Why Detroit Lions Could Trade Up in NFL Draft

Daniel Jeremiah discussed trade up targets.

For the first time in Brad Holmes' tenure as general manager of the Detroit Lions, the organization with begin the Draft picking outside of the Top-10 in the first round. 

Last season, they had the No. 6 overall selection before trading back with Arizona, eventually drafting Jahmyr Gibbs. Now, with the team picking No. 29 overall, Holmes will be picking later in the first round than he has in previous years. 

However, the GM has previously shown a knack for moving up in the Draft to acquire a player that he likes. In 2022, he swapped the Rams' No. 32 overall pick to move back into the Top-15 and select wide receiver Jameson Williams. 

Daniel Jeremiah, NFL Draft Expert for NFL Network, believes that the Lions could once again move up in April in an effort to land one of the Draft's premium defensive prospects. 

"Oh yeah, that's entirely possible. I wouldn't rule that out," Jeremiah said. "You know, when you think about corners and edges, I would think that if they could get one of those top three guys, that would make some sense. I think if they stick and pick, Chop Robinson maybe comes into discussion there, from Penn State." 

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The cornerback class in this year's Draft is considered to be deep, with as many as six players at the position could be taken in the first round. In the event that Detroit would elect to move up for one of the best, Jeremiah identified Alabama's Terrion Arnold among the best fits. 

"If you're moving up for a corner, I love Terrion Arnold. If Rome Odunze is my favorite player in the Draft, Terrion Arnold is a close second," Jeremiah added. "I have him way up there. He's started to drift a little bit. As big and fast and instinctive and productive as he is, he is fluid. He is a really, really good player with a combination of physical, athletic, reliable, great kid. Had a chance to visit with him a little bit."

Arnold was a first-team All-America selection in 2023, enjoying a big season for the Crimson Tide. He and teammate Kool-Aid McKinstry are both considered to be first-round talents.

Jeremiah offered two other potential solutions for the Lions at the position should they trade up, in Ennis Rakestraw Jr. and Quinyon Mitchell. 

Rakestraw's physicality has made him a popular pick for the Lions, while Mitchell's stock is soaring after a solid Senior Bowl. 

"(Arnold)'s one, to me, that would be, he'd be worth going up and getting if he started to drift a little bit, maybe be aggressive on that one," Jeremiah said. "He would fit with them as well as, I've already mentioned (Ennis) Rakestraw, Quinyon Mitchell, those three guys would be trade targets for me in terms of what fits Detroit."