The Detroit Lions are in uncharted territory picking late in the first-round of the 2024 NFL Draft, which could theoretically mean they are open for business if the right deal should come along.
At pick 29, there’s cluster of players the Lions will consider. That cluster will likely be fairly deep, meaning at least a few of those players would be available further down the board a few picks later. Enter the opportunity for a trade that will help the Lions add even more assets to their young roster.
While it might not make sense for Detroit to make a dramatic move up, a possible trade down has been pitched by Pro Football Focus’ Brad Spielberger.
“The Chiefs are sitting in a very familiar spot with the No. 32 overall pick, and the last two teams they defeated en route to a Super Bowl in the Baltimore Ravens at No. 30 and the San Francisco 49ers at No. 31 also need reinforcements at tackle. Kansas City added a Day 3 pick and a 2025 third-rounder in the L’Jarius Sneed trade with the Tennessee Titans, and general manager Brett Veach has never been afraid to move up at the bottom of the first round for a player he covets, most recently landing All-Pro cornerback Trent McDuffie.”
The terms? Detroit deals pick 29 and 164 and receives pick 32 and 95. Kansas City then uses Detroit’s pick on BYU tackle Kingsley Suamataia.
While the deal could represent a win for the Chiefs, it could also be a good idea for the Lions. Having the chance to select a player at pick 32 that they were potentially likely to land at 29 while adding another pick is always good business.
Detroit Lions would benefit from trading back, adding more draft picks
Such a move would make sense for the Lions, because it would allow them to recoup a pick between No. 73 and No. 64. 164. The Lions traded their other third-round pick in the Carlton Davis deal, and don’t currently have a fourth-round pick this year.
Moving from pick 29 to 32 isn’t a big move, but having another top-100 pick would be nice.
In 2021, Holmes was able to land two starters with his two picks in the top-100 overall. Then came two more starters with top-100 picks in 2022, along with Jameson Williams and Josh Paschal. In 2023, four immediate contributors were added in the top-100 overall picks (top-50, truly).
The more cracks Holmes gets within the top 100, the safer the bet the Lions find players who can help them immediately. If a deal is made in the first round, one like this would represent a big win for Holmes.
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