Detroit Lions could trade into top three for Sammy Watkins?
Sammy Watkins (2) reacts after scoring a touchdown. Robert Mayer-USA TODAY Sports
The Detroit Lions have flirted with the idea of trading up in order to draft either Sammy Watkins or Mike Evans, and it’s possible that Martin Mayhew could pull the trigger and make this kind of an uber-aggressive move if the price is right. He would have to trade into the top five in order to secure Watkins, and the teams picking in the top three of the 2014 NFL Draft have all made it known that they are open to trading their picks. If the price is right, then the Lions could make the move to snag either Watkins or even Evans, as per ESPN’s John Clayton.
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The NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported this morning, via Pro Football Talk, that the Detroit Lions told Watkins that they are considering trading into the top three, and it’s always seemed like the Lions are incredibly high on Watkins. This could all be a smokescreen, but they would have to be in love with Watkins in order to even consider trading up for him.
Evans and Watkins are both talented prospects, but it would be pretty ridiculous for the Lions to trade up in a deep draft (especially at receiver) just to draft Evans, especially since Odell Beckham Jr. is just as good and will most likely be available at No. 10. Even trading up for Watkins is a stretch despite his incredible talent, because it isn’t really worth it to trade up, OBJ is talented in his own right, and the Lions already have a top starting duo in Calvin Johnson and Golden Tate. I would honestly take a player on defense at N0. 10 and focus on adding wide receivers later on in this year’s draft. The Lions need to find No. 3 and 4 guys and not No. 2 and 3 guys at the position, so they can definitely afford to wait on WR in this year’s class.