The Detroit Lions tried hard to fill defensive deficiencies during the early stages of NFL free agency. While this should benefit the team’s defense, it will also allow the team to consider targeting an offensive prospect in the first round of the 2024 NFL draft. AtoZ Sports’ Mike Payton suggested that potential could be LSU wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr.
But Payton not only predicted that the Lions would take Thomas with their first pick, but also suggested that the Lions trade up to obtain the top college wide receiver.
He can separate in the same way that Reynolds cannot, and he can go up and retrieve it. Thomas is a game changer for the Lions.
Thomas was undoubtedly a game changer at LSU. In 2023, he led the FBS with 17 receiving touchdowns.
He also averaged 17.3 yards per catch on 68 grabs for 1,177 receiving yards. Thomas’ college career ended with 24 touchdowns in 38 games.
Payton requested that the Lions trade their No. 29 pick, the No. 201 overall pick, a 2025 fourth-round pick, and linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez to the Philadelphia Eagles. In exchange, the Lions acquired the 22nd overall selection and the 172nd pick.
Could the Lions Depart with LB Malcolm Rodriguez in a Draft Trade?
In the mock draft, Payton wrote that his objective was to move the Lions up for a bit of a splash but do it without giving up too much in other draft capital.
Payton admitted that the trade up seven spots was a little on the expensive side. That’s why he included Rodriguez as part of the package.
“I knew a player would sweeten the deal for the Eagles and they were in need of a linebacker,” Payton said in a statement. “Since Rodriguez is sitting behind Alex Anzalone, Jack Campbell, Derrick Barnes and Jalen Reeves-Maybin, I saw this as an opportunity for him to get more playing time elsewhere.”
The Lions selected Rodriguez in the sixth round of the 2022 NFL Draft. He started 15 games as a rookie, but in his second season, he only started three.
Even though he is not a starter, this deal would reduce Detroit’s linebacker depth. However, in the trade proposal, the team retained their two remaining Day 2 selections. On Day 3, the Lions would also have three draft picks that they could utilize to build depth at linebacker.
