NFL Rumors: Detroit Lions could trade down in draft if Sammy Watkins isn’t available
By Josh Hill
The Detroit Lions need some help this offseaosn to avoid another divesting finish to their season. After looking poised to win the NFC North, the Lions fizzled out and missed the postseason altogether. A new regime is in town as a result which means that we could see some interesting things happen in the draft this May.
Sammy Watkins is probably the best receiver in the draft and one of the most explosive players, so it’s not a surprise that the Lions covet him. But if he’s gone at No. 10 overall, Michael Rothstein from ESPN.com believes that the Lions could trade down to draft a cornerback later in the round.
"If Watkins is not available, it could be an option for the Lions — especially if the team does want to take a cornerback in the first round. Detroit could trade down and still nab either Gilbert or Dennard along with stockpiling another pick or two. Or if they feelLoucheiz Purifoy or Marcus Robersonare equal to them — both of those players came to Florida soon after defensive coordinator Teryl Austin departed for the NFL — they could trade down and get one of those two guys."
It appears that the Lions are coveting an Alshon Jeffery type receiver to pair with Calvin Johnson which means the team is eyeing some of the top receivers in the draft at No. 10 overall. They may not get one, but moving around in the draft may end up being more beneficial in the long run.