With the NFL draft about three weeks away, Lions general manager Bob Quinn said the team is in the fine-tuning stage at this point.
Quinn, new coach Matt Patricia and team president Rod Wood answered questions at a season tickets holders summit on Monday night at Ford Field attended by 3,811 fans.
The NFL draft is set for April 26, 27 and 28. The Lions have six picks starting with the 20th overall pick in the first round.
“Most of the heavy lifting has been done,’’ Quinn said.
Due to their free agency signings, Quinn said they will not be in desperation mode during the draft.
“I think as free agency wore on, we kind of got out of the gate, signed a few players, took a step back, re-evaluated the market and kind of added some guys in the last week or 10 days,’’ Quinn said. “So I’d say best player available is what we’re looking at. I don’t think we have to reach for anybody or are dying to have one position or another.
“Do we have wants or needs? Absolutely. I don’ think it’s a desperation situation that we’re going to have to move up in the draft to get a certain guy or certain player. That opens up the draft board for you,’’ said Quinn who will be running his third Lions draft.
The GM said they have brought in eight of the 30 allowed draft prospects to the facility.
Quinn
Patricia is still in an excited-to-be-here mode. It was clear from his answers.
“The draft is a great night for football, a great night for our organization,’’ Patricia said.
He was questioned about specifics in the defense and offense, but mostly gave generalized answers.
“I’m just trying to win every day right now,’’ Patricia said.
Other highlights:
— Wood said he doesn’t know the exact date that the 2018 NFL schedule will be released but expects it to happen in the next few weeks.
— One of the first questions from the fans was if the concession prices will be cut. Wood said it is definitely something they are evaluating. It has been done at the new Atlanta Falcons stadium and Ford Field shares the same concession company. “More to come on that,’’ Wood said.
— The team president also said the Lions were the No. 1 team in the NFL in increased attendance last year.
— Half-time entertainment is just one area they are looking to improve in terms of the fan experience on game day.
Lions Lowdown 