Lions Make Bombshell Deal With Eagles in All-Trade SI Mock Draft

In the world of the NFL, trades during the draft are as unpredictable and thrilling as any game-winning play. And when an intriguing trade happens, it can change the landscape of both franchises for years to come. This is exactly what we saw in the most recent Sports Illustrated Mock Draft, where the Detroit Lions and the Philadelphia Eagles made a jaw-dropping deal that had fans and analysts buzzing. This trade, while still hypothetical, would have massive ramifications for both teams as they look to build their rosters and strengthen their playoff hopes.

The Bombshell Trade

In the all-trade mock draft scenario, the Detroit Lions decided to move up in the draft to secure a player who could elevate their franchise to the next level. Meanwhile, the Philadelphia Eagles, in what might be seen as a surprising move, decided to trade down in order to collect more future assets and add depth to their roster.

The Deal:

• Detroit Lions trade:
  • 1st Round Pick (No. 6 overall)
  • 2nd Round Pick (No. 38 overall)
  • Future 1st Round Pick (2026)
  • Future 3rd Round Pick (2026)
• Philadelphia Eagles trade:
  • 1st Round Pick (No. 9 overall)
  • 3rd Round Pick (No. 93 overall)
  • 5th Round Pick (No. 153 overall)

This deal instantly raised eyebrows due to the substantial draft capital the Eagles were able to collect for a mere three spots in the first round. However, the Lions’ decision to make such an aggressive move is rooted in their drive to be a legitimate contender in the NFC North and beyond.

Why the Lions Made the Move

The Lions are a team on the rise. With the emergence of quarterback Jared Goff, the continued excellence of running back Jamaal Williams, and the defensive improvements led by the likes of Aidan Hutchinson, the Lions have shown that they are no longer the NFC’s doormat. But to take that next step and become a perennial playoff contender, the Lions know they need to add top-tier talent to both sides of the ball.

By making this trade, the Lions move up three spots from No. 6 to No. 3, positioning themselves to grab a game-changing player that will immediately bolster their lineup. Whether it’s a dynamic defensive player or a game-breaking offensive weapon, the Lions have a clear goal in mind: take the next step toward being an NFC powerhouse.

Potential Targets for Detroit

1. Will Anderson Jr. (Edge Rusher, Alabama):
   If the Lions are targeting a defensive player, the most likely choice would be Anderson, one of the most disruptive pass rushers in recent college football history. Anderson would immediately slot in as a key cog in the Lions’ defense and provide them with a true game-changer off the edge. The Lions have invested heavily in improving their defense, but securing a top-tier pass rusher like Anderson would take their unit to a new level.
2. Jalen Carter (Defensive Tackle, Georgia):
   Another potential target for the Lions could be Jalen Carter, a dominant defensive tackle who wreaked havoc on opposing offensive lines in college football. Adding Carter to the mix would not only help the Lions against the run but also give them a pass-rusher from the interior. With Carter, the Lions could form a formidable defensive front alongside Hutchinson, creating a nightmare for quarterbacks in the NFC North.
3. Tyree Wilson (Edge Rusher, Texas Tech):
   A more unconventional pick at No. 3 could be Tyree Wilson, another edge rusher who has drawn comparisons to the likes of elite pass rushers. His size, length, and athleticism make him a tantalizing prospect for a team like Detroit, which is looking to dominate at the line of scrimmage. While Anderson may be considered the safer pick, Wilson’s upside could be exactly what Detroit needs to put their defense over the top.
4. Offensive Playmakers:
   If the Lions decide to take an offensive player with their pick, they could target one of the elite wide receivers or tight ends in the class, such as Jaxon Smith-Njigba (WR, Ohio State) or Michael Mayer (TE, Notre Dame). Both would provide Goff with more weapons, allowing him to continue his strong play and help elevate the Lions’ offense to another level.

By jumping to No. 3, the Lions give themselves the best chance to land one of these game-changing players, positioning themselves to be a threat in the NFC for years to come.

Why the Eagles Traded Down

On the flip side, the Eagles’ decision to trade down is intriguing. While they could certainly have stayed at No. 9 and selected a solid player, the Eagles’ front office seems to have a longer-term vision. Moving down to No. 6 not only gives them a future 1st and 3rd round pick, but it also gives them more flexibility to address their roster needs in future drafts.

The Eagles are already a team in prime contention mode, with a strong roster on both sides of the ball. Their decision to trade down may reflect a desire to add depth and talent across the board, ensuring that they can maintain their competitiveness over the next few seasons without overreaching for one specific position.

What the Eagles Could Do With More Picks

1. Add Depth to the Offensive Line: The Eagles are renowned for their offensive line play, and with the additional picks they’ve acquired, they could continue to bolster this unit. While they already boast a strong offensive line, adding another young prospect would provide them with valuable depth for the future. Players like O’Cyrus Torrence (OG, Florida) or Dawand Jones (OT, Ohio State) could be prime targets for the Eagles’ future success.
2. Enhance the Defense: With more draft capital, the Eagles could also strengthen their defense even further. Adding another cornerback or linebacker could help them maintain their dominance on that side of the ball. A player like Devon Witherspoon (CB, Illinois) or Jack Campbell (LB, Iowa) could fit into their defensive scheme and provide a significant boost.
3. Invest in Special Teams: The Eagles could also look to address special teams with a pick later in the draft. Players who can contribute on both special teams and in a rotational role on defense or offense would be valuable assets as the team looks to sustain its high level of play across all phases of the game.

Long-Term Implications for Both Teams

The long-term impact of this trade is significant for both teams. For the Lions, they are making a bold move to accelerate their rebuild and jump into the ranks of NFC contenders. By securing a top-tier talent in this draft, they are making a statement to the rest of the league that they are no longer a rebuilding team but a team ready to compete now.

For the Eagles, the trade provides them with the assets to build for sustained success. The Eagles have one of the most talented rosters in the NFL, but the trade down shows that they are not content to rest on their laurels. By adding future picks, they are setting themselves up to continue being contenders for years to come, while also maintaining flexibility to address future needs.

 A Game-Changing Trade

The trade between the Detroit Lions and Philadelphia Eagles, as presented in the Sports Illustrated Mock Draft, is a bombshell move that could reshape the future of both franchises. For the Lions, the opportunity to move up in the draft and secure a player who can immediately make an impact is a bold and exciting decision. For the Eagles, the trade down provides them with additional assets that will allow them to continue building a championship-caliber roster.

While we may never know exactly how this trade would play out in reality, it serves as a reminder that anything can happen in the NFL draft, and teams are always looking to make the moves that will push them closer to their championship dreams. Whether it’s a rebuilding team like the Lions or a championship contender like the Eagles, the NFL draft remains a time for teams to make moves that can change the course of their franchise for years to come.

As the draft nears, expect to see more blockbuster trades, with teams looking to leverage their draft capital and make their mark on the future. For Lions and Eagles fans, this particular trade will go down as one of the most thrilling and consequential moments of the 2025 draft cycle.