Insider says Lions could trade their second first-round pick

The Detroit Lions are one of four teams with multiple 2023 first-round picks, and according to SI.com’s Albert Breer, the team has discussed using one of those picks to move around the draft.

In a recent column, Breer mentioned Detroit, which has the Nos. 6 and 18 overall picks, could possibly move up for a quarterback if one falls or perhaps the team plans to zero in on another top offensive player.

“As for the second of its picks, a move up for a quarterback shouldn’t be ruled out (the Lions did all the work),” Breer wrote. “And I’ve heard running back would be a consideration too. So No. 18 could wind up being the floor for (Texas RB Bijan) Robinson. (Also, for what it’s worth, I’ve heard the Lions have already made calls on trading down from No. 18).”

With their first pick, the Lions are expected to address their defense, and Breer believes they’re targeting either Georgia defensive tackle Jalen Carter or Illinois cornerback Devon Witherspoon.

But should either Kentucky’s Will Levis or Florida’s Anthony Richardson fall out of the top 10, the Lions could aggressively move up to grab a QB to develop behind Jared Goff, who will turn 29 just a few weeks into the 2023 season.

Robinson also makes sense. The 6-foot, 220-pound tailback has seen his draft stock rise since the NFL Scouting Combine. Once believed to be a mid-20s selection, Robinson could go as high as No. 10 overall to Philadelphia or somewhere in the mid-teens. 

Although Detroit signed David Montgomery to a three-year deal in free agency, he’s never had more than 250 carries in a season, and D’Andre Swift has missed 10 games over his first three seasons. Robinson could give the Lions a true No. 1 workhorse running back.

If Detroit trades down, it will likely be to fill a few positions of need following Friday’s suspensions that saw 2022 first-round pick Jameson Williams and reserve receiver Stanley Berryhill get six-game suspensions while receiver Quintez Cephus and defensive back C.J. Moore both got hit with indefinite suspensions and were subsequently released. The Lions are now down three receivers and a defensive back.