2014 NFL Draft Rumors: Detroit Lions may trade up to fill WR need

It’s hard to fathom that a team who has Calvin Johnson on their roster has a need at wide receiver, but that’s exactly where the Detroit Lions find themselves as the 2014 NFL Draft approaches.

Other than Johnson, the Lions have gotten a lot of spotty wide receiver play, and they’re looking to bolster that group to give Megatron some protection from being constantly mauled. The addition of Golden Tate will help to some degree, but the Lions want to find another impact WR in the draft.

Obviously the two top choices are Sammy Watkins and Mike Evans, both of whom have seen their draft stock rise to a top 10 pick. The Lions would have to find a way to move up to get either receiver if that is their target.

In an online chat with readers, Detroit Free Press writer Dave Birkett had this to say:

"“I don’t know that the front office has said anything about wanting to trade up, but that’s certainly the perception they’ve given people across the league. And when they bring in Clowney, Watkins, etc., guys who won’t be there at 10, that adds to it.That said, talking to people across the league, sounds like a lot of teams will be looking to move down come draft day so the Lions could have a few trade partners.I think [trading up to get Watkins] would be a good move, too, as long as they don’t overpay. I wouldn’t give up a future first-rounder, so I think moving up to 1 or 2 will be too expensive. Maybe they can find a reasonable trade partner at 4.”"

The Lions currently hold the 10th pick, and would be risking missing out on both Watkins and Evans if they didn’t make some sort of move up on Day 1 of the draft.