HEARTBREAKING NEWS: WE NEVER EXPECTED THIS…SEE MORE….

Detroit Lions’ Ties to Two Teams Could Facilitate Draft Day Trade
If the Detroit Lions opt to trade out of the first round, keep an eye on these two teams come Thursday.

As the 2024 NFL Draft approaches, one of the key discussions surrounding the Detroit Lions is whether they will stick to their No. 29 pick or engage in trade activities. Lions’ general manager Brad Holmes has demonstrated a proactive approach in player acquisitions, frequently leveraging trade assets in his previous draft experiences.

In 2021, Holmes orchestrated a draft day trade with the Cleveland Browns, securing Derrick Barnes in the fourth round. The following year, he executed another move, trading with the Minnesota Vikings to acquire Jameson Williams in the first round, and later with the Philadelphia Eagles to add Malcolm Rodriguez in the fifth round.

2023 witnessed Holmes making six trades overall, with significant activity in the first three rounds. Notably, the Lions traded with the Arizona Cardinals to maneuver back in the first round for Jahmyr Gibbs, then traded with the Green Bay Packers in Round 2 to select Brian Branch. Holmes also engaged in trades with the Kansas City Chiefs and the Denver Broncos, eventually landing Hendon Hooker. Additionally, he traded up into the third round to acquire Brodric Martin and revisited a deal with the Cardinals, sending D’Andre Swift to the Philadelphia Eagles.

Given Holmes’ past maneuvers, there’s speculation about whether he will maintain his aggressive stance in this year’s draft. Despite the draft taking place in Detroit, Holmes emphasizes prioritizing the team’s interests and isn’t hesitant to engage in trades if they align with the organizational strategy.

The Lions’ current draft capital for 2024 ranks lower in the NFL, indicating a potential inclination towards trading back to accumulate more assets. Which teams are well-positioned with draft capital and could seek to move up into the first round?

Based on 2024 draft pick value models, the Arizona Cardinals and Washington Commanders emerge as prime candidates due to their surplus draft picks. NFL.com draft analyst Lance Zeirlein suggests both teams might be looking to leverage their assets for a move into the latter part of Round 1.

Trading picks involves strategic negotiation, often relying on established relationships between general managers. Notably, Holmes has engaged in multiple trades with three teams during his tenure:

Los Angeles Rams – where Holmes previously worked before joining Detroit
Philadelphia Eagles – where Lions’ senior personnel executive John Dorsey previously worked
Arizona Cardinals – with whom Holmes initiated multiple trades, notably after Dave Sears, their assistant general manager and former Lions’ director of college scouting, joined the Cardinals.
Given Holmes’ rapport with the Cardinals and their significant draft capital, they present a logical trade partner if they seek to re-enter the first round.

The Commanders, despite not having prior trade history with the Lions, recently hired Lance Newmark, a former Lions’ senior director of player personnel, as their assistant general manager. This hire could enhance collaboration between the two front offices, potentially facilitating a trade if Washington aims to move back into Round 1.

Other teams with substantial draft capital include the Chicago Bears, Los Angeles Chargers, and New England Patriots, although their connections with the Lions’ front office are not as pronounced as with the Cardinals and Commanders.