Still early in what could be a lengthy rebuild, the Lions have two first-round picks this year. Their own choice landed at No. 2 overall. While Detroit could acquire a top-end prospect at that slot, the team is open to dealing it away.
Brad Holmes said he has discussed the pick with multiple teams and will not need to see how the Jaguars proceed at No. 1 to make a decision on moving down. The second-year Lions GM would greenlight a pre-draft trade, given the right offer.
“I think definitely we could pull that trade off, if the other team is willing, before the draft,” Holmes said, via the Detroit News’ Justin Rogers. “I would say right now it’s still relatively early for those discussions, but I would expect for it to heat up, especially with the pick that we have this year. Because it definitely heated up, even with us at seven last year. So I expect to have more dialogue.”
The No. 2 overall pick has changed hands twice in the previous six drafts, though it has not moved since 2017. The 49ers moved down from 2 to 3 in 2017, doing so on draft night when the Bears made an offer to secure Mitchell Trubisky draft real estate, while the Browns dealt 2016’s second choice to the Eagles days before that draft. Philadelphia sent Cleveland five picks to climb from No. 8 to No. 2, a haul that included 2017 first- and second-round picks in addition to third- and fourth-rounders in the ’16 draft. The Lions might not be blown away by an offer, considering there is no prospect on the Trubisky or Carson Wentz level in this year’s draft.
Depending on how far the Lions are willing to move down the draft board, a trade would arm the franchise with additional capital to address its myriad needs. The team still holds the Rams’ first-round pick (No. 32 overall), the No. 34 overall choice and two third-round selections this year.
Let the fun begin.
If he doesn’t draft Hutchinson he needs to be fired
What if Hutchinson goes first?
I’d hope they’re having these discussions in the event he does go first. If they trade the pick pre-draft, and JAX takes someone other than Hutchinson… Oof. I can’t imagine the angst among the Detroit fanbase.
…. Or Holmes & Co. figure Hutch isn’t much better than the other DE’s – trade down, get additional picks, & get a DE of same talent
Could be, but they’d be staking their jobs on it. Hutchinson is an elite level talent. Walker is probably the next best guy off the edge, and there is a talent gap.
If Hutch is gone by #2, it’s moot. He well could be. I just think they’d be crazy to trade the pick without knowing. The potential exists to get a high level talent at the next most important position on the field, outside QB.
No one wants the pick.
The lions need picks. Gotta do what’s best for the long term. Not sure Hutch even wants to play in Detroit
Wasn’t a Lion fan growing up
Pretty silly take, how many athletes are drafted by the team they grew up a fan of? I would venture to say not many
I think since Aiden is from Michigan, went to Michigan it alludes to something. but it really doesn’t matter if he wants or doesn’t want to play. Unless he is offered the option to Surf or Ski.
Being from Michigan he knows 1st hand how bad they are
He even said he would like to be a Detroit Lion
Hypothetically, if Hutchinson didn’t want to play for the Lions, where is the better alternative? Houston and the Jets aren’t exactly model franchises for stability. The Giants maybe? I feel like he’d have to hoping to drop to Chicago, and that’s a 2m dollar dip in pay. I can’t imagine that’d be something he’d hope for.
When asked how far back he wanted to draft, Brad Holmes answered 1957.
Finally something funny from you.
“Before” would really be the best time to do it.
Everyone is willing to let their first pick go it seems. Unfortunately, there doesn’t seem to be that quarterback that a team will pay a hefty ransom for.
A team can delay paying the ransom until year 5 of the rookie contract. The real problem is that despite constantly adding “QB gurus” to the coaching staffs, teams have no real interest in developing QB prospects. They want someone who can hit the ground running (passing?) and have the kind of impact Mahomes had. Any young QB who can’t quickly get ahead of the learning curve is considered disposable.
You do realize Mahomes didn’t “hit the ground running” … he sat a year… I get your point though… just the wrong example
I’m a weak QB draft? Good luck. This is reminiscent of the Miami/KC/Jacksonville draft taking with Miami taking Jordan, KC taking Fisher and Jacksonville taking Joeckel. It just wasn’t an enviable spot and it’s showing here. These dudes aren’t going to get the return you’d hope for trading out of 2.
I think everyone has undervalued edge rushing and left tackles. The Lions have a great shot of getting out of the #2 pick. Now do I think it is going to be the best thing for them, that depends on what happens with that 1st pick. If the Jags go with Hutchinson, then the Lions moving the pick would be a good move because he is the needle mover for them. If the jags take anyone else then Holmes is prime for getting the best prospect in the draft for their needs in Hutchinson.
The biggest thing for the Lions is this class is deep for edge rushers. Trading down for them to get more assets is smart. I trust Brad Holmes to do what’s best moving forward in this rebuild. He has been doing the right things thus far.
As far as saying if Holmes trading out the pick and losing out on Hutchinson should cost him his job. Get out of here.
In reality, I think pick 32 or 34 is where the trade will be going down anyways.
I’m on the Malik Willis bandwagon. Ideally, I’d love to see them trade down for more picks, but still be able to draft Willis.
OOF the Trubisky thing looks bad on the bears now
Cleveland, Jacksonville and the NY Jets join the Lions as poor evaluators of talent relative to the draft. Hindsight is always the final judge on these things.
I recall the Pat Swilling trade for the Lions R1-7 pick with the Saints. They got HOF Willie Roaf, the Lions got a bum. The hindsight beacon points to the “coulda” draft pick of Michael Strahan in round 2. Ehh, this gives the fans something to complain about.
I assure you the elation of a Super Bowl win has been replaced by petty complaining for the Eagles fan base.
Pat Swilling was hardly a “bum” for the Lions, but whatever you think.
The Lions history of draft evaluation has nothing to do with the current regime… they hired the right guy in Holmes… and the draft is a place where he excels…