3 Detroit Lions Who Could Be Traded for Draft Picks
The Detroit Lions are a football team that is clearly building through the draft.
With multiple draft classes that have been reviewed favorably, Detroit general manager Brad Holmes has earned the trust of supporters regarding his ability to evaluate talent, along with the front-office personnel department.
With so many needs on defense, the team could look to shop players who may not have a long-term future with the organization.
Here are three players that could garner some interest and potentially some draft picks, if the team made them available via trade.
D'Andre Swift
When healthy, the speedy running back has game-changing ability.
Unfortunately, the early portion of his career has been marred by various nagging injuries.
With the position being devalued across the NFL, teams have been able to find success drafting young running backs to shoulder the load.
For Swift, his value to the team may now be more in what he could garner in draft capital than what he can offer on the field.
Detroit's front office could find itself targeting a running back in the draft or free agency who is better built to withstand the punishment inherently involved with playing the position.
Jeff Okudah
Detroit has not yet received what it needs out of the talented defensive back.
The 24-year-old has not been able to consistently execute and play at a high level the first three seasons of his career.
"He is a young player," Glenn said at the combine, via the team's website. "He still has a ways to go. He came in and got hurt his first year. Then obviously, he got hurt his second year. He had a chance to really play this year, and he understands there's always going to be competition. And, we're always going to create that competition."
Okudah appeared in 15 games in 2022, and secured 73 tackles, seven passes defensed and an interception returned for a score against the Chicago Bears.
Unfortunately, after his head injury, Okudah's play diminished, and resulted in the team deciding to limit his playing time, choosing to use him on special teams the final stretch of the 2022 season.
A fresh start could be in the best interest for both parties, as the team is not likely to pick up his fifth-year option.
Detroit Lions cornerback Jeff Okudah
© Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK
Julian Okwara
It has been a story of untapped potential for Detroit's 2020 third-round draft selection.
With his brother Romeo recovering from a torn Achilles, it may be in the team's best interest to restructure the veteran's contract and keep him on the roster in 2023, as he has demonstrated an ability to rush the quarterback.
For Julian, the influx of defensive players on the roster may make him the odd man out.
Detroit's coaching staff is constantly seeking upgrades, especially along the defensive line.
"It’s just my own personal belief that you always build a defense with defensive linemen and corners," said Glenn. "So, we’ll always look for that. It’s just what I believe in, because you can never have enough of those guys. You can never have enough guys that (are) stout and can play the run. You can never have enough guys that can get after the passer. You can never have enough guys that can cover elite receivers.
"We all understand how this league is going now. We have to do everything we can to continue to add and upgrade. And, every team does that. And, that’s not a bad thing to say. I don’t care who you got. You are always trying to upgrade your team, someway, somehow. And, I know for a fact that’s Dan (Campbell) and Brad’s (Holmes) mentality. It’s all about upgrading.”
