Lions Down to Five 2021 Draft Picks

Read more on the Detroit Lions 2021 NFL Draft and why the organization only possesses five picks next year

In recent news, the Detroit Lions bolstered their pass rush by trading for former Minnesota Vikings and Dallas Cowboys defensive end Everson Griffen. 

General manager Bob Quinn didn’t have to give up much for the 32-year-old veteran defensive end. 

As part of the trade, the Dallas Cowboys only received a conditional 2021 sixth-round pick. Per reports, the draft pick could turn into a fifth-rounder, if the conditions are met. 

Being that the specific conditions are unknown, it’s unsure what exactly needs to happen for the Cowboys to receive the higher of the two possibilities.

Given that the actual trade deadline is not until November 3rd (4 p.m. EST), there is still time for some moves to be made. 

So far, the Lions have been buyers -- but that’s not to say they can’t sell off some parts as well. We saw a similar scenario play out in 2018 when Quinn traded for defensive tackle Damon “Snacks” Harrison, but then a few days later shipped off wide receiver Golden Tate for a third-round selection.

The Lions have won their last two games to even their record at 3-3 on the season. 

With a favorable schedule upcoming, it’s very possible they do try and add another piece at the right price -- especially with the regime on the hot seat. 

However, the organization is now down to only five draft picks in the 2021 NFL Draft. 

Here is where they currently stand in regard to next year’s class:

• Round 1
• Round 2
• Round 3
• Round 4
• Round 5 (potentially belongs to Cowboys)
• Round 6 (potentially belongs to Cowboys)
• Round 7 (traded to Seattle Seahawks in the Quandre Diggs deal)

Tim Heitman, USA TODAY Sports

As you can see, the Lions still hold their top-four premium draft spots. 

They don’t have a seventh-rounder anymore, and it’s still to be determined whether they owe the Cowboys a fifth or sixth rounder as compensation for Griffen. 

That leaves the Lions with some pretty highly prioritized draft picks remaining available for trade. In all likelihood, a player who would come to Detroit via a trade for a selection in the top-four rounds would have to be a top-quality player.

Important to note, being they are in the last year of their deals --  linebacker Jarrad Davis and wide receiver Marvin Jones are prime candidates to at least be mentioned in trade discussions. 

If the Lions do want to add some future draft capital, the two aforementioned seem like the likely targets.

To be clear, the Lions are always on the lookout to continue to get better and to find a deal that makes sense. 

But, they are presently limited due to their number of future draft picks.

More from SI All Lions:

Grading the Everson Griffen Trade

How the Lions' Defense Has Evolved since Bye Week

Lions Trade for Defensive End Everson Griffen

Lions' Week 8 Power Rankings: Cracking the Top 20

Lions-Falcons Recap: Who's in Penthouse, Who's in Doghouse?

Lions Week 7 Offensive Grades: Stafford Makes Falcons Pay

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