Addressing the Detroit Lions top offensive and defensive needs

Top Offensive Need – Trade Options

One of the best trade options on the market right now is tackle Trent Williams who is currently sitting out from the Washington Redskins because of a contract and injury dispute. Trading for Williams would mean taking on his close to nine million dollar cap this year and 12.5 million dollar cap hit next year. Williams, however, would also most likely want to be given a contract extension.

While adding a player of Williams’ caliber would be a great addition to the team, he would not come cheap both in terms of salary and compensation given to the Redskins. If the Lions were just going to give draft pick compensation it would likely take two high draft picks, maybe even as much as two first round picks and more.

A more interesting trade scenario would be including younger tackle Taylor Decker in the deal. A deal that included Taylor Decker, who has shown some good potential, might look something like Decker and a second round pick.

It might take Decker and a first round pick, but I doubt general manager Bob Quinn would give up that much. Most likely, Quinn would prefer to ride it out with his current tackles and look to a replacement in the draft.

Looking to the draft, the best offensive tackle available will be Georgia’s Andrew Thomas. Thomas is pro ready in both run and pass blocking and can handle all varieties of pass rushers.

Thomas has seen both speed rushers and power rushers and has been able to deal with them efficiently using stellar technique and his natural athletic abilities. Thomas may be unavailable depending on where the Lions pick, but his talent and abilities are so good that Quinn could be interested in making a draft day move up for him.