Evaluating Bold Detroit Lions NFL Draft Trade Offer

Detroit Lions have the opportunity to move down in the 2023 NFL Draft.

The Detroit Lions are in the enviable position of having many different options early in the upcoming NFL Draft. 

Lions general manager Brad Holmes has the opportunity to trade up, if the organization falls in love with one of the draft's top prospects. 

Also, it's a possibility that many of the players Detroit identifies as fits are gone when it's time to turn in the team's draft card at the No. 6 spot. 

CBS Sports recently compiled a list of draft trades that Holmes and Co. could try and execute on Day 1 (April 27), involving either pick No. 6 or the No. 18 selection. 

One of the bold suggestions was a trade proposal with the Miami Dolphins. 

Trade proposal

• Dolphins receive: No. 18 pick (1st round)
• Lions receive: 2024 1st-round pick, Dolphins' 6th-round pick this year (pick No. 197) 

"This is a huge gamble by the Lions, yet an opportunity to have two first-round picks in 2024 -- stockpiling future assets," writes Jeff Kerr. "The Dolphins only have four picks in this year's draft, and don't have a first-round pick because they forfeited the selection. Why not take advantage of the situation and just trade the pick away to a team like Miami and get their first-round pick for next season in return?"

The Dolphins would likely jump at this opportunity, as the risk is being taken by the Lions. Remember, Miami was just in the postseason, and has Super Bowl aspirations.

"The Dolphins are likely to be a playoff team in 2023, so trading the pick for a potential selection lower than No. 18 in 2024 is a gamble," Kerr explained. "That's why the Lions need to ask for a good faith payment in one of the Dolphins picks (that's where the sixth-round pick comes in). Miami won't give up its third-round pick (No. 84), but Detroit could be greedy and ask."

If the Dolphins find that Bijan Robinson is falling down the board and is available at No. 18, a conversation could be had between both organizations. The Texas running back would certainly position the Dolphins to be a favorite coming out of the AFC. 

"It's highly unlikely the Dolphins would do this," Kerr opines. "Robinson is a top-five player in this draft Miami could get at No. 18. Robinson's talent in Mike McDaniel's offense is worth five years of team control. The move would be risky by general manager Brad Holmes, but that's how Eagles general manager Howie Roseman ended up with a top 10 pick after Philadelphia made the Super Bowl. The risk may be worth the reward." 

In the end, if the Lions are to deal the No. 18 pick, it would likely be packaged with a lower-round pick or a selection early in next year's draft to move up and select a player they want to add to the organization. 

Recall, Holmes traded Detroit's second first-round pick in 2022 to move up to No. 12 overall, in order to select wide receiver Jameson Williams.