The Detroit Lions have several needs and only so many draft picks. Acquiring more picks would better help address those needs.
As it stands, the Detroit Lions have six draft picks. They have no sixth round pick and there’s a chance they lose their seventh rounder too. Most likely it stays.
There’s a few starting spots that need addressing. Depth is just as important and that’s where the Lions have their work cut out for them.
Roughly $25 million in cap space is adequate but it’s not a ton of cash. Generally, good players aren’t breaking down the door to sign with Detroit in free agency. The Lions need to acquire more talent via the draft.
Teams that have lasting success are built through the draft with a few spots filled in free agency. 2018 is a critical year for Detroit and many fans are demanding improvement with new head coach Matt Patricia taking over.
Patricia can win a lot of fans over by stacking the roster with talent. Injuries don’t do as much damage when the depth chart is filled with quality backups.
20th is the spot the Lions are drafting from. This pick is in prime real estate for trading down.
Talent is still aplenty in the middle of the first round. Luckily, by trading down, the Lions can address one of their major needs without reaching at #20 to draft that player.
Who am I talking about in this case? No one in particular but I can give you an example of what I’m talking about.
Based on projections, Southern California running back Ronald Jones is going late first or early second round. If the Lions pass on him in the first, I doubt he lasts till pick #51 where they pick in the second round.
Could Detroit pounce on Jones at 20? I hope they do. But, if they can trade down to add more draft capital and still take him with their next pick, I’d prefer that scenario. Getting the player you originally wanted plus obtaining more picks in the process is a win.
Typically, a third and fourth round pick is the prize for trading down a few spots. Depending on who’s available, how far they fall and how many teams are vying for the pick, the Lions could potentially get a second and third rounder.
Detroit has many needs, some serious, like defensive tackle, defensive end, guard, linebacker and running back. Other positions, like cornerback, fullback, quarterback, safety, tackle, tight end and wide receiver aren’t as pressing but could use some solidifying depth wise.
Next: Lions draft - What flavor of running back do you prefer?
Salary cap and the Detroit Lions’ draft situation isn’t overly comfortable. They are better off with more picks. Detroit needs to find a willing trade partner. It can be done, but it won’t be that easy.