Blockbuster Proposed Trade Sends Lions ‘Elite’ CB Prospect

Blockbuster Proposed Trade Sends Lions ‘Elite’ CB Prospect

This year, the Detroit Lions came very close to clinching the franchise’s first Super Bowl berth.

The Bleacher Report NFL scouting staff argues that the Lions should keep it in mind as they plan their draft approach this offseason.

Bleacher Report advised that the Lions be proactive and trade up in the first round of the 2024 NFL draft.

According to Bleacher Report, the Lions might trade their 29th overall pick and two second-round picks to the New Orleans Saints for the 14th overall pick.

Moving up 15 spots in the first round will allow the Lions to address the team’s largest need,

Alabama cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry.

“While trading for a proven veteran is certainly an option for Detroit, we’d like to see the Lions continue to fill out their roster with young players,” the Bleacher Report NFL scouting department stated. “Trading up in Round 1, while costly, could land an elite prospect like McKinstry—the only corner the Bleacher Report Scouting Department has assigned a first-round grade.”

In addition to their first-round pick, the Lions handed up a 2024 second-round and third-round pick in the proposed Bleacher Report trade.

“While trading for a proven veteran is certainly an option for Detroit, we’d like to see the Lions continue to fill out their roster with young players,” the Bleacher Report NFL scouting department stated. “Trading up in Round 1 can be pricey, but  could land an elite prospect like McKinstry—the only corner the Bleacher Report Scouting Department has assigned a first-round grade.”

On top of their first-round pick, the Lions gave up a 2024 second-round and 2024 third-round choice in the Bleacher Report proposed trade.

In 14 games at Alabama in 2023, McKinstry recorded 7 pass defenses and 32 total tackles. In 42 college games, he recorded 23 pass defenses, 93 total tackles, two sacks, and two interceptions.

How Kool-Aid McKinstry Can Fit With the Lions

No one is likely to argue against the Lions selecting a cornerback in the first round of the 2024 NFL draft.

Detroit ranked 27th in pass defense and 27th in passing touchdowns allowed during the 2023 regular season. The Lions then allowed an average of 311.3 passing yards in three postseason games.

Cameron Sutton and Kindle Vildor, the Lions’ starting outside cornerbacks at the end of the season, both had below-average player grades from Pro Football Focus in 2023. In  In the postseason, Sutton struggled against elite receivers such as Puka Nacua and Mike Evans.

Furthermore, Vildor is a free agent in March.

Drafting McKinstry would give the Lions one of the top cornerback prospect in the 2024 class. In addition to Bleacher Report ranking him the No. 1 cornerback in the upcoming draft class, The Sporting News has McKinstry rated a top 3 cornerback for 2024.

ESPN and Pro Football Focus have McKinstry listed among the top six cornerbacks in the next class.

“His skills are undeniable and give defensive coordinators the versatility to play multiple schemes,” noted Cory Giddings of Bleacher Report.
Why the Lions Trade Up in the 2024 Draft Makes Sense

Two years ago, Lions general manager Brad Holmes shown that he is not worried with being aggressive in the draft. Detroit exchanged three picks (Nos. 32, 34, and 66 overall) for two picks, including the No. 12 overall selection in 2022.

At No. 12, the Lions selected wide receiver Jameson Williams.

There’s a greater case for the Lions to move up this season.

Free agency may alter things, but there are no apparent offensive weaknesses on Detroit’s roster. On defense, the Lions need help at cornerback and edge rusher.

Trading up in the first round increases the Lions’ chances of acquiring their top prospect at any position, which will contribute immediately to the team’s Super Bowl drive in 2024-25.

It also continues Detroit’s recent tendency of filling its roster with youthful players that fit in with the team’s culture.

Finally, the Lions have two third-round picks this year. This will help to offset some of the loss from surrendering two Day 2 picks to move up in the first round.

“This deal would give New Orleans more options while giving Detroit another young playmaker to partner with Hutchinson, Jack Campbell and Brian Branch,” according to the Bleacher Report.

“The Lions have an additional third-round pick from the T. J. Hockenson deal, so this would leave Detroit with a Day 2 selection.”

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