First the Lions were trying to trade down. Then, as the draft unfolded Thursday night, they were trying to trade up.
GM Bob Quinn said the Lions had a "couple conversations" about moving back into the first round near pick No. 25 or No. 26.
"Made a couple calls, some teams wanted to move back, some teams didn't. Ultimately decided to stay put," said Quinn. "Felt good with the players we have on the board and the position we're in picking at No. 35, the third pick in the second round. I think there will be a number of players there that we feel good about."
Failed Trade Talks: Quinn Says Lions 'Did The Best We Can'
The Lions could have been targeting any number of players late in Round 1, likely a guard, running back or edge rusher. And with two third-round picks in addition to their second-rounder, they probably had the assets to get a deal done.
For now, they'll keep those assets for themselves. In fact, Quinn said the Lions could add more picks on Day 2 by "moving back" from No. 35.
"The top of the second round has kind of been the new first round. Teams get to kind of reset their boards and there's a lot of action in the first five picks of the second round," said Quinn. "So we'll see what happens."
The second round begins Friday at 7 p.m.
