Detroit Lions: Bold predictions for the 2018 NFL Draft
By Zac Snyder
At least one trade will be made between the Lions and Patriots
Bob Quinn has had the luxury of being able to add large draft classes in his first two drafts at the helm of the Lions but finds himself with just six picks this time around. He’s said he’d like to add more picks but that takes doing something he’s done just once through two drafts – make a trade. That trade was with his former employer, the New England Patriots, so pulling off his stated goal may take showing a skill he hasn’t shown so far.
Fortunately for Quinn, the Patriots may be good trade partners again in the 2018 NFL Draft. The Patriots have five of the first 95 picks in the draft (two in the first round, two in the second, one in the third) but have a gap of over 100 picks before making their first of two sixth round picks.
With two first round picks sitting behind the Lions pick at 20 overall, the Patriots could be a trade-down partner for the Lions if there is someone they feel the need to move up to get. In the process, Quinn could add the additional pick or picks he covets, while the Patriots may be able to fill their mid-round gap.
Given the existing relationship, the number of picks each team currently has and where those picks fall makes the Lions and Patriots look like they line up as strong potential trade partners.
Speaking of trades…