DETROIT — Sounds like the Detroit Lions are doing everything in their power to be ready for the NFL draft.
In years past, they meant having a thick file on almost every draft-eligible player imaginable. But this year, that also means making sure your digital devices are up and running for the three-day marathon.
Lions general manager Bob Quinn has a plan for if something goes wrong technologically.
Quinn, speaking from his home office, was a guest on ESPN’s “NFL Live” on Tuesday with Wendy Nix and Adam Schefter. He gave the audience a quick tour of his office, which included his draft board (it was turned around, so no secrets were revealed), and his phone which has every other NFL team on speed dial.
But what struck us most is Quinn’s ace in the hole. Or rather, in the driveway.
“We’re going to have an IT specialist here with me. So, he actually is going to rent a mini Winnebago to sit in my driveway. I’m not sure my neighborhood association is going to like that, but that’s life,” Quinn said.
And as Schefter confirmed, the Lions’ director of IT, Steve Lancaster, will be camped outside Quinn’s home for all three days of the draft just in case there’s a problem that the GM can’t solve.
Digitally, that is. Quinn said they went through a final test of all of the equipment necessary for this unprecedented draft and feels comfortable going forward.
Quinn also said one advantage to working for home for the last five weeks now has been seeing his children regularly, and even eating with them. But he said his 12-year-old and 14-year-old understand what “Dad is busy” means.
One other thing Quinn will have to adjust to: draft day meals. The spread, as you may imagine, is top notch for an NFL franchise. But at the Quinn household, the expectations, which seem to have been shifted to Quinn’s wife, have been lowered.
And if you’re wondering, Quinn likes chicken parmesan before Day 1, pizza and/or sliders to celebrate the first pick, macaroni and cheese on Day 2 and junk food on Day 3.
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