The Detroit Lions have been a team in transition over the past few years, and the 2023 NFL Draft represents a critical juncture for the franchise. With new leadership in place and a desire to build a sustainable winner, the Lions are exploring all options to improve their roster. One of those options is trading their draft picks to acquire proven talent. In this article, we'll examine the Lions' trade strategy for the upcoming draft and what it means for the team's future.
The Lions' Current Situation
Before we dive into the draft strategy, let's take a quick look at where the Lions stand as a team. After a disappointing 2022 season, Detroit finished with a 5-12-1 record and missed the playoffs for the fourth straight year. The team is in the midst of a rebuild, with new head coach Dan Campbell and general manager Brad Holmes leading the charge.
The Lions have some talented players on their roster, including quarterback Jared Goff, running back D'Andre Swift, and wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown. However, they also have some holes to fill, particularly on defense. The team has needs at linebacker, cornerback, and defensive line, among other positions.
The Lions' Draft Picks
The Lions currently hold eight picks in the 2023 NFL Draft, including the seventh overall selection. Here is a breakdown of their picks:
Round 1:
7th overall
Round 2:
36th overall
Round 3:
71st overall
Round 4:
104th overall
124th overall
Round 5:
137th overall
154th overall
Round 6:
185th overall
The Lions' Trade Strategy
The Lions have made it clear that they are open to trading their draft picks to acquire proven talent. This approach makes sense for a team that is in the early stages of a rebuild. Rather than relying solely on the draft to improve their roster, the Lions can use their picks to acquire established players who can contribute right away.
One player who has been linked to the Lions in trade rumors is Denver Broncos linebacker Von Miller. Miller is a seven-time Pro Bowler and three-time First-Team All-Pro who would immediately upgrade Detroit's defense. However, he is also 33 years old and carries a hefty price tag. It remains to be seen if the Lions are willing to pay that price.
The Pros and Cons of Trading Draft Picks
Pros:
1. Immediate Impact: When a team trades for a proven player, they know exactly what they are getting. That player has already proven themselves at the NFL level and can contribute right away.
2. Cost Control: While established players may command high salaries, they are still likely to be more cost-effective than using a high draft pick on a player who may or may not pan out.
Cons:
1. Risk: Trading for a player is always a risk. While the player may be a proven commodity, there is no guarantee that they will be successful with their new team.
2. Draft Capital: When a team trades away draft picks, they are giving up the opportunity to select young, talented players who could contribute for years to come.
The Bottom Line
The Lions' trade strategy for the 2023 NFL Draft is a calculated risk. By trading away draft picks, they are sacrificing the opportunity to add young, cheap talent to their roster. However, if they can acquire proven players who can contribute right away, it could be a smart move. Ultimately, the success of this approach will depend on the players the Lions are able to acquire and how well they perform in Detroit.
As the Lions continue their rebuild, it will be interesting to see how their trade strategy evolves. Will they continue to be aggressive in pursuing proven talent, or will they shift their focus back to building through the draft? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: the 2023 NFL Draft will be a critical moment in the Lions' quest for long-term success.
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