Lions GM Bob Quinn tells Tori Petry of the team website the team is open to a potential trade down from the No. 3 overall pick in the first round.
Quinn said he hasn’t been contacted by any teams about a potential trade yet, but those tend to happen at the NFL Scouting Combine, set to start next week.
“The higher you are up in the draft, really the sooner the conversations begin.” Quinn said. “I have not had any trade conversations with anybody as of yet. Those usually tend to start in the combine in the hallway that we kind of roll through, and we’ll see how that goes.”
Quinn added the Lions have not zeroed in or ruled out a particular position if they stay at No. 3 and are open to a multitude of possibilities.
Detroit’s first-round pick has been a popular subject of speculation so far this offseason. The Bengals appear locked in to LSU QB Joe Burrow with the first overall pick, while Redskins HC Ron Rivera and owner Daniel Snyder are reportedly on the same page about taking Ohio State DE Chase Young at No. 2.
That leaves the No. 3 overall pick as a potential key inflection point in the draft. Despite falling from his perch as the preseason favorite for the No. 1 overall selection, Alabama QB Tua Tagovailoa is still seen as a potential franchise starter if his recovery from a dislocated hip continues to progress well.
While Detroit could take Tagovailoa, it appears unlikely at this point given the win-now mandate issued by ownership to HC Matt Patricia and the team’s continued confidence in QB Matthew Stafford.
There are several other quarterback-needy teams, like the Dolphins at No. 5, Chargers at No. 6 and the Panthers at No. 7, who could consider making a move up to No. 3 to make sure they secure Tagovailoa. Detroit could pick up valuable picks while still securing a player they would have considered at No. 3.
Popular options for the Lions in mock drafts so far have included Ohio State CB Jeffrey Okudah, Auburn DT Derrick Brown and Clemson LB Isaiah Simmons.
We’ll have more on the Lions as the news is available.
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