Tag: draft trades

Were Lions trying to trade up for Darius Robinson?

The Lions were ready to trade up for Missouri DL Darius Robinson in the 1st round if Terrion Arnold was unavailable, per Albert Breer of SI

The Detroit Lions executed a first-round trade in the 2024 NFL draft last week. Detroit GM Brad Holmes sent the No. 29 pick and a third-round selection (No. 73) to the Dallas Cowboys for No. 24 overall and a 2025 seventh-round pick.

That deal allowed the Lions to select Alabama cornerback Terrion Arnold. The talented corner had fallen later in the first round than expected, and Holmes pounced.

However, one notable insider thinks the Lions might have been looking to move up for a different target had Arnold been unavailable. Albert Breer of SI said he believes Detroit was poised to deal up to select Missouri defensive lineman Darius Robinson:

Detroit had actually laid groundwork for a trade up—I believe Missouri DE Darius Robinson was the target—which made it easy to pivot and get aggressive in going up from No. 29 to No. 24 to land a falling Arnold.

It’s not a surprising conclusion for Breer to draw; the Lions were often connected with Robinson, a Detroit native and good schematic and character fit for the team.

2025 NFL draft: What picks do the Lions have in next year’s draft?

Tracking what picks the Detroit Lions currently hold in the 2025 NFL draft after some trades involving a few selections

After making a couple of trades in the 2024 NFL draft, the Detroit Lions accelerated some of their 2025 draft capital by a year. The Lions and GM Brad Holmes dealt away two 2025 picks as part of trades over the draft weekend.

Most notably, the Lions traded away their third-round pick in 2025 to the New York Jets in order to select British Columbia OL Giovanni Manu with the 126th overall pick near the end of the fourth round of the 2024 draft. That was a straight deal that involved no 2024 draft assets.

The Lions later dealt a 2025 fourth-round pick to the Eagles as part of a package of picks to move up and select Utah RB Sione Vaki at No. 132 overall. Detroit had two fourth-round picks in 2025, and this pick was the one acquired from the Philadelphia Eagles in the D’Andre Swift trade right after the 2023 draft. Yes, the Lions traded the Eagles pick back to Philadelphia.

Back at the 2023 NFL trade deadline, the Lions acquired WR Donovan Peoples-Jones from the Cleveland Browns in exchange for Detroit’s sixth-round pick in 2025.

Detroit originally had an extra seventh-round pick in 2025 from the ill-fated trade with the Jets for WR Denzel Mims. However, when Mims didn’t even last a month with the Lions, the conditional picks in the deal were negated.

The Lions did pick up a 2025 seventh-round pick from the Dallas Cowboys in the trade to move up and select Terrion Arnold in the first round in 2024.

2025 Lions picks

First round (hopefully No. 32 overall!)

Second round

Fourth round

Fifth round

Sixth round – Buccaneers pick

Seventh round – own pick

Seventh round – Cowboys pick

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Grading the Lions selection of RB Sione Vaki in fourth round

Grading the Detroit Lions selection of Utah S/RB Sione Vaki after trading back into the fourth round

Immediately following the selection of Giovanni Manu, GM Brad Holmes continued his assertive approach by orchestrating another trade in the fourth round to acquire the versatile Sione Vaki. The Lions relinquished their fifth-round pick (164), sixth-round pick (201), and a 2025 fourth-round pick in exchange for the fourth-round pick (132) and sixth-round pick (210).

The Lions’ interest in Vaki was no secret, as they viewed him as a potential Swiss Army knife for the team. While many scouts labeled him as a safety during the draft process, the Lions envisioned him as a running back, a perspective emphasized during his visit with OC Ben Johnson and RB coach Scottie Montgomery in Detroit.

With Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery solidifying the Lions’ running back room, Vaki could carve out a niche role beyond that. His value may primarily lie in his contributions on special teams, where his skills as both a safety and a return specialist could prove invaluable.

Given the evolving nature of NFL kickoff rules, Vaki’s versatility makes him an intriguing prospect, capable of filling multiple roles on the field. While the Lions primarily see him as a running back, he could also provide depth at safety if necessary, although he may require some coaching to refine his route recognition and tackling techniques, having struggled with missed tackles in the past.

The cost to move up for Vaki was deemed reasonable by the Lions, who believe he can make an immediate impact across all three phases of the game. How the Lions choose to utilize him will be closely watched, but there’s little doubt about the potential value Vaki brings to Detroit with his versatility and multifaceted skill set.

Grade: B

Lions trade up again, land Utah S/RB Sione Vaki in the fourth round

The Lions traded three picks to land Vaki, who can play safety or running back

With the No. 132 overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft, the Detroit Lions selected Utah’s Sione Vaki. Detroit traded up to make the selection, dealing with the Philadelphia Eagles to land the Senior Bowl standout.

Detroit acquired the pick to select Vaki as well as the No. 210 overall of the seventh round. In return, the Lions sent back picks 164, 201 and a 2025 fourth-rounder to the Eagles.

Vaki played both safety and running back for Utah and did that same double-duty during the Senior Bowl week. The Lions are initially listing him at safety. He met with the Lions in Mobile and also on one of their 30 pre-draft visits.

Special teams figures to be where Vaki will make or break in the NFL. His return ability and coverage skills with his athleticism at 5-foot-11 and 210 pounds are tailor-made for the new kickoff and kick return rules.

Grading the Lions selection of Terrion Arnold in the first round

The Detroit Lions landed one of the top defensive players in the draft, Terrion Arnold after a trade up and couldn’t find a more perfect fit

GM Brad Holmes has once again demonstrated his willingness to make bold moves in the draft to secure top talent for the Detroit Lions. Trading up from the 29th to the 24th pick, Holmes orchestrated a move to acquire Alabama cornerback Terrion Arnold, one of the premier defensive prospects in this year’s draft class.

The draft’s early focus on offensive players unexpectedly pushed down defensive talent, creating an opportunity for the Lions to snag Arnold. While many anticipated Arnold would be off the board before the Lions’ pick, Holmes recognized the exceptional value and didn’t hesitate to make the trade.

Arnold’s arrival addresses a significant need for the Lions, further fortifying a revamped cornerback room that includes additions such as Carlton Davis, Amik Robertson, and Emmanuel Moseley. Despite the cost of trading up, which left the Lions with limited draft capital and without a third-round selection, securing Arnold was deemed essential to bolstering the team’s defense.

Looking ahead, Holmes may explore further draft maneuvers to replenish lost draft capital. As evidenced by his past actions, Holmes is unafraid to make the necessary moves to strengthen the team.

On a personal note, sitting in the crowd in front of the draft stage and when Arnold was announced as the pick it was a massive celebration with many high fives and losing voice screams. Then getting to see him walk across the stage and the crowd screaming “Arnold” the atmosphere was absolutely electric making Arnold feel right at home.

The excitement surrounding Arnold’s selection was palpable, with fans erupting in celebration as his name was announced. His addition to the team is seen as a significant coup, embodying the gritty ethos of the Lions and fitting seamlessly into their rising trajectory. Despite the potential cost, Arnold’s acquisition is viewed as a steal for the Lions, enhancing their roster with a high-quality player perfectly suited to their needs.

Grade: A+

Dan Campbell warns Lions fans to ‘be ready’ for the team to trade out of the 1st round

Lions head coach Dan Campbell warns Lions fans to “be ready” for the team to trade out of the 1st round of the 2024 NFL draft in Detroit

The Detroit Lions currently hold the No. 29 pick in the first round of the 2024 NFL draft. “Currently” is the optimal word to focus on when looking at what the Lions might do with their pick on Thursday night in Detroit.

Lions head coach Dan Campbell matter-of-factly lent more fuel to the fire that the team will trade out of the first round. In a Wednesday morning appearance on 97.1 The Ticket, Campbell made it clear the Lions won’t draft someone at 29 just to keep the fans in attendance in Detroit happy.

“If our guy’s not there, we will move back, so I’m just preparing the fans,” Campbell said. “Be ready. You never know what’s gonna happen here.”

Campbell’s proclamation meshes with GM Brad Holmes’s similar warning. During his pre-draft press conference, Holmes effectively asked for preemptive forgiveness from the local fans for trading out of the first round.

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The Lions have one pick each in the first three rounds, then none in the fourth round. Detroit traded away its own third-round pick for cornerback Carlton Davis earlier this offseason, though they still have the Vikings’ third-rounder at No. 73 from the T.J. Hockenson trade. The Lions then have one pick in the fifth round, two in the sixth round and one final pick in the seventh round on Saturday.

The 2024 Lions draft trade value chart

The 2024 Lions draft trade value chart with an example of how Detroit GM Brad Holmes has used it

While the Detroit Lions draft plans for this coming weekend are uncertain, one thing is sure:

There will be trades.

GM Brad Holmes and his front office regime are known dealmakers. They trade, trade back, and they’ve even traded back to trade up—it’s what the Brad Holmes Lions do on draft weekend.

Draft trades are an exercise in balancing desire and value. To that end, various draft trade value charts have sprung up over the years. Jimmy Johnson’s from his time running the Dallas Cowboys is the most famous, but the game, salary obligations of rookies and values of the league have changed quite a bit since Johnson’s era in the 1990s.

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A more updated trade value chart was created by Rich Hill of Pats Pulpit a few years ago, and it’s a much closer approximation to how the NFL values the draft picks in modern times. Here’s what this year’s Rich Hill draft trade value chart looks like:

The values aren’t steadfast; teams use them as guidelines more than as hard numbers that cannot be compromised.

Take the Lions trade with the Cardinals last year. Detroit dealt away No. 6 and No. 81 overall, a value of 501 points on the trade chart. Arizona gave up No. 12, No. 34 and No. 168 to Detroit to move up. Those picks equate to 532. There is generally a bit of a tax on the team moving up, and that was true with this trade that netted the Lions Jahmyr Gibbs, Sam LaPorta and (after another trade) Brodric Martin.

Trade alert: Lions make a deal for Buccaneers CB Carlton Davis

Davis has started 75 games in six seasons in Tampa Bay and is under contract through 2024

Ladies and gentlemen, we have a trade!

The Detroit Lions have traded a third-round pick in the 2024 NFL draft to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. In exchange for the pick, Detroit will receive starting cornerback Carlton Davis, a 2024 sixth-round pick and a 2025 sixth-round pick.

It’s a move that brings instant stability and credibility to the Lions at the outside cornerback position. Davis, 27, has started 75 games for Tampa Bay over the last six seasons.

The 6-foot-1 Davis is entering the final year of his contract. He is due $14.5 million for 2024 and will be an unrestricted free agent after the season unless the Lions agree to a contract extension.

Detroit held two picks in the third round and is sending their own pick, No. 61 overall, to the Buccaneers in the deal. The Lions will keep Minnesota’s pick at No. 73 overall from the T.J. Hockenson trade. Tampa Bay has two sixth-round picks in 2024 and it is not yet clear which of those conveys to Detroit in the trade.

Detroit Lions 2023 NFL Draft trade breakdown

With further comfortability from Brad Holmes, the Detroit Lions made several trades throughout the 2023 NFL Draft

Detroit Lions General Manager Brad Holmes mentioned he has become more comfortable in this year’s draft, which showed with the movement he made throughout the 2023 NFL Draft. He targeted players who fit well into Detroit’s culture and scheme and was not afraid to pull the trigger to ensure those players are in Honolulu blue.

With the several trades the Lions made, many draft picks exchanged hands throughout various other trades by the teams the Lions traded with originally. Below is a breakdown of the trades made by the Lions and who was selected with the affected draft picks.

Lions:

12th (RB Jahmyr Gibbs)

34th (TE Sam LaPorta)

168th (Traded to Cardinals)

Cardinals:

6th (T Paris Johnson)

81st (Traded to Titans selected RB Tyjae Spears)

Lions:

45th (DB Brian Branch)

Packers:

48th (Traded to Buccaneers selected T Cody Mauch)

159th (WR Dontayvion Wicks)

Lions:

63rd (Traded to Broncos)

122nd (Traded to Cardinals)

249th (Traded to Eagles)

Chiefs:

55th (WR Rashee Rice)

194th (DT Keondre Coburn)

Lions:

68th (QB Hendon Hooker) 

139th (Traded to Cardinals)

Broncos:

63rd (WR Marvin Mims)

183rd (S JL Skinner)

Lions:

96th (NT Brodric Martin)

Cardinals:

122nd (G Jon Gaines)

139th (QB Clayton Tune)

168th (LB Owen Pappoe)

Lions:

219th (WR Antoine Green)

2025 4th round pick

Eagles:

RB D’Andre Swift

249th (DT Moro Ojomo)

It is way too early to announce winners of the trades, as each team values players differently for their team style and culture. The Lions, though, showed they are not afraid to make the necessary moves if they believe these players will make this team better. With the newfound confidence in their process, Holmes will ensure the Lions are well-equipped for now and the future.

Lions trade back once again, Broncos select WR Marvin Mims

The Lions traded back twice from No. 55 overall

For a precious few minutes, the Detroit Lions held the No. 63 overall pick in the 2023 NFL draft. It didn’t last long.

Acquired in a previous trade with the Chiefs for the No. 55 overall pick, the Lions quickly flipped the 63rd pick to the Denver Broncos. Lions GM Brad Holmes sent No. 63 and No. 183–another pick acquired via trade during the draft–to Denver for No. 68 overall and No. 139.

With the 63rd pick, the Broncos selected Oklahoma wide receiver Marvin Mims.