The Detroit Lions came up just short of earning a berth in the 2022 NFL Playoffs, and though we still have some football to watch over the next month, we have also started to think about the 2023 NFL Draft. As it stands, the Lions hold the No. 6 overall pick in the opening round, but that is not high enough to land my dream pick, Will Anderson out of Alabama.
What would the Detroit Lions have to send Bears for No. 1 pick?
If you have been following along, you are most likely aware that the Chicago Bears snatched the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft after they lost in Week 18 and the Houston Texans won.
This presents a big problem for the Detroit Lions if they have their hearts set on Anderson because it seems likely that the Bears will select the Alabama stud when they are on the clock at No. 1.
So, what would it take for the Lions to move up to No. 1?
After playing around a bit with the Pro Football Focus NFL Mock Draft Simulator, it seems like the minimum the Lions would have to offer Chicago would be the following:
- No. 6 overall pick in 2023
- No. 48 overall pick in 2023
- 1st round pick in 2024
- 2nd round pick in 2024
According to the Rich Hill NFL Draft Trade Value Chart, the value of all of the picks involved is as follows.
Bears:
- No. 1 overall pick in 2023 (1,000 points)
Total: 1,000 points
Lions:
- No. 6 overall pick in 2023 (446 points)
- No. 48 overall pick in 2023 (121 points)
- 1st round pick in 2023 (269 points *estimated on Lions making playoffs)
- 2nd round pick in 2023 (112 points *estimated on Lions making playoffs)
Total: 948 points
As you can see, those four picks from the Lions actually add up to be 52 points short of 1,000, or essentially another mid-third-round pick.
Should the Detroit Lions offer the Bears this trade?
Nation, I have an unhealthy obsession with Will Anderson and I have had an unhealthy obsession with him for a very long time.
That being said, Brad Holmes values NFL Draft capital way too much, and so do I, to even consider a trade like this for a second.
When the Bears take Anderson No. 1 overall, I will be very sad that the Lions will have to play against him for years to come, but, at the same time, I will continue to trust Holmes to work his NFL Draft magic.
Nation, would you make that trade to move up to No. 1?
