Make no mistake, the NFL Draft is a huge game of chance. Players like linebacker Aaron "safest pick in the draft" Curry in 2009 can wind up being busts, while quarterback Matthew Stafford, who the Detroit Lions did take at #1 that year, is now expected to land in the Hall of Fame when all is said and done.
What a team's front office decides on draft day can drastically alter the course of a franchise, for better or for worse. Not just day one, but those draft steals on days two and three, as well.
So when a team makes a draft-day trade to select a player, that amplifies the microscope on that player, given the resources the team received or gave up to get that guy. For example, fans and analysts still have mixed feelings on the Isaac TeSlaa trade-up last year, despite his thrilling highlight reel catches, considering what the Lions gave up to select him in the third round.
In ESPN's article on the most impactful draft day trade-ups for every team ever, the TeSlaa trade did not make the cut for the Lions. Maybe it will someday, but for now, the honor goes to another at-the-time controversial draft trade -- running back Jahmyr Gibbs.
What makes the 2023 first-round trade-back so impactful?
The trade in question was the Lions trading back from the #6 spot to the #12 spot with the Arizona Cardinals. The Lions also gave up the #81 pick and received the #12, #34, and #168 selections. The Lions turned that into Gibbs and tight end Sam LaPorta with those first two picks, while the #168 pick was later traded back to the Cardinals in the Lions' trade-up to #96 (defensive tackle Brodric Martin).
ESPN Lions writer Eric Woodyard explained why he selected this trade and its impact for the Lions:
"At the time, even Gibbs admitted he was 'shocked' to be selected at No. 12, but GM Brad Holmes brushed off critics while bringing in a cornerstone player, who is off to a record-breaking start to his career with an NFL record 49 total touchdowns through the first three seasons. LaPorta is also a one-time Pro Bowler and together they've helped Detroit return to relevancy. In 2023, the rookies helped the Lions reach the NFC title game for the second time in franchise history."
In a game of chance, the Lions wound up getting two franchise players in Gibbs and LaPorta. Each had fantastic rookie seasons, both making the Pro Bowl, while LaPorta was also named Second-Team All-Pro.
READ MORE: Here's where the Lions are currently picking in the 2027 Draft
Both have continued to play at a Pro Bowl level, although LaPorta has recently been dealing with a back injury that could leave the Lions hesitant to view him as a long-term TE. Meanwhile, Gibbs has since been selected twice more for the Pro Bowl and is widely considered a top RB in the NFL.
Their initial selections were highly controversial at the time, with analysts and mock drafters decrying "positional value," but general manager Brad Holmes was proven right with this trade-back. Holmes isn't batting 1.000 on his draft picks, but moves like this are why he's one of the league's best drafters.
Because of that, don't be surprised to see the TeSlaa trade-up or even the more recent Derrick Moore trade-up be in the mix for most impactful Lions' draft day trade years from now.
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