. ET
- 2022: Patriots select Cole Strange at 11:12 p.m. ET
- 2021: Packers select Eric Stokes at 11:43 p.m. ET
So it’s probably safe to say the Lions’ 29th overall pick will take place between 11:15 and 11:45 p.m. ET.
But what if the Lions’ trade up? Let’s take a look at a couple different scenarios and when those picks are historically made.
Brad Holmes goes aggressive (Pick 14-19)
There’s been some smoke about the Lions moving up in the first round. And if they want a top-end defensive talent, they may have to move into the teens.
Based on the last two years, if the Lions pick between 14 and 19, that pick will likely come somewhere between 9:40 and 10:35.
Brad Holmes goes mild (Pick 20-25)
If the Lions only move up a handful of spots and are picking in the early 20s, expect that pick to be made between 10:15 and 11:05.
As always, take these estimated times with a grain of salt. The draft could go much faster or slower than in previous years, but that’s why I tried to give relatively large windows.
Regardless of what the Lions do, it’s likely going to be a long night. So maybe get a nap in if you can.
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