Lion Fans Hope Of Trading Back Slowly Fading
Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports
The Lions, under Martin Mayhew’s control, have not moved back in any draft under their current regime. After early signings in free agency, this seemed like a novel concept. The Browns, Bills, Cardinals and Jets all sit behind the Lions, and coincidentally they’re in need of a new signal caller. However, in the NFL, a month can be very telling.
Early last month, I wrote on options that may present themselves for the Lions to move back in the first round in this months draft. After the Browns signed outside linebacker Paul Kruger, the chances seemed to escalate.
"If this report holds, it would negate a need for a pass rusher and allow the Browns to target their quarterback of the future. With teams like the Buffalo Bills and the Arizona Cardinals also potentially targeting the top quarterback in a weak class, it makes the fifth pick very appealing.With heat on the Browns to move up before others strike, the Lions could be a good position if they want to add picks. Last year, with teams behind them pursuing running back Trent Richardson, the team moved up one pick to ensure Richardson was their pick. The Vikings were able to add an additional fourth, fifth and seventh round picks."
NFL Networks Albert Breer noted the movement of NFL teams for veteran quarterbacks and the problems it may cause for Geno Smith and the rest of the quarterback class.
If you're counting at home, 4 of the teams in the Top 8 (KC, Oak, AZ, Buf) have already overhauled their QB spot. Not good for draft QBs.
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) April 2, 2013
As of the last two weeks, moves for veteran quarterbacks have been plentiful. Arizona picked up Drew Stanton and are currently hot on the trail for Carson Palmer, the Bills got Kevin Kolb and the Browns added Jason Campbell. Could each team still make a move? Sure. Is each team desperate to find that missing piece at quarterback? Most likely not (although the Browns have been desperate for decades).
As we inch closer to draft day, the Lions continue to do their homework on every position in the draft, bringing in three wide receivers, a running back, left tackle and cornerback early in the process. With the Lions newest member of the front office, Brian Xanders, bringing a track record of moving back in the draft (traded back twice in 2010, before moving back up to select Tim Tebow and Demaryius Thomas, and traded out of the first round in 2012 to select Derek Wolfe in the second round), the Lions chances seem to be dwindling as draft day approaches.