Bob Quinn: “Lions Willing to Trade Down at the NFL Draft”

It seems that Detroit Lions have some kind of a calculation that might see them trading down at the upcoming NFL Draft.

The Lions are holding the No.3 pick at the NFL 2020 Draft. But according to their general manager Bob Quinn, they are willing to go down but for the right price. Lions’ GM admitted that he already had numerous talks about this situation, and expects to have more in the days to come.

“I’ve had a few of those conversations over the last week or so. Had a few of those conversations, honestly, as far back as the combine,” Quinn said. “And then there will be more substantive talks next week if people are interested.

Lions open to dealing No. 3 pick, GM Bob Quinn says, but don’t expect them to trade too far down if they do https://t.co/p1LicNXep6

— Michael Rothstein (@mikerothstein) April 17, 2020

The only thing which is of importance to Quinn is to work out a deal before the draft. That is the ultimate condition of the Lions’ GM. He does not want to be on the clock when receiving the offers, because that would make further implications on his plans.

“I don’t think I’m going to be making a huge decision on trading the No. 3 overall pick while I’m on the clock, while I’m virtually talking to our head coach and our other personnel.”

That is why he reorganized his space back at home, making a small office similar to the one at the team’s facilities. From there, Quinn can organize conference calls and lead negotiations. He installed a draft phone, several screens, numerous tech gadgets, etc. So it is safe to say that he is pretty much ready for the draft day.

Regarding the Detroit’s pick, according to the experts and insiders who are aware of the team’s needs, the logical choice for Matt Patricia would be picking Jeffrey Okudah, the cornerback from Ohio State. However, there is a catch with this player, which is why Quinn indicated his willingness to trade down in the draft.

Many believe that all the teams before and several after Detroit don’t need a cornerback. It is something that opened up a possibility for Detroit to profit. If they switch places with Dolphins, for example, who are chasing Tua Tagovailoa or some other team among the first seven or eight picks, they would still get Okudah, because nobody needs this type of a player.

The positive side for Quinn is that he would get compensation for abandoning the third place. Certain teams are willing to accept a hefty price for that No.3 pick, and that would be an additional gain for the franchise from Motor City. It is up to their general manager to negotiate the deal right.

Lions began the 2019 season pretty well, posting two wins and one draw in the opening three games. However, they would lose 12 of the next 13 matches, recording a miserable 3-12-1 record. All the high expectations which appeared among the fans before the start of the season faded as time progressed.

Reliable sources from within the organization are suggesting that this would be the last chance for Patricia to make a notable result; otherwise, the Lions will move on from the 45-year old. He came from New England as a three-time champion, and the cornerstone of Pats’ rock-solid defense, but failed to lead the Lions to the playoffs.

The NFL Draft starts on Thursday, April 23.