The Lions have the seventh overall pick in the draft and they appear to have their quarterback for at least the next season or two. Which puts them in an advantageous spot in a draft deep at the QB position.
Sounds a bit like last year, doesn't it?
With the third overall pick, the Lions seemed to be in prime position to trade down -- and still get their guy. Instead, they stood pat and took Jeff Okudah. That was under Bob Quinn. Things might change under Brad Holmes.
Things do change in Mel Kiper's latest mock.
To set the stage at No. 7, the first six players off the board: QB Trevor Lawrence, QB Zach Wilson, WR DeVonta Smith, TE Kyle Pitts, OT Penei Sewell, WR Ja'Marr Chase.
At this point, Penn State LB Micah Parsons and Alabama WR Jaylen Waddle would be logical picks for the Lions. But Kiper has Detroit trading down to No. 12, allowing the 49ers to move up and snag QB Justin Fields.
The cost? The 49ers' second-round pick (No. 44 overall) plus a future pick. Kiper adds he "wouldn't be shocked" if the 49ers had to boost their offer to their 2022 first-rounder to get it done.
"The 49ers would get their quarterback. Detroit is rebuilding and needs premium picks to add talent across its roster, and it already has the Rams' first-rounders in 2022 and 2023 and their third-rounder this year," Kiper writes. "This is a win-win deal for both sides."
It's also a win-win for Detroit. Because five picks later, Kiper has the Lions taking Parsons (one pick after Waddle goes to the Giants).
"The Lions allowed 6.3 yards per play under former coach Matt Patricia last season, which ranked last in the league," Kiper writes. "They need help on defense. Parsons is a versatile linebacker with some pass-rush upside."
So the Lions end up with arguably the best defensive player in this year's draft and potentially three first-round picks next year. At the very least, they get Parsons and an extra top-50 pick this year.
Who says no?
Related
