The Detroit Lions made a move to address their secondary, grabbing Alabama cornerback Terrion Arnold with the No. 24 pick in the NFL draft after a trade with Dallas on Thursday night.

The Lions moved up from the No. 29 spot. Detroit also received a 2025 seventh-round pick, while the Cowboys received Detroit's first-rounder plus a third-round pick in this year's draft (73rd overall).

Detroit had acquired that third-rounder from Minnesota in a previous trade.

Arnold was a first-team Associated Press All-American last season. He tied for sixth in the Football Bowl Subdivision with five interceptions and tied for fifth with 17 passes defensed while starting all 14 games for the Crimson Tide.

The 6-foot, 189-pound Arnold was the second cornerback selected Thursday. Philadelphia chose Toledo's Quinyon Mitchell two picks earlier.

Lions general manager Brad Holmes was somewhat stunned that Arnold was available. He was making calls to teams with picks in the "late teens" and finally found a trade partner in the Cowboys.

Arnold was Detroit's highest-ranked cornerback.

"I'm still kind of, 'Never thought he'd be there,'" Holmes said.

Arnold had one of the flashiest looks of this year's draft, wearing an electric salmon silk suit with a silver bow tie.

"You've got to have confidence, you've got to be borderline cocky but you've got to be humble at the same time," Lions passing game coordinator/defensive back coach DeShea Townsend said of what he looks for in a cornerback. "He's a kid that has confidence, but having that confidence he understands he has to work."

The Lions' pass defense was one of the few weaknesses on a team that reached the NFC championship game. Detroit allowed 7.8 yards per pass attempt, second-worst in the league, and a league-worst 69 completions of 20 or more yards.

Holmes said it was a perfect combination of talent and need.

"It doesn't always match up that way," he said. "I'm sure you've heard me say a million times I don't care what position it is, we're going to get the best player. It happened to match the best player and an area where we wanted to add one at some time. We didn't know if we were going to be able to add one in the first round."

Arnold joins a mix of newcomers and holdovers at the cornerback spot. Detroit traded for Tampa Bay's Carlton Davis III in March and signed Amik Robertson as a free agent. Robertson spent the past four seasons with Las Vegas.

The Lions also have Emmanuel Moseley and Kindle Vindor at the position. Detroit released former starter Cameron Sutton after he was accused of domestic violence.

Detroit has drafted an Alabama player in the first round three straight years. The Lions moved up to select wide receiver Jameson Williams at No. 12 in 2022 and chose running back Jahmyr Gibbs at the same spot last year.

"Those are my brothers," Arnold said. "There's something special going on here in Detroit."

The Lions own five more picks heading into the second day of the draft, including the 29th selection in the second round (61st overall).

The worst kept secret in the NFL finally came to fruition Thursday as the Chicago Bears selected highly-touted USC quarterback Caleb Williams with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.

But the theme of the first round was the run on quarterbacks. An unprecedented six of the first 12 picks were quarterbacks, an NFL Draft record. The first 14 selections were offensive players, also a draft record, with no defensive players being taken until the Indianapolis Colts selected UCLA defensive end Laiatu Latu at No. 15.  

The Bears and their long-suffering fans hope Williams, the 22-year-old phenom, will finally bring them much-needed stability at the quarterback position, which has been in flux since the days of Jim McMahon in the 1980s.

To make way for Williams, Chicago traded away quarterback Justin Fields last month to the Pittsburgh Steelers after the No. 11 pick in the 2021 draft failed to meet the lofty expectations that were set for him. The Bears immediately sought to give Williams a weapon, selecting Washington wide receiver Rome Odunze with the No. 9 pick. 

In honor of Detroit hosting the draft, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell trotted out rapper Eminem and Lions legend Barry Sanders to kick off the festivities. More than 275,000 people attended the draft Thursday, according to Goodell, a record for the event. 

This year's draft is one of the deepest in years at the quarterback, offensive tackle and wide receiver positions, in part due to the pandemic, which spurred many players to extend their college careers. Nine offensive linemen and seven wide receivers went off the board Thursday. In total, 23 offensive players and only nine defensive players were selected in the first round. 

The top of the draft went chalk, with quarterbacks as the first three selections. LSU's Jayden Daniels was taken No. 2 overall by the Washington Commanders, and the New England Patriots selected North Carolina's Drake Maye at No. 3 to replace former first round pick Mac Jones, who was traded to the Jacksonville Jaguars last month. 

The Arizona Cardinals selected the first receiver with Ohio State's Marvin Harrison Jr. — son of his namesake, legendary Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Marvin Harrison Sr. — to pair with talented Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray.  

Following reports that the Los Angeles Chargers and new head coach Jim Harbaugh would perhaps trade down, the Bolts instead stood pat, taking Notre Dame offensive tackle Joe Alt in an effort to improve an offensive line that has struggled to protect franchise quarterback Justin Herbert.

The first major surprise was provided by the Atlanta Falcons, who even though they had signed veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins in the offseason, selected Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr. with the No. 8 pick. Penix was not expected to go until late in the first round, due in part to injury concerns. 

The Minnesota Vikings — Cousins' former home — conducted the first trade of the night, swapping picks with the New York Jets to move up from 11 to 10 to select quarterback J.J. McCarthy, who led Michigan to a national title in January. 

The surprises culminated with the Denver Broncos — who also in search for help at quarterback after cutting Russell Wilson — selected seasoned 24-year-old Oregon quarterback Bo Nix at No. 12. Nix started 61 games over his college career, according to CBS Colorado, more than any other NCAA quarterback ever. 

Rounds two and three of the draft will be held Friday, and rounds four through seven on Saturday. 

NFL Draft order and picks for the first round

• No. 1: Chicago Bears — QB Caleb Williams, USC

• No. 2: Washington Commanders — QB Jayden Daniels, LSU

• No. 3: New England Patriots — QB Drake Maye, North Carolina

• No. 4: Arizona Cardinals — WR Marvin Harrison Jr., Ohio State 

• No. 5: Los Angeles Chargers — OT Joe Alt, Notre Dame

• No. 6: New York Giants — WR Malik Nabers, LSU

• No. 7: Tennessee Titans — OT JC Latham, Alabama

• No. 8: Atlanta Falcons — QB Michael Penix Jr., Washington

• No. 9: Chicago Bears — WR Rome Odunze, Washington 

• No. 10: Minnesota Vikings — QB J.J. McCarthy, Michigan (via pick swap with the Jets)

• No. 11: New York Jets — OT Olumuyiwa Fashanu, Penn State

• No. 12: Denver Broncos — QB Bo Nix, Oregon

• No. 13: Las Vegas Raiders — TE Brock Bowers, Georgia

• No. 14: New Orleans Saints — OT Taliese Fuaga, Oregon State

• No. 15: Indianapolis Colts — DE Laiatu Latu, UCLA

• No. 16: Seattle Seahawks — DL Byron Murphy, Texas

• No. 17: Minnesota Vikings — DE Dallas Turner, Alabama (via trade with the Jacksonville Jaguars)

• No. 18: Cincinnati Bengals — OT Amarius Mims, Georgia

• No. 19: Los Angeles Rams — DE Jared Verse, Florida State

• No. 20: Pittsburgh Steelers — OL Troy Fautanu, Washington

• No. 21: Miami Dolphins — DE Chop Robinson, Penn State

• No. 22: Philadelphia Eagles  — CB Quinyon Mitchell, Toledo

• No. 23: Jacksonville Jaguars — WR Brian Thomas Jr., LSU

• No. 24: Detroit Lions — CB Terrion Arnold, Alabama (via trade with Cowboys)

• No. 25: Green Bay Packers — OT Jordan Morgan, Arizona

• No. 26: Tampa Bay Buccaneers — OL Graham Barton, Duke

• No. 27: Arizona Cardinals — DL Darius Robinson, Missouri

• No. 28: Kansas City Chiefs — WR Xavier Worthy, Texas (via trade with Bills)

• No. 29: Dallas Cowboys — OT Tyler Guyton, Oklahoma 

• No. 30: Baltimore Ravens — CB Nate Wiggins, Clemson

• No. 31: San Francisco 49ers — WR Ricky Pearsall, Florida

• No. 32: Carolina Panthers — WR Xavier Legette, South Carolina (via trade with the Bills)

(CBS DETROIT) - The Detroit Lions selected Alabama cornerback Terrion Arnold on Thursday in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft.

This comes moments after the Lions traded their No. 29 overall spot for the Dallas Cowboys' No. 24 spot.  Detroit also received a 2025 seventh-round pick, while the Cowboys received Detroit's first-rounder plus a third-round pick in this year's draft (73rd overall).

Arnold was one of 13 NFL prospects who attended the draft in person in Detroit, with Lions fans immediately welcoming him after the announcement.

"Arnold possesses average size but plays with a desired level of aggression and competitiveness in both phases of his job," according to his NFL profile. "He's fast and agile to match up against a variety of receiver flavors on the outside or in the slot. Arnold could squeeze routes tighter from off coverages and limit the yards after catch with a slightly different approach."

He joins a mix of newcomers and holdovers at the cornerback spot. Detroit traded for Tampa Bay's Carlton Davis III in March and signed Amik Robertson as a free agent. Robertson spent the past four seasons with Las Vegas.

The Lions also have Emmanuel Moseley and Kindle Vindor at the position. Detroit released former starter Cameron Sutton after he was accused of domestic violence.

The Lions own five more picks heading into the second day of the draft, including the 29th selection in the second round (61st overall).

DETROIT (CBS) -- The Chicago Bears made it official and drafted USC's Caleb Williams first overall on Thursday night in the opening round of the NFL Draft, a move that many hope will finally deliver the team's quarterback of the future.

It's a decision that has been widely seen as a virtual lock, especially after the Bears traded away Justin Fields to the Pittsburgh Steelers for a sixth-round pick after three frustrating years in Chicago. It's just the fourth time the Bears have drafted a Heisman Trophy winner.

Williams has drawn comparisons to Kansas City Chiefs star Patrick Mahomes due to his ability to make all sorts of throws at a myriad of angles.

"He's a good decisionmaker overall," said Charles Davis, a CBS NFL Analyst. "That Notre Dame game, I think, was an aberration this year, but boy, accurate with the football, goes in the right places. There's just a maturity about him on the field."

Williams said he has been working to this moment, and waiting on this moment for a dozen years. CBS 2 asked an emotional Williams if this night could have gone any better for him.

"I didn't think that I was going to drop any tears, and I definitely didn't think that I was going to be roaring and yelling. Unless it's game day, I tend to keep it very mellow; very chill, and so all of that came out of nowhere – pure raw emotion about the moment," he said.

Williams is well aware of the significance of being the first No. 1 Bears draft pick fan in 77 years, and what the Bears fan base been through. But he is not consumed by pressure.

"I'm ready. I don't think the pressure's a thing as long as I prepare the way that I need to - you know, mentally, physically and spiritually preparing the way that I need to on and off the field," he said. "I've been the same guy every day when I walk into the facility, or I walk out. And so if I control the controllables, and do my job, we're going to go out there and win a lot of games and have a lot of fun."

Williams won the Heisman Trophy as a sophomore at USC in 2022 when he passed for more than 4,500 yards and 42 touchdowns, rushing for another 10 touchdowns. While the 6-foot-1, 216-pound Williams had what many considered a down year in 2023, he still finished his career with a 66.9% completion percentage.

The last time the Bears chose a player first overall in the college player draft was 1947, when the team took Oklahoma A&M halfback Bob Fenimore. He played just one NFL season, appearing in 10 games for the Bears, before returning to Oklahoma to work for an insurance company.

Bears pick WR Rome Odunze at No. 9

Just a few picks later, the Bears added to the offense around Williams by picking Washington wide receiver Rome Odunze at No. 9 overall.

Several mock drafts predicted the Bears would pick Odunze to add to the receiving group that includes DJ Moore and Keenan Allen.

At Washington, Odunze earned First-Team AP All-American and First-Team All-PAC 12 honors and was a finalist for the Biletnikoff Award for the nation's top wide receiver. In 2023, he led the nation with 1,640 receiving yards, a school record.

The 6-foot-3, 215-pound wideout ran a 4.45 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine. Scouts have pegged him as flashing superior ball skills and body control in the air. He's even drawn comparisons, especially with his large frame and catching ability, to NFL legend Larry Fitzgerald and former Bears wideout Allen Robinson.

After the first round, the Bears won't be picking again until the third round at pick No. 75 and then pick No. 122 in the fourth round. General manager Ryan Poles said he's OK with only having four picks entering this draft because he feels the Bears have a roster that doesn't have a lot of holes.

Other draft news and notes

Michigan quarterback and Nazareth Academy alum J.J. McCarthy was taken 10th overall by the Minnesota Vikings.

McCarthy led the Wolverines to an undefeated season that ended with a national championship with a 34-13 win over the Washington Huskies. He finished his career in Ann Arbor with a 27-1 record as a starter.

McCarthy's championship experience didn't start at Michigan. He made three state championship appearances at Nazareth Academy in La Grange Park and won the IHSA Class 7A title as a sophomore in 2018. He finished up his high school career in Florida at IMG Academy.

His former coaches have praised his abilities and potential to succeed at the next level.

"He's just so mature – I mean, you saw like, he does his mental focus and all the things that he does before the game. I mean, he reads books on Navy SEALs and meditation," said Greg Holcomb, McCarthy's longtime personal quarterbacks coach. "I think he is the best quarterback to come through Michigan, and I think you know, he's got a ton of potential in front of him."

(CBS DETROIT) - Michigan football quarterback J.J. McCarthy is starting his NFL career with the Minnesota Vikings after being selected No. 10 in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft.

McCarthy, who spent three seasons with the Wolverines, completed his college career with a championship win under former coach Jim Harbaugh, who is now head coach of the Los Angeles Chargers.

"That's where he wanted to go. That's where he had his heart set. I'm just so happy for him," said Harbaugh. "I love him like a son. I was praying and pulling for it to work out the way he wanted it to work out, and the stars aligned. Minnesota got themselves a great player."

He was widely seen as the most pro-ready of all the prospects, thanks to his combination of leadership, intelligence and toughness. Still, there's no guarantee the Vikings got the right guy, given the track record across the NFL of success by first-round quarterbacks is essentially a coin-flip proposition.

Minnesota selected the 21-year-old after a trade between the Vikings and the New York Jets pushed the team from the No. 11 overall spot to No. 10.

"His ball placement and timing need to improve to help mitigate an average operation time due to a windup release," according to McCarthy's NFL profile. "McCarthy doesn't seek to play out of structure but is fairly consistent at making positive plays when it happens and ramps up his focus late in games and on third downs. He is confident and seems to have the ability to take slights and digest it as competitive fuel."  

McCarthy is the first player from Michigan selected in the 2024 draft and the fifth quarterback in the first round. He is the first quarterback selected in the first round by the Vikings since Teddy Bridgewater in 2014.

The NFL draft gives players a chance to flaunt their style and many took advantage with custom-made suits.

A few hours before Quinyon Mitchell hit the red carpet Thursday in the shadow of the Fox Theatre, the former Toledo cornerback was getting his fit right.

Mitchell led two Baynes Baker representatives and a personal shopper to his Detroit hotel room, where he tried on his custom-made black silk tuxedo with his name embroidered on the inside of the jacket.

After slipping on his Prada shoes, Mitchell invited his family to come up to his room for their feedback, which was overwhelmingly positive.

"I want to look good," Mitchell told The Associated Press with a laugh when asked about how he landed on the look.

Baynes Baker co-founder Ravi Punn fitted Mitchell and also created a suit for Drake Maye that the former North Carolina quarterback plans to wear Friday.

Punn said Mitchell's look exudes confidence.

"It fits great," said Punn, who works with Ethan Weisman of Pantheon Limited to design suits and fits for players. "Everybody's going to be complimenting him all night. That just adds to everything."

Mitchell and Maye were among the 13 first-round prospects to accept invitations to attend the draft. All of them had a chance to walk the red carpet along Woodward Avenue, just up the street from the site of the draft at Campus Martius Park, a few hours before the first pick was announced.

J.J. McCarthy was not a part of the festivities in the Motor City, but still had Alo Yoga make a custom charcoal gray suit.

A day before the draft, Caleb Williams was not very forthcoming about his look. Williams would only reveal he would be wearing black boots.

"I just finished my suit alterations and everything," Williams said. "I did a couple fittings. I did a couple drawings and things like that."

Maye, meanwhile, did acknowledge his khaki suit with North Carolina blue accents was exactly what he was looking for.

"I keep it simple with my suit," he said. "I wear something North Carolina — represent — just because I love that school."

Quarterback discussions always dominate spring football, never more than this year in the Big Ten with transfers coming and going and only a handful of starters returning.

Just four of the 14 teams — and two of the four from the Pac-12 that join the conference in August — appear set at the position.

Defending national champion Michigan will go into preseason practice with a three-man competition to replace J.J. McCarthy. Alex Orji and Davis Warren were the starters in the spring game last Saturday. Jack Tuttle, granted a seventh year of eligibility, missed the spring while recovering from an injury.

"He'll be in it," first-year coach Sherrone Moore said. "We talked about this as a team, as a staff — the dudes that he backed up are Michael Penix (at Indiana) and J.J. McCarthy. So he's got talent and we'll see what happens when he gets in fall camp."

Kansas State transfer Will Howard and Devin Brown are the front-runners to take over at Ohio State for Kyle McCord, who transferred to Syracuse.

Iowa and Northwestern face major challenges. The Hawkeyes' Cade McNamara continues to recover from a knee injury and was extremely limited in the spring, and the man who replaced him in October, Deacon Hill, entered the transfer portal Monday. The Wildcats also took a hit when 2023 starter Brendan Sullivan entered the portal on the same day.

At Michigan State, the assumption was that Aidan Chiles would be the guy when he transferred from Oregon State, the previous stop for first-year Spartans coach Jonathan Smith. But North Dakota transfer Tommy Schuster was sharp in the spring game and is making a push.

Maryland will decide between North Carolina State transfer MJ Morris and Billy Edwards Jr., who was the backup to the prolific Taulia Tagovailoa. Rutgers' battle is between 2023 starter Gavin Wimsatt and Minnesota transfer Athan Kaliakmanis, who played for offensive coordinator Kirk Ciarrocca when Ciarrocca held same job with the Gophers.

Tyler Van Dyke, who started 28 games for Miami, and Braedyn Locke are dueling at Wisconsin. At Indiana, first-year coach Curt Cignetti will decide between Ohio transfer Kurtis Rourke and Tayven Jackson.

Nebraska coach Matt Rhule said he won't name a starter until the fall, but it would be a major surprise if it's not five-star freshman Dylan Raiola. He was the top national recruit among quarterbacks and has had a solid spring. Heinrich Haarberg is back, but the Cornhuskers put up the program's worst offensive numbers since the 1960s under his direction.

Illinois (Luke Altmyer), Minnesota (New Hampshire transfer Max Brosmer), Penn State (Drew Allar) and Purdue (Hudson Card) have their quarterback situations settled.

Notable moves in the transfer portal:

WR Jahmal Banks (Wake Forest to Nebraska), LB Jaishawn Barham (Maryland to Michigan), Brosmer (New Hampshire to Minnesota), Chiles (Oregon State to Michigan State), Julian Fleming (Ohio State to Penn State), Hill (Iowa to TBD), Howard (Kansas State to Ohio State), RB Quinshon Judkins (Mississippi to Ohio State), Kaliakmanis (Minnesota to Rutgers), WR KeAndre Lambert-Smith (Penn State to Auburn), RB Reggie Love (Illinois to Purdue), McCord (Ohio State to Syracuse), C Seth McLaughlin (Alabama to Ohio State), WR Tanner Miller (Oregon State to Michigan State), OL Kadyn Proctor (Iowa to Alabama), DE Nic Scourton (Purdue to Texas A&M), Sullivan (Northwestern to TBD), Chip Trayanum (Ohio State to Kentucky), TE Cael Vanderbush (Iowa to TBD).

The most significant injury of the spring was to Michigan S Rod Moore, who tore his ACL in practice March 25. He has started 27 games and made a late interception to seal the Wolverines' win over Ohio State in November. ... Iowa tight end Luke Lachey was full-go in spring and looked good, offensive coordinator Tim Lester said. Lachey, one of the top offensive players in the conference, broke his ankle in the third game and missed the rest of the season. ... RBs Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen didn't play in Penn State's spring game because of what coach James Franklin called "bumps and bruises." ... RB Kyle Monangai and CB Robert Longerbeam missed the last week of Rutgers' spring practice with minor injuries. ... Wisconsin LB Aaron Witt will be out until fall after suffering an upper-body injury last week.

Minnesota once again will open with a Thursday night game, hosting North Carolina on Aug. 29. Eastern Illinois also visits Illinois that night.

Aug. 31: Fresno State at Michigan; Akron at Ohio State; Penn State at West Virginia; UConn at Maryland; Howard at Rutgers; Florida Atlantic at Michigan State; FIorida International at Indiana; Illinois State at Iowa; UTEP at Nebraska; Miami (Ohio) at Northwestern; Western Michigan at Wisconsin; Indiana State at Purdue.

Openers for Pac-12 teams entering the Big Ten, on Aug. 31: UCLA at Hawaii; Idaho at Oregon; Weber State at Washington. Sept. 1: Southern California vs. LSU, at Las Vegas.

(CBS DETROIT) — One of the biggest events in the NFL year kicked off Thursday in downtown Detroit. Aside from community events happening in the area, many people are here to see who the teams will select in the 2024 NFL Draft.

The Detroit Lions, who finished their 2023 season with a 12-5 record, selected Alabama cornerback Terrion Arnold with the 24th overall pick in the first found Thursday. 

GUIDE: What fans should know about NFL Draft registration in Detroit, security, road closures and more

Here's what to know about this year's draft and the Lions' picks:

When will the NFL Draft start?

The 2024 NFL Draft is a three-day event scheduled from Thursday through Saturday. 

Round 1 began at 8 p.m. on Thursday. The second day of the draft will begin at 7 p.m. on Friday and include the second and third rounds. The final four rounds will close out the final day of the draft, beginning at noon Saturday.

According to the NFL, there are a total of seven rounds in the draft, and each of the 32 teams is given a pick for every round. However, the teams have the option to trade their picks before and during the draft.

Each team has 10 minutes to make their selection in the first round, seven minutes for the second round, five minutes for the third, fourth, fifth and sixth rounds, and just four minutes for the seventh round.

MORE: Detroit Lions unveil 2024 modern uniforms, including black alternate

What is the Lions' 2024 pick order?

The Detroit Lions will have one pick in the first, second, fifth and seventh rounds and two picks in the sixth round. The team received a pick in the third round from Minnesota after the T.J. Hockenson trade. As a result of the trade, Detroit does not have a pick in the fourth round.

A LOOK BACK: Detroit Lions' newest players following 2023 NFL Draft

The Lions also traded their regular third-round pick to Tampa Bay thanks to the Carlton Davis trade and, in exchange, received a second sixth-round pick.

In a quick turn of events, the Detroit Lions traded their No. 29 pick in the first round to obtain the 24th pick from the Dallas Cowboys. In exchange, the Lions gave up their third-round pick (73rd overall) in the 2024 draft and obtained a seventh-round pick in the 2025 draft.

Here is the Lions draft schedule:

Thursday, April 25

• Round 1: Pick 24 (trade with Cowboys)

Friday, April 26

• Round 2: Pick 29 (No. 61 overall)

Saturday, April 27

• Round 5: Pick 29 (No. 164 overall)
• Round 6: Pick 25 (No. 201 overall from the Buccaneers)
• Round 6: Pick 29 (No. 205 overall)
• Round 7: Pick 29 (No. 249 overall)

How are draft picks decided?

The picks are given based on success from the most recent season, starting with the team with the worst record. The first 32 picks are based on whether the team made it to the playoffs.

Teams that didn't advance are given overall pick Nos. 1 through 20. The teams that went on to the playoffs will get overall picks 21-32, based on where they finished in the playoffs.

The two teams that lost in the conference championship round will get picks 29 and 30. Thus, the Lions received the No. 29 pick because they lost in the NFC Championship. 

Some teams may also receive a compensatory pick, which goes to teams that lost free agents. This year, the Lions did not receive a compensatory pick.

(CBS DETROIT) - As the 2024 NFL Draft inches closer, Detroit Lions fans are in for a treat.

The 5,400-square-foot Lions fan experience at Hart Plaza is bringing Ford Field to the heart of the NFL footprint to get fans pumped for the draft as well as the upcoming football season.

"I'm ecstatic. This has been a labor of love," said Emily Griffin, Detroit Lions Senior Vice President of Marketing and Brand. "We have the best fans in the NFL. We know that they're so excited and so proud to see their city on the grand stage and see the football universe converge here, and so if we can give them an awesome time in here, it will be a success, and we're looking forward to it."

As fans walk in, they will be introduced like Lions football players on game days on Sundays.

Photo opportunities surround the experience, and there are even interactive games for fans to play. There is even a Dan Campbell Zoltar machine that reads your fortune.

Fans will also get an up-close and personal glimpse at the team's new uniforms, unveiled last week, as well as a friendly visit from former Lions players and Detroit Lions cheerleaders.

"Over three days, we expect over 20,000 fans to come to downtown Detroit and to give them an opportunity to feel what it's like to be at the stadium on game day when they may not be able to," Griffin said. 

This Detroit Lions fan experience is free for everyone. Fans can register or download the NFL OnePass app. 

The event runs Thursday and Friday from noon to 10 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

(CBS DETROIT) – Businesses in Corktown are gearing up to welcome visitors during the NFL Draft that kicks off at noon on Thursday.

Many of the events taking place at the Corner Ballpark during the three-day event will be for kids, but go down Michigan Avenue, and there will be plenty for the adults to do. 

"If you want all the action but a little bit less chaos, Corktown is the place to come," said Bob Roberts, co-owner of McShane's Irish Pub and president of the Corktown Business Association.

When the Corktown Business Association first learned the NFL Draft was going to happen less than a mile away, they all pitched in to put up six tents for watch parties along Michigan Avenue    

"We're pretty confident that in three days, we'll do a month's worth of sales," Roberts said. 

Those coming to Corktown can park in one of the 1,500 spots at the garage on Church and Trumbull streets, caddy-corner from McShane's Irish Pub.

The Corktown Business Association is providing a free shuttle between the tents to Michigan and Cass.

Down the street at Nemo's, they're bracing for a surge. 

"We don't know what to expect because when we have, like St. Patrick's Day or Opening Day, we know what to expect. We know. But this is so big that we don't really know. But we're ready," said Sandy Simmons, Manager at Nemo's.

Small businesses along the corridor are planning to take advantage of all the foot traffic. 

At Detroit Dye House, they've been filling the store with Honolulu blue.

"We've never been a sports company, but it's starting to evolve into that, and it's been really fun because of the NFL coming here," said Alexandra Chevillet, co-owner of Detroit Dye House.

During the three-day event, Chevillet will set up a dye walk-up station outside the store where you can design your own pair of socks. If you do an extra pair, they'll donate it to one of the city's homeless shelters. 

"What we do is we get to make art for a living, and the fact that we get to share with the community is incredible. So we're really looking forward to people coming and getting to feel that feeling for just a brief moment and have it be lasting until they leave, and then they're talking about it, and they have to come back and visit," Chevillet said. 

The feeling is mutual at "All Things Marketplace," where owner Jennyer Crawford-Williams is hosting a block party so other small businesses can get exposure 

"It's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for small businesses to shine to all of these people coming in from out of town. So it means a lot to me and all of the small businesses that we represent because we want to give a very good representation and just show everyone how great we are," Crawford-Williams said. 

Shuttle stops:

• Rosa Parks Transit Center: 1310 Cass Ave. (Dropoff point for the draft)
• Lager House: 1254 Michigan Ave.
• Nemo's Bar: 1384 Michigan Ave.
• McShane's Irish and Whiskey Pub: 1460 Michigan Ave.
• Bobcat Bonnie's: 1800 Michigan Ave.
• Gaelic League Irish American Club: 2068 Michigan Ave.
• Mercury Burger & Bar: 2163 Michigan Ave.
• Cork & Gabel: 2415 Michigan Ave.
• Batch Brewing Company: 1400 Porter St.

Interactive Map: https://www.corktowndetroit.biz/corktown-nfl-draft

Viewing tents with TVs:

• McShane's Irish and Whiskey Pub: 1460 Michigan Ave.
• Nemo's Bar: 1384 Michigan Ave.
• Mercury Burger & Bar: 2163 Michigan Ave.
• Bobcat Bonnie's: 1800 Michigan Ave.
• Lager House:1254 Michigan Ave.
• Gaelic League Irish American Club: 2068 Michigan Ave.

For more information and specials, visit the Corktown Business Association website.

(CBS DETROIT) - The NFL Draft is expected to bring thousands of visitors to Detroit this weekend, and the Detroit Police Department has put together a plan for if children get separated from their parents or guardians during the event.

What to do if children get lost during NFL Draft

If a child gets lost, people should report it to an NFL Draft employee, a police officer, or the nearest Fan Services tent.

Here's a list of where the Fan Services tents will be located: 

• Inside Entry 1 on Jefferson Avenue
• Near the NFL Shop at Woodward and Michigan Avenues
• Inside Entry 3 near the Super Bowl rings display
• At Draft Theater Services on Farmer Street

Registration, security and more for NFL Draft 

If you're heading to Detroit for the NFL Draft, be sure to check out how to register to attend the event, the security procedures, what items are prohibited and more to be prepared. 

Transportation for NFL Draft

Due to all the road closures in effect for the draft, the city released different transportation options for visitors to get around the city this weekend. 

Options include park-and-ride shuttles, the Detroit People Mover, and the QLINE.

(CBS DETROIT) - The NFL Draft is expected to bring thousands of visitors to Detroit this weekend, and while it's the main event, there are plenty of other things the city has to offer. 

So, if you're looking for something to do outside of the draft, here's a list: 

Visit Belle Isle

Belle Isle is a 982-acre island in the Detroit River. Since 2014, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources has operated Belle Isle as a state park as part of a 30-year lease with the city of Detroit. 

Visitors can check out the Belle Isle Aquarium, Belle Isle Nature Center, Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory and the Dossin Great Lakes Museum. 

It's also a great place to walk around and take in the city, as it provides a great view of the Detroit skyline. 

Take a ride on the Detroit People Mover

If you're staying in downtown Detroit for the draft, you can probably walk to the events, but taking a ride on the Detroit People Mover is still a fun experience. 

The Detroit People Mover operates in a one-way, nearly 3-mile loop in downtown Detroit. From 7 a.m. on Thursday, April 25, through midnight on Sunday, April 28, the People Mover will operate 24 hours a day. 

It will be free to ride, and the stations closest to NFL Draft entry locations are the Financial District and Millender Center stops. 

Grab a slice (or a pie) of Detroit-style pizza

While Detroit-style pizza can be found across the country, it only makes sense to try the square-shaped pizza in its birthplace. 

The pizza, known for its crusty, cheesy corners, originated in 1946 at Buddy's Rendezvous Pizzeria on Six Mile in Detroit. 

There is a Buddy's location at 1565 Broadway St. in downtown Detroit. There are several places to get Detroit-style pizza in the city, though, including Michigan & Trumbull, Pie Sci and Grandma Bob's. Two other places outside of the city but still in Metro Detroit, known for having good Detroit-style pizza, are Green Lantern in Madison Heights and Loui's Pizza in Hazel Park. 

And just to add in one more place, because Detroit's thriving pizza scene provides many options for recommendations, check out Supino Pizzeria for New York-style pizza if that's more your vibe. You can visit Supino's Eastern Market location for take-out or dine-in at its New Center location. 

Coney dogs and Coney Islands

While we're on the topic of food, if you're visiting Detroit, you might want to stop at a coney island to grab a bite to eat. There are several staples in and around the city, including Kerby's, Leo's, National, Grandy's, and more, that serve a variety of foods, such as breakfast items, Greek salads, pita wraps, sandwiches and saganaki, and are open early and late, with some open 24/7. 

Coney Islands also serve coney dogs, and if you're in Detroit for the draft, you can grab one at American or Lafayette (or both to participate in the longtime debate over which Coney Island serves a better coney dog). 

Detroit Institute of Arts 

The Detroit Institute of Arts, or DIA, is a museum located in the Midtown neighborhood of Detroit. Its collection is among the top six across the country, with more than 65,000 pieces of work. 

Last month, the DIA was named the best art museum in the United States in USA Today's 10Best Readers' Choice Awards.

Motown Museum

The Motown Museum is where Berry Gordy started Motown Records in 1959. The museum is located in the original headquarters and recording studio for Motown Records and has a variety of artifacts, including photos, costumes and more.

Visit the museum's website for all the specific information on admission prices and hours. 

Where to dance the night away 

If you're looking to get some dancing in while you're in town for the draft, Detroit has plenty of options for you. Detroit is also known as the birthplace of techno music, and you can find tributes to its origin throughout the city.

On Friday, the Saunderson Brothers, the sons of Detroit techno and house pioneer Kevin Saunderson, will have a show at Big Pink. 

Marble Bar is also hosting a 12-hour party on Saturday, April 27, with a lineup of artists, including Shigeto, a Detroit favorite. Other popular spots for dancing include Spot Lite, TV Lounge, Temple Bar and SpkrBox. 

NFL Draft Details 

While you're having fun checking out all that the city has to offer, be sure to check out our list of important information to know for the NFL Draft. It includes information about registration, security procedures, road closures, transportation and more! 

(CBS DETROIT) — On the eve of the 2024 NFL Draft, the Detroit Lions and wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown have agreed to a four-year, $120 million contract extension. 

Details of the extension were first reported by NFL Network's Ian Rapoport and confirmed by CBS Sports Lead NFL Insider Jonathan Jones. The deal calls for St. Brown to be guaranteed $77 million, making him the NFL's highest-paid wide receiver. 

St. Brown was a fourth-round pick out of USC in the 2021 NFL Draft and is a two-time Pro Bowler (2022, 2023) who helped lead the Lions to the NFC North Division title and a spot in the NFC Championship game last season. In 16 regular-season games in 2023, St. Brown totaled 1,515 yards and 10 touchdowns on a career-high 119 catches. In the playoffs, the 24-year-old tallied 274 yards and a score on 22 catches in three games. 

Through three seasons in Detroit, St. Brown has established himself as quarterback Jared Goff's favorite target. In 49 career games, the 2023 First Team All-Pro has amassed 3,588 yards and 21 touchdowns on 315 catches. 

The draft will be held in Downtown Detroit Thursday through Saturday. CBS News Detroit has a guide to everything you need to know about road closures, transportation options for getting around the city, concerts and more.

(CBS DETROIT) - The wait is over for football fans and Detroiters; the 2024 NFL Draft is here and is ready to welcome thousands of visitors to the Motor City. 

The draft will be held in Downtown Detroit from April 25 to April 27. Here's everything you need to know about road closures, transportation options for getting around the city, concerts and more.

How to register for the NFL Draft 

Entry to the NFL Draft is free, but fans must register by downloading the NFL OnePass app or visiting the Draft Access website. 

All adults must register, and they can also register up to five children. People who don't have a smartphone will be able to register on-site with Fan Services staff members. 

Prohibited items for NFL Draft

The following items are prohibited from being brought into the NFL Draft in Detroit.

• Firearms, weapons, knives, and explosives
• Alcohol
• Beach balls or inflatable devices (balloons)
• Footballs
• Chairs, stools, or other seating devices
• Drones
• Fireworks, pyrotechnics of any kind
• Frisbees
• Illegal substances
• Laser pointers
• Motorized scooters and skateboards
• Noisemakers, whistles, and horns
• Poles, sticks, missile-like objects of any kind
• Tripods
• Umbrellas
• Bottles, cans, thermoses, coolers, aerosol cans, cups, and beverage containers of any kind, unless purchased at an NFL venue or an empty, reusable water bottle
• Offensive, obscene, threatening, abusive, or discriminatory clothing, banners, flags or signs, including the use of language or gestures concerning: A person's race, ethnicity, color, gender, religion, creed, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, expression of national origin (this includes headdresses and face paint styled in a way that references or appropriates American Indian cultures and traditions). Intended to instigate, incite, or encourage a confrontation or physical assault
• Any non-event related banners, flags or signs
• Any banners, flags or signs larger than 22" x 28", however no banner, flag or sign may block the view of other patrons
• Any other item deemed inappropriate or unsafe by the NFL or Detroit Police Department

What can I bring with me to the NFL Draft? 

Prohibited items that are prohibited cannot be checked or stored with the NFL or Detroit police. Strollers and associated bags are permitted but will be subject to physical and visual inspections. 

Fans can also bring in small cameras, binoculars and empty reusable water bottles. There will be water refill stations at the event. 

Clear bag policy for NFL Draft

The following are guidelines for clear bags that are approved to be brought into the NFL Draft:

• Bags that are clear plastic, vinyl or PVC and do not exceed 12" x 6" x 12" or 30.5 x 15.25 x 30.5 cm. (This includes clear
• backpacks, clear fanny packs and clear cinch bags that fit within the permissible dimensions.)
• No buckles, grommets/hardware or décor can be concealing any part of the bag
• One-gallon clear plastic freezer bag
• Logo can only be on one side of the bag
• Small, non-clear bags that do not exceed 4.5" x 6.5" in size, with or without a handle or strap can be taken into the NFL Draft with a clear plastic bag

If a bag does not fall within these guidelines, it cannot enter the NFL Draft. 

Road closures in Detroit for NFL Draft 

Several road closures are in effect in Detroit for the NFL Draft. The city announced the closures in five phases. The most recent closures that were announced began at midnight on April 24 and include the following: 

• Montcalm from Park Avenue to Woodward Avenue
• Woodward from the Fisher Service Drive to Larned
• John R from Farmer to Woodward
• Clifford from Woodward to Griswold
• Grand River from Griswold to Farmer
• Beaubien from Lafayette to Macomb
• Monroe from Brush to St. Antoine
• Jefferson from Randolph to M-10/Washington Blvd. (including access to Ford Underground garage)
• Adams from Park to Witherell
• Park/Witherell at Woodward (the South end of Grand Circus Park)
• WB Madison from John R to Witherell
• NB Washington from John R to Park

These closures will last until 6 a.m. on Sunday, April 28. 

In addition, the following closures will begin on Thursday, April 25, and end at 6 a.m. on Sunday, April 28:

• State/Gratiot from Griswold to Library
• Farmer from Monroe to Gratiot
• Griswold from Jefferson to Michigan
• SB Washington from Larned to the circle in front of Huntington Place
• Randolph from Jefferson to Fort
• Brush from Fort to Monroe
• Lafayette from Beaubien to Brush
• Congress from Brush to Woodward
• Larned from Woodward to Brush Street

At 1:10 p.m. on Friday, the Tigers will take on the Kansas City Royals at Comerica Park, so the city will reopen the following streets at 6 a.m. on Friday, April 26, to accommodate: 

• Montcalm from Park Avenue to Woodward Avenue
• Woodward Avenue from Adams Street to Montcalm Street
• Adams Street from Park Avenue to Witherell Street

These are just the closures that were announced most recently, so here's where you can find more information on all the previous closures: 

READ: Phase 1 and Phase 2 road closures in Detroit for NFL Draft

READ: City of Detroit enters Phase 3 of road closures ahead of 2024 NFL Draft

READ: 8 more Detroit road closures begin in Phase 4 of road closures ahead of NFL Draft

Transportation options for 2024 NFL Draft 

As several road closures are in effect for the draft, details about how to get around the city were released. This includes information on how to travel using the QLINE, the People Mover, fan shuttles and more. 

Concerts during NFL Draft

As part of the NFL Draft, fans will be able to attend free concerts. Detroit native Big Sean will kick off the concerts at 6:15 p.m. on Thursday, April 25. 

Michigan native Bazzi and the Detroit Youth Choir will also perform during the draft weekend. 

Stay with CBS Detroit for all the latest news on the 2024 NFL Draft.

OAKLAND COUNTY, Mich. (CBS DETROIT) - A Metro Detroit football coach is pushing past his pain to pursue his purpose of helping others.

Coach Reggie "Boobie" Wynns is the founder of Rising Stars, a supplemental football program dedicated to making young athletes better players while preparing them for the rigorous world of college sports recruiting.

"I just [have] the passion for coaching and mentoring young men," Wynns said.

It's something Wynns started doing while playing football at Northwood University. Wynns said he would come home during his free time and help train high school players. The loss of his son in 2015 further ignited his passion.

"We [were] at football practice in Southfield, and I get a call from a police officer," Wynns said. "[He asked], 'Do you have a son named Eric?'"

The officer then instructed Wynns to go to Hutzel Hospital in Flint because his son, Eric Wynns, had crashed his car.

When Wynns and his wife arrived, they learned their 24-year-old son had fallen asleep at the wheel. Eric played receiver at Saginaw Valley State University. 

"He died probably an hour before we got to the hospital," Wynns said.

Although Eric didn't survive the impact of the crash, Wynns contends football saved his life more than once. Now, he's on a mission to save the lives of others.

"It's about saving souls," he said.

Wynns's affinity for the game is evident in the way he mentors each of his players. So, CBS News Detroit thought it only fitting to catch up with one of his former players, especially since it's NFL Draft week in Detroit and Wynns knows a little something about playing in the league.

"[Coach Wynns] was monumental," said Jonas Gray, a Pontiac native and former NFL running back. "A lot of times we always say, 'It's now how you get there; it's how you perform when you get there.'

"[I had] the opportunity to win a Super Bowl in 2013 with the New England Patriots; [I also] had my name on the front cover of Sports Illustrated; [I] did a lot of really cool things in my career."

Gray says that although playing professional football isn't guaranteed, remembering those who've helped you further your career is. He thanks Coach Wynns for his dedication to the game and for helping young men like him go after their dreams. 

The NFL draft has taken the show on the road for a decade, giving cities around the country a chance to be in the spotlight.

Now Detroit is on the clock.

The Motor City, which was once one of the nation's largest and most powerful cities, has bounced back from filing for bankruptcy in 2013.

Fans driving and flying into town from the league's other 31 teams will see signs of progress from the symbolic to the significant.

DETROIT is spelled out, each letter standing 10 feet off an embankment alongside a freeway between the airport and downtown, in an art installation that made its debut earlier this month.

A few miles away, the long-abandoned Michigan Central Station has undergone a renovation funded by Ford Motor Co. to transform the 18-story, 113-year-old train depot from an eyesore into a gem.

In the heart of downtown, where the NFL draft will begin Thursday night, a 685-foot-high tower represents the largest construction project in the city in more than a half-century as it rises from the site of the former Hudson's department store.

READ: Transforming Hart Plaza into the ultimate fan experience during 2024 NFL Draft in Detroit

With more than 50 million viewers and an expected 400,000 visitors over the three-day event, there will be a chance to change the conversation about the city.

Bringing the NFL Draft to Detroit

Lions President Rod Wood pitched the city as a draft destination in 2016 and teamed up with the Detroit Sports Commission a year later to submit the formal bid to land the NFL's annual event that gives fans from each team a jolt of hope.

The Lions and the local sports commission also partnered with Visit Detroit, Dan Gilbert's real-estate company, Bedrock, and the Detroit Police Department to make the most of the opportunity.

"The draft here in Detroit is going to make a big step for us in making that old image go away and people having the new image of the city," Gilbert told The Associated Press. "We're going to be able to showcase Detroit like never before."

That's part of the NFL's plan, and it has led to 20-plus cities vying for a future draft. Green Bay will host next year's draft.

READ: Detroiters welcome visitors to the city for 2024 NFL Draft

After the league had its last draft in New York a decade ago, it envisioned giving cities — particularly those in colder climates that may not host a future Super Bowl — a chance to have a signature event that would have a lot of benefits, including an economic impact.

Chicago was the first tour stop in 2015 and it generated $81 million for the community. Kansas City had it last year, sparking $164 million in economic impact.

"Another opportunity for our franchise and our city and just for the world to kind of migrate to downtown Detroit," said Lions general manager Brad Holmes, who has turned around a franchise that is coming off its best season since winning the 1957 NFL title. "I expect it to be pretty packed. I'm excited for all the businesses."

Detroit's draft is expected to bring in at least $160 million, giving small businesses a boost from fans flocking in and around Campus Martius Park.

Detroit businesses gear up for visitors

One longtime business is looking forward to more than just an increase in foot traffic.

Lauren Stovall, the business lead at Hot Sam's, and two others representing the 103-year-old men's clothing store and tailor shop will be onstage during the draft's final day on Saturday.

"There's a perception of Detroit that comes from people who actually have not been here," Stovall said. "What's so great is when people actually come to Detroit, they are blown away, because Detroit is not what they might have thought."

There are new hotels, high-end and trendy restaurants and bars along with a skyscraper nearing completion. Challenges continue to exist in some neighborhoods as the city continues to demolish abandoned houses, including more than 25,000 over the past 10 years. Crime has been trending down and homicides are the lowest since 1966.

READ: Michigan company has been the top pick to quickly personalize draftees' new NFL jerseys

"We're not going to lose our balance patting ourselves on the back," Detroit Police Chief James White said.

Hundreds of uniformed and plainclothes officers from Detroit, county, state and federal agencies will patrol the greater downtown area. White said all the city's police officers would work shifts during the draft, some downtown, others in neighborhoods.

Bomb-sniffing dogs and other K-9 teams will be flown into Detroit by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, which also has pledged to have its tactical team on standby. Intelligence agents are monitoring social media for any threats.

Mayor Mike Duggan devoted some time during his annual State of the City address Wednesday to talk about the importance of the draft turning a lot of eyes on Detroit. Visitors for the draft are "going to see a very different city," the mayor promised.

"We have a chance to reintroduce Detroit to America," Duggan said.

Employees of the company tasked each year with rapidly personalizing jerseys for each first-round NFL draft pick as they are announced don't need to travel very far for this year's player selections in Detroit.

STAHLS' headquarters in St. Clair Shores, Michigan, sits 17 miles from the stage where NFL commissioner Roger Goodell will inform players — and the world — that they have been selected by an NFL franchise.

"The draft coming back to Detroit is extra special for us," said Brent Kisha, the company's vice president of strategic sales.

The STAHLS' team has under two minutes, from the moment each pick is made until Goodell greets him, to personalize the jerseys backstage in the Nike jersey room at the NFL Draft Theater.

READ: Detroiters welcome visitors to the city for 2024 NFL Draft

The draft gets underway Thursday at Campus Martius Park downtown. It marks the 13th year the apparel decoration technology, software and equipment manufacturer has worked behind the scenes at the draft.

STAHLS' took on heat-pressing duties in 2012, quickly affixing top pick Andrew Luck's surname to an Indianapolis Colts jersey in New York. Since then, the company's team has traveled to drafts held in Chicago, Philadelphia, Dallas, Nashville, Cleveland, Las Vegas, Kansas City and now its hometown.

"Historically, the jerseys only had a 'No. 1,' so putting a person's name on it was like magic to the fans," Kisha said Monday. "'Wow, this pick comes in, and we have literally less than two minutes to put the name on the back of the jersey. How do you do it?'

"The heat press is the secret sauce that enables us to be able to react to the actual pick itself," he said.

READ: Trained birds hired to take on downtown poop ahead of NFL Draft in Detroit

That "secret sauce" is a Hotronix Fusion IQ heat press, a machine that features a high-resolution touchscreen controller and is used by custom apparel businesses.

STAHLS' personalizes two jerseys for each draft pick, including one handed to the player onstage and another that is used as part of his rookie playing card pack.

STAHLS' creates nameplates for every potential in-person first-round draftee in all 32 NFL teams' fonts and colors. And it will have eight jerseys per team on hand, in case there are day-of trades.

The company was born in the garage of A.C. Stahl and his wife, Ethel, in 1932. Initially known as Commercial Art Products, STAHLS' now is a licensee and supplier to the NFL, NBA, NHL and MLB. The privately held company has about 1,000 employees in North America, most of whom are based in Michigan.

Four, including Kisha, will be on name-affixing duty come Thursday.

"It sounds like, 'Oh, man, that's cool.' And it is really cool. I'm very honored that I've been able to do it for Nike and the team for many years," Kisha said. "But every year, in the beginning, until that first jersey goes on the stage, you've got butterflies."

(CBS DETROIT) – Over the next 72 hours, the NFL is unpacking and installing all the equipment fans will enjoy when the gates open at noon on Thursday.

While the NFL Draft is happening at the theater at Campus Martius, there will be things for fans to do up and down Woodward Avenue, culminating in the ultimate fan experience at Hart Plaza.

"We really wanted to celebrate Downtown Detroit," Nicki Ewell, NFL senior director of events, said. "So it's very complicated, very disruptive, but we thought that this program provided the best backdrop for both the tune-in for the viewer at home but also the experience of someone coming in person."

Fans will meet some NFL players as they sign autographs and get an up-close look at the Vince Lombardi trophy and all 57 Super Bowl rings on display. Kids and adults can pose in their favorite team's jersey and even see what the locker room looks like on game day.

There will be plenty of places to grab a bite to eat or a drink; expect to pay what you would at the stadium.

The NFL believes there's a good chance they may hit maximum capacity.

"So we've had unprecedented numbers of fans registering for the event. So it is first come, first serve. But we are also open for three days for a reason. We want to make sure that as many fans as possible can come down. We're open again on Friday from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. And Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., so don't forget to come down on Saturday," Ewell said. 

The events are free, but fans must download the NFL OnePass app or register. 

(CBS DETROIT) - Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has proclaimed April 22 to 28 as NFL Draft week in Michigan.

This comes as Detroit is hosting the 2024 NFL Draft at Campus Martius Park and Hart Plaza at the end of the week.

"Detroit is fired up to host the NFL Draft," said Governor Whitmer. "Our state is home to some of the best stories in football, and the draft will bring fans from across the country to Michigan. It's also an opportunity to uplift the city, support local businesses and workers, and keep telling our story. Let's seize this opportunity to show everyone what Michigan is all about and make this NFL Draft week unforgettable for both residents and visitors." 

The city has been working for over a year to prepare for the draft.

"The NFL Draft is going to do more for our city in terms of economic activity and its national image than any single event in Detroit's history," said Mayor Mike Duggan. "This week, hundreds of thousands of visitors will be staying at our hotels, shopping at our stores, and dining at restaurants across the city. We've been working behind the scenes for more than a year, and now is the time for our city to shine." 

Here are some of the ways the city has been preparing for the draft: 

Road closures in Detroit for NFL Draft

The city has closed roads in several phases to prepare for the draft. The most recent closures began on Saturday, April 20, and include the following closures: 

• Southbound Woodward Avenue from Montcalm and Elizabeth streets
• Southbound Woodward Avenue from State and Larned streets
• Northbound Woodward Avenue from Larned and State streets
• Michigan Avenue from Griswold Street and Woodward Avenue
• Fort Street from Griswold Street and Woodward Avenue
• Congress Street from Griswold Street to Randolph Street
• Larned Street from Griswold Street to just east of Woodward Avenue
• Monroe Street from Randolph Street Brush Street (Closed Sunday at 10 p.m.)

Before that, phase three of road closures began on April 15 and impacted the southbound Lodge exit to Jefferson Avenue.

The following closures will also be in place through Sunday, May 5: 

• Randolph Street between Monroe Street and Fort Street
• Monroe Street between Woodward Avenue and Randolph Street
• Farmer Street between Randolph and Bates (Garage access only)
• Bates Street (no through traffic)
• Northbound Woodward Avenue from Congress Street to State Street
• Eastbound Cadillac Square from Woodward Avenue to Randolph Street
• Westbound Cadillac Square from Randolph Street to Bates Street
• Bates Street from Cadillac Square to East Congress Street

Birds take on poop in Detroit ahead of NFL Draft

Two birds of prey, Cersei and Yahtzee, are taking on poop for the NFL Draft. The birds serve as scarecrows to keep smaller birds from pooping all over the side of buildings. 

Paul Thomas of ScAir Force Falconry said Bedrock contracted them to also be in Detroit for months after the draft.

Big Sean, Bazzi to perform at NFL Draft 

Big Sean, Bazzi, the Detroit Youth Choir and more local artists are scheduled to perform at the NFL Draft. 

All artists will perform at the Draft Theater located in Campus Martius Park. 

Detroit native Big Sean will perform at 6:15 p.m. on Thursday, April 25, before draft selections begin. The other artists will perform on Friday and Saturday.

Stay with CBS Detroit for all of the latest updates on the NFL Draft in Detroit.

(CBS DETROIT) - Wayne State University played host to the 2024 Michigan Masters Swimming State Championship meet over the weekend. 

Teams from across the Motor City and beyond took to the pool lanes of the WSU natatorium.

Some of those teams included the Detroit 100, which included members of the Detroit Fire Department.

They weren't the only ones representing, though. 

Christopher Nunnery is a member of what he says is the largest Black swim team in the state. The Detroit native says even though all eyes are on the NFL Draft coming to Detroit, he knows a sport like swimming brings a different kind of energy to town, with long-lasting benefits in the pool.

"It's a large reward because, with anything, it's not just you swimming while you're swimming; it carries on," said Nunnery. "It goes straight into a life-saving skill. Most swimmers become lifeguards; most lifeguards become firefighters, EMTs, or police officers if they don't go on they own track."

The meet concluded on Sunday.