Detroit Lions rumors: Looking to trade down in the first round?

The Detroit Lions have all kinds of options in the 2023 NFL Draft, so could they trade down in the first round?

The upcoming draft is full of options for the Detroit Lions. The list of urgent need areas is certainly shorter than it has been in awhile, but eyes should be on the future at multiple spots. With two first-round picks, they are in line to come out of Thursday night with two players who can make an immediate impact.

But as the picks start going off the board in the opening round Thursday night, other teams may get antsy for certain players. And the Lions may be taking a proactive step in that regard.

In his look at all 32 teams heading into the draft, Albert Breer of SI.com had this to end his intel about the Lions.

“Also, for what it’s worth, I’ve heard the Lions have already made calls on trading down from No. 18.”

NFL Draft rumors: Could the Detroit Lions trade down in the first round?

The Lions and Texas running back Bijan Robinson are an interesting match, and Breer did say he’s heard running back could be an option for Detroit at No. 18. General manager Brad Holmes left the door open to drafting a running back in the first round, specifically mentioning his experience with the Rams when they drafted Todd Gurley.

But that could also be a declaration from Holmes essentially saying, “if you want Bijan Robinson, I may take him at 18 if he’s there, so you’ll have to trade up with me at 18 to get him.” That sort of hidden declaration could land hard in Dallas, where ESPN’s Todd McShay has said the Cowboys (sitting at No. 26) are “obsessed” with Robinson.

The Lions don’t have any picks in the fourth or seventh rounds right now. Trading down from No. 18 would bring extra draft capital, adding to a current nine-pick haul and/or allowing for more maneuvering.

But as further proof we’re all speculating (informed or otherwise) until the draft is actually done, Breer also had this in his section about the Lions regarding their second first-round pick.

“As for the second of its picks, a move up for a quarterback shouldn’t be ruled out (the Lions did all the work)”

Will the Lions trade up in the first round? Will they trade down? Will they just stay put with both picks? Thursday night can’t get here fast enough.