Three trade-down scenarios for the Lions in 2021 NFL Draft

Details: Lions trade seventh pick to the Eagles for 12th pick, 2021 second-round pick and 2022 second-round pick

We’re hearing rumors that the Eagles might look to move back into the top 10 after trading down from six to 12. Said deal netted the Eagles a 2022 first-round pick, creating more flexibility for general manager Howie Roseman. Most recently, reports indicate that Philadelphia moving up would be for either star tight end Kyle Pitts or one of the top quarterbacks in the draft.

As for the Lions, moving down to 12 while picking up two valuable second-round picks would be a boon for the long-downtrodden organization. They would still likely be able to land a player at a position of need at 12. That includes wide receivers Devonta Smith and Jaylen Waddle as well as cornerback Patrick Surtain II.

Lions trade down with the Patriots

Details: Lions trade seventh pick to the Patriots for 15th pick, third-round pick in 2021 and first-round pick in 2022

The Patriots are one of the true wild cards heading into the 2021 NFL Draft. It has not been head coach Bill Belichick’s MO to move up and exhaust future draft capital. Then again, everything the Patriots have done thus far this offseason has run contrary to what we’ve seen Belichick do in his two decades with the Pats. That could now include making a move for Justin Fields or Mac Jones — two quarterbacks New England has scouted big-time this spring.

As for a potential trade, the Pats would have to pay a premium to move up into the top 10. This hypothetical deal nets Detroit another first-round pick in 2022. That would give them three of the first 32 selections next April. They’d also still potentially be able to land the aforementioned Devonta Smith. Heck, defense becomes clear value and need in the middle of the first round. Perhaps, all-everything linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah from Notre Dame could be the target here.

Lions trade down with the Washington Football Team

Details: Lions trade seventh pick to Washington for 19th pick, 2021 second-round pick, 2022 first-round pick and 2022 third-round pick

Rumors continue to persist that Washington is incredibly high on Trey Lance. Whether new general manager Martin Mayhew is willing to pay a bounty to move up for the talented North Dakota State product remains to be seen. There’s also a chance that Lance goes as high as No. 3 overall to the San Francisco 49ers. That could complicate things when it comes to this hypothetical trade.

With that said, expect Washington to call the Lions up when they are on the clock if Lance is available. A move of this ilk, would give the Lions a third first-round pick in 2022 and two more valuable selections. In turn, the could potentially add an edge-rusher like Michigan’s Kwity Paye or a second-tier cornerback in Greg Newsome II.