We're two weeks away from the start of the draft, and speculation about the Lions is heating up. Their decision with the third overall pick could define the first round.
We know Detroit is 'open for business' on the trade front. With quarterbacks expected to fly off the board, the Lions can move back and likely still get the defensive player they want. Cornerback Jeffrey Okudah is the popular pick.
What we don't know is how much interest the Lions are getting from the teams below them. A recent report from Sports Illustrated suggested the market isn't as hot as Detroit may have hoped. But it only takes two teams to start a bidding war.
Is that the direction we're headed?
The Lions have "had discussions with teams" about trading down, according to Ian Rapoport, and "teams wanting to move up have been receptive."
One team to watch during the NFL Draft is the #Lions: At No. 3, I'm told they've had discussions with teams about potentially moving back from their slot and that teams wanting to move up have been receptive. As it maps out possibilities, Detroit is always an intriguing team.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 9, 2020The teams in question are likely the Dolphins (No. 5) and the Chargers (No. 6). The Jaguars (No. 9) and the Raiders (No. 12) could be in the mix, too. Miami, Jacksonville and Las Vegas all have extra first-round picks to offer.
Lions Go Heavy On Defense In MMQB's Five-Round Mock
Nos. 5 or 6 would be the preferred landing spot for Bob Quinn and the Lions. In theory, they would still have their pick between Okudah, Clemson's Isaiah Simmons and Auburn's Derrick Brown.
But if they drop much further, their options could dwindle.
