The Detroit Lions are currently mapping out their strategy for the upcoming NFL Draft, and one option on the table is executing a trade once they are on the clock.

Detroit could decide to move up the board or slide back, though the franchise has typically leaned toward trading up during the tenure of general manager Brad Holmes. However, in this year’s draft, there is a reasonable argument for the team to trade down in order to collect extra selections and strengthen depth across several areas of the roster.

If the Lions choose to move down, they must approach it carefully. The team still has immediate needs that would ideally be filled by high-impact players. A recent mock draft by Pro Football Focus analyst Daire Carragher suggested a scenario that would significantly alter Detroit’s draft position.

In that projection, Detroit trades down from the 17th pick to No. 23 and uses the selection on CJ Allen from Georgia Bulldogs football. Carragher believes Allen’s instincts and football intelligence could help strengthen the defense right away.

However, sliding back in the order would likely mean the Lions miss out on several other prospects who could address pressing needs. That includes safety Dillon Thieneman from Oregon Ducks football, offensive tackle Blake Miller from Clemson Tigers football, and edge rusher Akheem Mesidor from Miami Hurricanes football. Each of those players could reasonably be considered by Detroit given the team’s roster gaps.

While accumulating extra draft assets may seem appealing, the bigger concern is positional value. The supply of quality offensive tackles and defensive ends could thin out quickly after the second day of the draft. Because of that, Detroit may not be able to risk passing on players at those premium positions—even if Allen projects as a strong contributor and the trade yields additional picks.

Lions must weigh risk before trading down

The proposed scenario does not specify exactly what compensation Detroit would receive for dropping six spots. Still, it’s reasonable to assume the Lions could add a third-round pick and perhaps another mid-round selection in return.

Ultimately, the decision would come down to whether the organization values adding more total picks or securing the highest-rated player available at No. 17. Staying in place would likely give Detroit access to a stronger prospect. Moving back could open the door for other teams to leapfrog the Lions and take players Detroit may be targeting.

If the team does explore trading down, a smaller drop might make more sense—perhaps landing somewhere around pick No. 20 rather than No. 23. That would still give the Lions a good chance of landing a key prospect while gaining extra draft capital. With nine selections already in hand, the franchise isn’t desperate to accumulate more picks and can afford to remain selective.

After taking a relatively measured approach during free agency, Detroit will need to use the draft to add players capable of filling key roles and potentially developing into future stars. The safest way to accomplish that is by sticking closely to their draft board rather than taking unnecessary risks.