Lions GM Brad Holmes Makes Clear Statement About Team's Draft Strategy

While speaking to the media, Holmes made it clear the team wouldn't reach on a player just to fill a need.

Holmes said (via ESPN's Eric Woodyard),"We're not gonna reach on players just to fill a position. So that's what we won't do."

It's a smart approach for the Lions to be ready to pass on an edge if the right guy isn't there, but they do need to add an edge at some point because Marcus Davenport just isn't the answer.

That pick could come later in the draft or there are also still some veteran options out there who could get the team through the year.

The more important thing for the Lions will be making sure the the "best player available" does actually prove them with some value.

The Lions don't have many spots where they could take somebody, but don't need to.

We've recently seen wide receivers and corners predicted in mock drafts. A player at either position would have major roadblocks to actually getting playing time.

However, there are some spots that aren't priorities where the team could grab the best player available to fill a future need.

Taylor Decker will turn 32 before the start of the season, which could make a left tackle appealing if the right one falls. They could also look at a linebacker to potentially replace Alex Anzalone after the upcoming season.

Defensive tackle is a spot that's currently pretty crowded, but D.J. Reader and Levi Onwuzurike will both be free agents next offseason, so the Lions could look in that direction as well.

If the Lions really aren't set on an edge in round one then their options get interesting in this year's draft.