An Alternative View on the Risks of Taking the Carolina 8th Selection in trading Matthew Stafford

The Detroit Lions went into the offseason knowing they would be changing their front office, coaching staff, and then discovered their star quarterback desired a trade. The Grey Manes completed an analysis examining the reported offers out there believe the Lions made the best pick in trading Matthew Stafford to the LA Rams. Besides the obvious, not having to immediately draft a young quarterback to fill a gap left by the departure of the long-tenured signal caller, the choice to take two future seems to be the best option. Jared Goff is a quality NFL quarterback. Whether he is Detroit's long-term solution will work itself out. Lions new head coach Dan Campbell indicated the Detroit Lions intend to be physical, meaning a run heavy offense. Therefore, Goff has proven he can have success with a strong running game given he was the Rams starting QB in the Super Bowl (edited)

Despite an immediate potential opportunity to have the 7th and 8th selection in the first round in selecting Carolina as their trading partner, that option seems to have increased risk in this year’s draft that other seasons may not have presented. Other issues to consider with Panthers Deal: (edited)

· Both picks become FAs in same year

· Lions need and BPA likely align with only WR, with QB, CB and TE not necessarily viable based on youngsters on roster unless clear upgrade.

· Many Top 12 kids opted out, didn't play full season or have perceived warts.

· Value in top 10 is at QB and WR, with WR likely filled at #7 and QB a maybe.

· Edge, LB and WR are Lions biggest needs, with only WR now viable at 7 (Parsons opt out and the Sexual Assault issue)

· Scouting issues abound with this class due to COVID

· No Combine, tape study is imperative, and Lions scouting department is not fully staffed and will need to not only be integrated wth holdovers, but all get on same page with direction that Coaching Staff has for needs of team once they set the systems for Offense and Defense. Not something you want to rush through just because you need to identify two players to take in top 10.

· Salary Cap constraints would mean another Top 10 pick would cause another veteran cut.

· Easier to use low 1st rounder as trade collateral than high 1st rounder to provide ultimate flexibility.

This Article was written by Dan Keener with input from Brent and Mike