Why Detroit Lions Should Trade Up in NFL Draft

For the first time in Brad Holmes’ career as Detroit Lions general manager, the team will begin the draft outside of the top ten in the first round. Last season, they owned the No. 6 overall pick before trading back to Arizona and selected Jahmyr Gibbs.

Now that the team is picking 29th overall, Holmes will pick later in the first round than in past years. However, the general manager has previously demonstrated a propensity for trading up in the draft to get a player he likes.

In 2022, he traded the Rams’ No. 32 overall pick to go back into the Top-15 and select wide receiver Jameson Williams.

Daniel Jeremiah, NFL Draft Expert for NFL Network, believes the Lions may move up again in April in an attempt to snag one of the Draft’s top defensive prospects. “Oh yes, that is totally conceivable.

I wouldn’t rule that out,” Jeremiah stated. “When you think about corners and edges, I would assume that if they could get one of the top three men, that would make sense. I believe that if they stick and pick, Chop Robinson of Penn State may be mentioned.”

Related: 5 Safeties Lions Should Watch at the NFL Combine. This year’s cornerback class is expected to be deep, with up to six players selected in the first round.

If Detroit decides to trade up for one of the best, Jeremiah believes Alabama’s Terrion Arnold is one of the greatest options.

“If you’re looking for a cornerback, I recommend Terrion Arnold. If Rome Odunze is my favorite player in the draft, Terrion Arnold is a close second,” Jeremiah said. “I got him way up there.

He’s begun to drift a little. He is fluid, despite being large, swift, instinctive, and productive. He is a fantastic player that combines physicality, athleticism, dependability, and tremendous character. I had an opportunity to visit with him briefly.”

Arnold was named a first-team All-American in 2023 after a standout season with the Crimson Tide. He and teammate Kool-Aid McKinstry are both regarded as first-round prospects.

Jeremiah suggested two possible options for the Lions at the position if they trade up: Ennis Rakestraw Jr. and Quinyon Mitchell.

Rakestraw’s physicality has made him a popular choice for the Lions, and Mitchell’s standing is rising following a strong Senior Bowl performance.

“(Arnold)’s one, to me, that would be, he’d be worth going up and getting if he started to drift a little bit, maybe be aggressive on that one,” he added.

“He would fit with them as well as, I’ve already mentioned (Ennis) Rakestraw, Quinyon Mitchell, those three guys would be trade targets for me in terms of what fits Detroit.”