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Detroit Lions Stock Piling Draft Picks. What’s the plan?

By Mike Payton

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The Detroit Lions picked up another 2016 draft pick Tuesday evening after trading tight end turned offensive lineman, Michael Williams to the New England Patriots for a seventh round pick.

With this acquisition, the Lions bring their draft pick total to 11. The Lions are in line to receive two or even three compensatory picks in 2016 as well. The Lions are clearly planning for their future as they continue to take the Money Ball approach to building the franchise.

Its clear the Lions want to be like the Green Bay Packers when they grow up. The Packers have notably monopolized the NFL Draft for many years. This method has paid off as the Packers are consistently in the Super Bowl conversation. Still the Lions stock piling draft picks brings up many questions as to what their plans are for these picks. The options are plenty, but a few options stick out the most.

Trade Up

The Lions certainly have trade bait in 2016. With that comes an opportunity to move up in draft for  player they may covet during the scouting process. The Lions can afford to spare multiple picks if the right deal comes along. But would they use this method to move up in the first round?

Stock Pile Players

This is the question with the most obvious answer. The Lions could very well use every pick they have in 2016 on acquiring young depth. This allows the Lions to draft immediate contributors and draft developmental projects. The only problems with this method is it makes narrowing down to a 53 man roster a little bit harder and the Lions would risk a draft pick not clearing waivers or getting signed off the practice squad.

Trade Down

The Lions could also decide to trade down for future picks. This continues to open up possibilities for the future as the Lions would be able to stock pile picks for the next few years and thus keep the talent coming in at an extensive rate. The Lions already have nine draft picks in 2017 and can pick up some extras for 2018. If the Lions want to continue to grow and develop their own talent, they’re certainly on the track to accomplish just that.

Apr 30, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; A general view of the podium on stage before the 2015 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports

The Lions have already made strides to improve the financial direction of the franchise in the offseason. With the loss of Ndamukong Suh, the Lions front office accidentally drove the team in the Money Ball direction. Using all their available picks and developing talent both in-house and through the draft will allow the Lions the ability to save money by only having to dip their toes in the free agency pool without going for a swim.

By not relying on free agency and developing a slew of draft picks, the Lions can make sure they extend the contracts of guys like Darius Slay, Ezekiel Ansah and Glover Quin. Plus make sure the money is there to hold onto the young players that could develop into starting caliber players. Everything goes hand in hand and the importance of the draft really shows through to the Lions front office these days.

The Detroit Lions appear to be growing up for once and looking at depth as an essential key instead of star players and name value. Fans will have to wait to see what the Lions ultimately decide to do. But the 2016 NFL Draft should be a fun one for the Lions.

Mike Payton is an Editor at SideLion Report. He is from Holland, Michigan by way of Warren, Michigan. He considers himself to be obsessed with the Detroit Lions. Mike’s work has been featured on ESPN Radio, Fox Sports Radio, CBS Sports Radio and si.com. Mike is also a recurring guest on It is what is with Sean Baligian on ESPN 96.1. Follow Mike Payton on Twitter @SLR_Mike

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