Detroit Lions Draft: Five Draft Trades to Consider
By Jeff Risdon
We’re now into the final days before we learn who the Detroit Lions draft in the 2016 NFL Draft in Chicago. It’s still an exercise in uncertainty trying to ascertain what exactly will happen with the new management regime. They could very well stand pat with the No. 16 overall pick. But they could also make Commissioner Roger Goodell step to the podium and announce, “we have a trade”.
It is hard to see Bob Quinn moving up in his first draft. He’s from the Patriots, who collect draft picks like 8-year-old boys hoard Pokemon cards. Even so, one of the five potential trades presented here does represent a move up.
I tried to keep the scenarios here realistic. Will any actually happen? Tune in Thursday through Saturday!
Trade No. 16 to the New York Jets
The deal: Lions trade No. 16 to the New York Jets for No. 20 and New York’s 3rd (No. 83) and 7th (No. 241)
New York needs a quarterback and the Jets aren’t shy about believing they are in position to chase down the Patriots in the NFC East. They have to be worried the division rival Bills are targeting the same quarterback, so they ensure they get their man.
This one is predicated on that man, whom I believe to be Paxton Lynch, still being on the board when the Lions pick. Even though Detroit is no threat to take him, nor is Atlanta at the No. 17 spot, the prospect of losing out while another team makes an aggressive trade to steal Lynch away motivates the Jets enough to make the deal.
Should this one happen, I suspect the Lions would use the 20th pick on Alabama center Ryan Kelly. He’s a very real possibility at 16 so tabbing him a few picks later and getting more bang for the draft buck seems logical. It’s crazy to try and draw maps of nonexistent places, but with those extra picks I would project Maryland CB/S Sean Davis and Florida State LB Reggie Northrup.
Next: Trade with Buffalo