Detroit Lions are in good position to deal the No. 3 pick
Detroit Lions can go in many different directions on draft night, although trading down might be the most enticing option.
The 2020 NFL Draft is three weeks away and the Detroit Lions are in the right spot. With the third selection, they have multiple options for what they will ultimately decide to do. A popular choice amongst Lions fans is to trade the pick with hopes of a hefty return.
After the events of free agency, Detroit finds itself in the perfect position to ignite a bidding war for the number three pick. In all likeliness, quarterback prospect Tua Tagovailoa should be available when the Lions are up to draft.
There’s little to no doubt that there are at least two quarterback hungry teams calling general manager Bob Quinn for a chance at Tagovailoa. However, there are a few factors still in play that decides the actual value of this pick is. Let’s take a closer look:
1. The Available Free Agent Quarterbacks
Despite being a month into free agency, a few good options at quarterback remain in the free-agent pool. A lot of us are waiting on the decisions of Cam Newton and Jameis Winston. Cincinnati Bengals passer Andy Dalton is also believed to be available via trade.
Where these guys end up is vital to the value of Detroit’s pick. Seemingly, the Los Angeles Chargers and Miami Dolphins are the teams that have the assets to trade up. Having them stay away from any current quarterbacks would be ideal. Leaving them to address that issue in the draft.
2. Tua Tagovailoa’s Health
As of this moment, everything checks out for the young quarterback. Tua Tagovailoa even said that he is ready to play as a rookie in an interview with the NFL Network. The more medical boxes Tagovailoa checks off, the higher his value will rise.
If the unforeseen happens and his medicals are opposite of what teams are looking for, it could hurt the Lions. Having teams become scared of drafting him due to health concerns would undoubtedly hurt the value of the pick.
3. Dolphins and Chargers Interest
In a perfect world where the Dolphins and Chargers don’t sign or trade for a QB, the Lions still need both teams to be heavily interested in Tagovailoa. Chargers might be content with prospect Justin Herbert instead.
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On the Dolphins end, reports have been up and down with their interest in Tagovailoa. So, the last thing Detroit needs is for both of these teams to have a desire in the quarterback. When that happens, a bidding war can be started between the two. All of a sudden, the return for the third selection could be more than anticipated.