Lions second first-round pick boosted by Rams’ losing streak

The Detroit Lions have a second first-round pick in April, and it’s gotten better during the Rams’ losing streak.

When they traded Matthew Stafford to the Los Angeles Rams last offseason, the Detroit Lions got a 2022 first-round pick as a sweetener for taking on Jared Goff and his contract. With the Rams as all-in as they are, that pick is lined up to sit very late in the first round.

Through Week 8, the Rams were 7-1 and Stafford was on a fast track to winning league MVP. Then they lost to the Tennessee Titans in Week 9, and in surprising fashion to the San Francisco 49ers in Week 10. A Week 11 bye was well-timed, if nothing else.

The Rams went to Lambeau Field for a showcase showdown against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday. They lost 36-28, in a game that really wasn’t that close, to drop to 7-4. Thankfully, a get-right opportunity is coming against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 13.

The Lions second first-round pick has improved greatly lately

The important caveat here is there are still six weeks to go in the season. That second first-round pick for the Lions, courtesy of the Rams, could still be very late and even among the last two on Day 1 of the 2022 draft.

Lions Wire has the exact details.

"The Rams’ first-round pick is now the No. 23 overall pick. Three weeks ago it was No. 31. Sean McVay’s team has given up 95 points in those three losses and fallen from the No. 1 seed in the NFC to the No. 5 spot."

Utimately, except for who may or may not be available wherever they’ll finally go on the clock for the second time in the first round, the Lions probably don’t care where their extra 2022 first-round pick ultimately sits. Taking the best player available will be an easy order, with so many needs to address. But a trend toward a better pick is never a bad thing, and somewhere between the two recent tent poles (No. 31 and No. 23) is probably where the Rams’ first-round pick going to the Lions will be when it’s all said and done.