5 ways the Detroit Lions can get an extra top-10 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft

The Detroit Lions have some options early in the 2023 NFL Draft, but here are some ways they could secure two top-10 overall picks.

After a closing run of the 2022 season as one of the best teams in the NFL, the Detroit Lions will be looking to take the next step in 2023. After making a big move in the draft last season to get Jameson Williams, general manager Brad Holmes has shown he’s willing to be bold to get the guy that he wants.

In a 2023 draft that appears loaded at the top, could the Lions make a move up to get a second pick in the top-10? Here are five ways they could do that.

5 ways the Detroit Lions could get two top-10 picks in the 2023 NFL Draft

Trade # 1

Detroit Receives: Pick No. 9

Carolina Receives: Pick No. 18, 2024 second-round pick, QB Jared Goff

The Panthers are looking to find an established quarterback. Many see them as a team that could try and move up the board on draft night to acquire a young quarterback. But their roster looks ready to compete now. If the Lions don’t envision Goff as their future, they could look to send him and a few other assets to Carolina and move down to pick No. 9. Carolina would get a quarterback who finished fifth in QBR this past season and has experience making playoff runs with the Los Angeles Rams. They also would still be able to add an impact player at pick No. 18 while stashing an extra second-round pick in 2024.

If the Lions go this route, here is who they could potentially draft with those selections:

Pick #6: Kentucky QB Will Levis

Pick #9: Clemson DE Myles Murphy

If the Lions part with Goff, it means they have their eye on a long-term replacement for him in this draft. While Levis is a bit of a risky prospect considering his lack of production last season, he has comparable shades of Matthew Stafford in the eyes of some evaluators. If the Lions’ staff feels the same way, look for them to take him and hope he can produce as Stafford once did.

They then would love to get a defensive end who can play opposite Aidan Hutchinson in Murphy. He is explosive and fast off the edge. This would give the team three edge rushers they can feel good about, with James Houston in that mix too.

Additionally, this trade would help to free up some more cap space this offseason as Goff is on the books for nearly $30 million this year. It would reset the finances and create some more flexibility going forward with their quarterback on a rookie deal.