3 big takeaways from Lions GM Brad Holmes' pre-draft press conference

Allen Park — The NFL Draft is less than two weeks away, and in preparation for the event, Detroit Lions general manager Brad Holmes met with the media in Allen Park on Monday to discuss the Lions' offseason thus far, as well as some topics surrounding the draft. Here are three big takeaways from Holmes' media availability: How older draft classes impact Lions' strategy The lingering impacts of the COVID waivers that gave college athletes an extra year of eligibility are set to expire in the near future, but the Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) era has still fundamentally changed the draft. Underclassmen no longer feel compelled to prematurely enter the draft, thanks to the financial opportunities now provided in college.

In some cases, it's more lucrative to be a college star than a middle-round NFL draft pick. Team president and CEO Rod Wood touched on it during his final league meetings press conference last month, saying the league has held discussions about "the whole changing landscape of college football and what that may do to people that are coming into the NFL that are older. " Holmes elaborated on that sentiment Monday in Allen Park, touching on both how it affects a player's evaluation and the outlook beyond their first contract.

"You have to start adjusting, as well, because like you said, these kids are staying in a much longer time, so you're going to get some older prospects," Holmes said. "Maybe certain positions, that maturity helps. Sometimes it may be a little bit more of a warning sign.

But it is something that we've adjusted to. " As for the conflict of drafting a player who could be 30 years old by their second contract, Holmes said that consideration is "real. " "Say like, look, the guy is 24 or 25 years old now, he's going to be looking at 30 by the time the second contract comes.