Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer reveals 2024 NFL draft shatters all-time attendance record as 700,000 fans flock to the event
The 2024 NFL draft is currently being held in Detroit, as thousands of NFL fans flock to the Motor City to see which college stars will play for their team next season.
During Saturday's draft, where rounds four through seven will be completed, the Governor of Michigan, Gretchen Whitmer, announced how many fans came to Detroit for the draft
"It is my honor to announce that the 2024 NFL draft has now broken the all time record," Whitmer said. "700,000 and counting."
The 700,000 fans, announced by Whitmer, is a record attendance for the NFL draft. It broke the record set by the 2019 draft in Nashville, where 600,000 fans turned up.
There may be a good reason why the Motor City has turned up for the draft. This is the first time that Detroit, a city with a strong sports culture, has held the draft, which has come at a good time for fans of the Detroit Lions.
After years of struggling, the Lions won the NFC North for the first time. They also won their first playoff game since 1991, ending their over 30-year wait for a playoff win.
Who has the Detroit Lions picked in the 2024 NFL draft?
In Round 1, the Lions traded up for the 24th pick and drafted cornerback Terrion Arnold from the Alabama Crimson Tide. Arnold is one of the strongest defensive players available, and the Lions have brought someone who could be a future hall of famer to the Motor City.
In the second round, the Lions picked another cornerback, Ennis Rakestraw Jr., from the Missouri Tigers. In Round 4, the Lions drafted offensive tackle Giovanni Manu from the University of British Columbia (who will likely not play right away) and Sione Vaki.
Vaki was a dual threat for the Utah Utes, performing at a high level as both a safety and a running back.
The Lions will be hoping that these players will be able to fit into Dan Campbell's plans and develop into star players.
Do you think these players will succeed with the Detroit Lions?