The Detroit Lions have been one of the more active teams in free agency, signing multiple players and executing trades. Each addition/subtraction will impact the Lions draft plans, but there was one move in free agency that will allow the Lions to have maximum flexibility at the top of the NFL draft — and it wasn’t even a move they made.
In a recent Pro Football Focus article by Michael Renner, he listed several offseason moves that reshaped the first round of the NFL draft. One move he highlighted was the signing of cornerback James Bradberry by the New York Giants.
The Giants were in the market for cornerback help and they went after one of the top available free agents in Bradberry, agreeing to terms on a three year deal worth $45 million with $32 million in guarantees.
Renner points out that the Lions, not the Giants, were likely the biggest winners of this signing because of the secondary ramifications through the draft.
With Bradberry signed to a lucrative contract, it all but takes the Giants out of the running for Jeff Okudah if he is available at pick No. 4 overall. Instead, putting their sights on either offensive tackle Tristan Wirfs or defensive weapon Isaiah Simmons.
With the Giants out of the mix for Okudah, the Dolphins (Pick. No. 5) and Chargers (No. 6) likely focused on quarterbacks, the Lions will have a plethora of possibilities with their top selection.
They can either stay put at pick No. 3 overall and select Okudah — or Chase Young if available — or trade back as far as pick No. 6 overall and likely still land Okudah, plus some additional draft capital.
The Lions have plenty of wiggle in this upcoming draft, thanks to the Giants.