Looking at the 2020 NFL Draft order, there’s a few things we know. The Cincinnati Bengals are destined to take Joe Burrow — unless of course Burrow pulls a power play and creates an “Eli Manning” situation. Another thing we know? The Bengals aren’t the only team in the top-10 that’s hungry for a quarterback. Not by a long shot. But we’re seeing this dance among the teams that surround Miami in the order — all with the intent of creating leverage for the situation that lies ahead.
The Detroit Lions? They’re hinting that they might need a quarterback. That veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford might be on the trading block and that if someone gives them the offer they want, Detroit may well just go ahead and stay and 3 and pick the quarterback of their choice without a trade.
The thought of it is horrifying. Especially if the medical feedback on Alabama’s Tua Tagovailoa continues to improve — then the Dolphins could be left to pick 5th overall and be faced with the 3rd best quarterback, or waiting another year to draft one.
But we’re here to fill you in on a little secret. The Detroit Lions aren’t going to take a quarterback with the 3rd pick. And the odds are extremely high that the team trades Matt Stafford. Why would the Lions even suggest it?
Because the only way the Lions get the upper hand in trade negotiations with opposing NFL teams is if they have the leverage. And Detroit, who is widely considered to not need a quarterback, doesn’t have a lot to work with in trade offers when Miami sits two picks behind them with exponentially more value to offer than anyone else.
The Lions, with whispers of potentially being in the QB market this season, are most likely just trying to light a fire under the Dolphins and create a sense of urgency. Detroit is in a win-now scenario entering year three of Matt Patricia’s tenure in the Motor City — the team is 9-22-1 over the last two seasons. They can ill afford to start over.
So Chris Grier and company must stick to their guns — whatever offer they might be willing to give? They need to stand on it. Because if Detroit’s bluff pulls them off their spot, it’s a loss for the Dolphins.
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