Draft Analyst Explores if Lions Will Trade Back in NFL Draft

As the Detroit Lions prepare for the 2025 NFL Draft, the front office, led by general manager Brad Holmes and head coach Dan Campbell, finds themselves at an intriguing crossroads. With a solid foundation in place and a competitive roster, the Lions are eyeing ways to elevate their team further, and one option that has garnered increasing attention is trading back in the draft. Trading back, or moving down in the draft order, is often viewed as a strategic move that can bring value in the form of additional draft picks, especially for a team looking to build depth across multiple positions.

In this analysis, we’ll explore why the Lions might consider trading back in the 2025 NFL Draft, the factors influencing that decision, the potential benefits and risks, and how such a move could shape their future.

The Lions’ Current Draft Position

At the time of writing, the Detroit Lions hold the 6th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. This is a prime position in what is expected to be a draft rich with talent across various positions, including edge rushers, wide receivers, cornerbacks, and more. A pick in the top 10 guarantees the Lions an opportunity to select an elite player who could immediately contribute to the team’s success. However, being in the top 10 also means that the Lions are surrounded by teams with similar needs, all of which will be vying for top-tier talent.

On one hand, standing pat and taking the best player available (BPA) could be a tempting move for a team looking to add immediate impact players. On the other hand, the Lions’ roster, though improved under Campbell’s leadership, is not yet in a position where they can afford to make just one high-value pick. The team needs depth and quality across a variety of positions, including defensive line, wide receiver, and the secondary. With a trade-back scenario, the Lions could potentially stockpile additional picks, enabling them to address multiple areas of need.

Factors Influencing the Lions’ Decision to Trade Back

Team Needs and Roster Composition

The Lions’ roster is undoubtedly talented, but there are still key areas where they could stand to improve. Although the Lions’ offense has received significant attention, particularly with quarterback Jared Goff’s resurgence and a dynamic group of skill players, the defense remains a work in progress. The defensive line, in particular, is an area of concern, especially in terms of pass rush and interior defense. If the Lions feel that a top-tier defensive player, such as an edge rusher, might be available later in the draft, it could motivate them to move down, securing more assets while still addressing this need.

Furthermore, the secondary could use additional depth, especially at cornerback, where the Lions have struggled at times with consistency. With several high-caliber cornerbacks potentially available at the top of the draft, trading back could still give Detroit access to top-level prospects while acquiring more picks to reinforce other areas of need.

In addition to the defense, the Lions could stand to improve their wide receiving corps. Although Amon-Ra St. Brown has established himself as a reliable and dynamic playmaker, there is a lack of depth behind him. If the Lions are looking to add another weapon for Goff, they may find value in a trade-back scenario, where they can secure a wide receiver later in the first round or early second.

Value of the 6th Overall Pick

The 6th overall pick in the draft carries significant value, especially in a class where several teams could be looking to move up for a specific player. For example, if a top-tier quarterback prospect slides, teams in need of a quarterback—such as the Indianapolis Colts, Atlanta Falcons, or even a team like the New England Patriots—may look to trade up and secure their future signal caller. In this case, the Lions could leverage their high position to maximize the trade value by moving back a few spots while still having access to a top player.

In some instances, the Lions might even have the opportunity to secure multiple first-round picks in a trade-back scenario, allowing them to address multiple needs in a single draft. This could be especially valuable in a draft that is expected to have significant depth, where talent is not concentrated at the very top but spread out through the first and second rounds.

The Depth of the 2025 Draft Class

This year’s draft class is considered relatively deep, particularly in certain positions. The Lions may be enticed by the opportunity to pick up several players in a range where there is little drop-off in talent. With the depth of wide receiver, cornerback, and defensive line prospects, Detroit could opt to trade back and still secure a player who could contribute immediately. By doing so, they could gather additional picks to target other areas of need, making this draft a potential turning point for the team.

With the additional picks, the Lions could target defensive players like cornerbacks or safeties to bolster their secondary or look for another wide receiver or running back to provide Goff with more tools in the passing game.

Draft Day Trades and the Lions’ Track Record

Brad Holmes has already demonstrated a willingness to make bold moves, particularly in the draft. As the general manager of the Lions, he executed a successful trade during the 2022 draft, moving up from the 32nd overall pick to select wide receiver Jameson Williams. This trade required him to give up multiple picks, but it showed his commitment to being aggressive in a draft. Holmes’ approach indicates that the Lions are not afraid to make moves, whether it’s trading up or down, in order to put their team in the best position possible.

Holmes has shown a preference for being active in the draft, which might signal that the Lions are indeed open to trading back if it presents an opportunity to enhance the roster.

Potential Trade Partners

The Indianapolis Colts

A team like the Indianapolis Colts could be a prime candidate to trade up. The Colts are in the market for a quarterback and may see the 6th overall pick as an ideal opportunity to select their future signal-caller. Moving up for a quarterback would make sense for Indianapolis, as they have already made moves to improve their offensive line and are likely looking to secure a franchise QB.

If the Lions receive an offer from the Colts, it could include multiple picks that would allow them to replenish their roster. A trade with the Colts could also allow Detroit to move back to around the 10th or 11th spot, still leaving them with access to high-level defensive or offensive talent.

The Atlanta Falcons

Another team that could look to move up is the Atlanta Falcons, especially if a top-tier edge rusher, cornerback, or wide receiver is within their sights. The Falcons have made progress in their rebuild but still have glaring holes that need to be addressed. Atlanta could be aggressive in trading up for a player that could push their franchise forward.

The New England Patriots

The New England Patriots have been rumored to be in the market for a quarterback, and with a quarterback-heavy draft class, there is a possibility that Bill Belichick might look to trade up if the right opportunity presents itself. The Lions could entertain such a trade, especially if it involves securing an additional first-round pick.

Trade Back Scenarios

Scenario 1: Move Back to the 10th-15th Range

If the Lions trade back to around the 10th to 15th overall pick range, they could still land a top-tier player while acquiring extra picks. For instance, a cornerback or defensive lineman could still be available, depending on how the draft unfolds. This would give the Lions a chance to add more depth to the defense without losing out on elite talent.

Scenario 2: Multiple First-Round Picks

In a scenario where the Lions trade back further, say to the late teens or early 20s, they could land multiple first-round picks. This would be a rare and valuable opportunity, giving Detroit even more flexibility in terms of drafting a combination of talented players at positions of need. By adding multiple picks, the Lions could strengthen their roster at multiple levels.

Risks and Rewards of Trading Back

Rewards

The primary benefit of trading back is the ability to gather more assets for the team. Multiple picks would allow the Lions to focus on addressing several areas of need and improve their roster across the board. Additionally, the Lions could still land an impactful player later in the first round, making the move worthwhile.

Furthermore, if the Lions land multiple second-round or third-round picks, they can take advantage of a deep class and target high-potential players who could develop into key contributors.

Risks

The primary risk with trading back is the possibility of losing out on a truly elite player. While the depth of the draft class offers many opportunities, trading down could leave the Lions in a situation where the top-tier prospects they need are already gone. Additionally, moving back could create a situation where they are forced to address needs with players who may not have the immediate impact of those available at the top of the draft.

As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, the Detroit Lions are at an exciting crossroads. The opportunity to trade back presents both potential rewards and risks. Given their roster’s depth and the chance to add more assets, trading back could be a wise move for a team that is building for long-term success. With Brad Holmes’ track record of bold decisions and a deep draft class on the horizon, the Lions could position themselves to significantly improve their roster and continue their upward trajectory.

Whether the Lions decide to stay put at 6 or move back to acquire more picks, the most important thing is that they make the right decision for the future of the franchise. The 2025 draft represents a critical juncture in their rebuilding process, and it will be fascinating to see how the front office chooses to navigate this pivotal moment.