As the dust settles on the initial fervor of the NFL Draft’s first two days, the spotlight dims slightly, shifting towards the later rounds where diamonds in the rough are often unearthed by the astute eyes of seasoned scouts and front office gurus. NFL Draft Day 3 presents a host of enticing opportunities for the Detroit Lions, and it is on this day that General Manager Brad Holmes is known to perform his draft-day wizardry historically.

A Look at the Lions’ Draft Capital on NFL Draft Day 3

The Detroit Lions are marching into the final day with a quartet of picks. This follows a rather conservative approach in the early rounds that diverges from their previous strategies. Let’s recall the six picks in the first three rounds from last year, and similarly bountiful hauls in the prior two years.

But this year is different. With just two selections in the first three rounds, the Detroit Lions have kept their powder dry for Day 3’s potentially pivotal picks:

• Round 6, Pick 25 (201 overall)
• Round 7, Pick 29 (249 overall)
• Round 6, Pick 29 (205 overall)
• Round 5, Pick 29 (164 overall)

Interestingly, their fourth-round pick has been forfeited—the cost of acquiring talent via the T.J. Hockenson trade. Meanwhile, an additional sixth-rounder brightens their prospects, a sweetener from the Carlton Davis trade.

Navigating the Draft’s Longest Day

Day 3 stretches out like a marathon, with selections starting at high noon, and predictions suggesting that the celebrations will continue until the dinner hour. For the dedicated Detroit Lions fans eager to catch the draft pick announcements, historical data offers insight into the expected times for these announcements, detailed below:

Round 5, Pick 29 (164 Overall)

• Estimated Time: 2:50-3 P.M. ET

Round 6, Pick 25 (201 Overall)

• Estimated Time: 4:20-4:40 P.M. ET

Round 6, Pick 29 (205 Overall)

• Estimated Time: 4:30-4:55 P.M. ET

Round 7, Pick 29 (249 Overall)

• Estimated Time: 6:25-6:40 P.M. ET

These are not exact times but give the faithful a ballpark estimate. Patience will be key, as the flow of Day 3 can be unpredictable.

The Legacy of Late-Round Acumen

Holmes’s track record on Day 3 merits attention. His knack for spotting talent that others may overlook or undervalue is well-documented, and it’s a prime chance for the Detroit Lions to add depth and potential impact players to a roster that is blooming with promise.

The stakes are high, and with four picks in the offing, the Detroit Lions faithful are hoping for the draft equivalent of the fourth-quarter rally. Some may argue that the true art of the draft lies not in the early calls but in finding those game-changers others have ignored.

The Detroit Lions, armed with a strategic array of draft picks, are on the cusp of what could be another rewarding draft outcome. Whether this year’s Day 3 selections will become the foundation of a future playoff campaign remains to be seen. However, the excitement is undeniable for those who follow closely.