By Zicpraiz 
The Detroit Lions may consider trading back in the NFL Draft to build draft capital, according to Pro Football Focus NFL Draft analyst Trevor Sikkema. Sikkema believes the team is more likely to trade back than up, citing the strength of this year’s draft class in the trenches.
General manager Brad Holmes has a history of being unpredictable in the draft, prioritizing fit and best player available over traditional team need. Sikkema thinks the Lions could land one of the draft’s top edge rushers at their 28th overall selection.
“If anything, I think they’re gonna move back,” Sikkema said. “I do think, if I had to bet right now, I’d bet they stay put because I think one of those good edge rushers is gonna fall to them.”
Top edge prospects in this year’s class include Penn State’s Abdul Carter, Marshall’s Mike Green, Georgia’s Jalon Walker, and Texas A&M’s Shemar Stewart. Sikkema notes that the Lions may want to maximize their opportunity to add depth and talent on both sides of the ball, particularly in the trenches.
“They’ve got some age in the trenches on the offensive side that they might want to think about long-term, a lot like the Philadelphia Eagles have done over the last couple of seasons which yielded a Super Bowl this past season,” Sikkema noted.
Trading back would also allow the Lions to stockpile draft capital, as Holmes has traditionally been efficient with his assets. This could create more opportunities to draft players in the talented interior and edge defender class.
“I just feel as though (Detroit will trade) back and get an extra second or third-round pick to continue to invest in the trenches on both sides of the ball,” Sikkema explained. “If anything, they’ll move back, but I think they’re gonna get an impact edge rusher at the end of the first round.”
In other Lions news, CBS Sports listed the team as a possible landing spot for defensive back Darius Slay, who is set to be released by the Eagles. Slay was drafted by the Lions in 2013 and played the first seven of his 12 NFL seasons with the team.
The Detroit News compiled their latest mock draft roundup, analyzing who pundits’ favorite choices are for the Lions with the 28th overall pick.
LionsWire provided some takeaways from its experience at the NFL Combine, while the Detroit Free Press explored the Lions’ hiring of new running backs coach Tashard Choice and the impact he will have on the team in 2025.