The Detroit Lions aren’t going to be in the business of trading any of the following players any time soon.
But, in its took a look around the league at trade tiers, ESPN says seven Lions would fetch at least one first-round NFL draft pick if traded today. That number for the Lions ties a league-high alongside the Kansas City Chiefs, Dallas Cowboys, Philadelphia Eagles, Los Angeles Rams and the defending Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks.
ESPN’s Bill Barnwell placed Lions edge Aidan Hutchinson and offensive tackle Penei Sewell in a trade tier that recoup two first-round picks and more.
The cornerstones of Detroit’s rebuild along the line of scrimmage, Hutchinson and Sewell have been elite players roughly since they’ve entered the NFL. They’re both on significant deals, but they’re also in the prime of their respective careers. Sewell is moving from right tackle to left tackle, but given that he was a high-end left tackle prospect out of Oregon and has filled in on the left side in the past, I don’t have many concerns about his game translating over to the blind side.
Detroit running back Jahmyr Gibbs and wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown would be traded for one first-round pick and more.
I’ve written elsewhere in this article about how running backs don’t typically land first-round picks via trade, but Gibbs is one of the few exceptions given his age, skill set and contract situation. Even if an acquiring team was going to give Gibbs a record-setting deal, he would still be looking at a contract roughly in line with what Jakobi Meyers earns on his deal with the Jags.
Lions quarterback Jared Goff, linebacker Jack Campbell and offensive tackle Blake Miller would all bring back a first-round NFL draft pick in ESPN’s trade tiers.
Another member of that 2023 draft class with Gibbs, Campbell has rounded into form as one of the league’s better all-around off-ball linebackers and earned a new contract this offseason. Roquan Smith was dealt for a second-round pick, which might suggest that it’s really difficult for off-ball linebackers to land a first via trade, but Smith was also about to hit free agency. Campbell having years of team control to come might make him slightly more valuable.
Safety Brian Branch, tight end Sam LaPorta, wide receiver Jameson Williams and defensive tackle Tyleik Williams were among the Lions’ group that just missed out.
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This article originally appeared on Lions Wire: ESPN says 7 Lions would fetch 1st-round NFL draft picks if traded
Reporting by Josh Helmer, Lions Wire / Lions Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Josh Helmer, Lions Wire | USA TODAY Network
