The Detroit Lions appear loaded at the wide receiver position on paper, but head coach Jim Caldwell is not yet satisfied with the rotation. The team is now looking into the NFL Draft to get one more top target as uncertainty remains around Ryan Broyles and his future. Making their first draft at No. 10, could the Lions move up for someone?
The Lions have been predicted as a team unlikely to stay at their designated drafting position. The team was first projected to move up for Jadeveon Clowney, but now appears to have their sights set on a wide receiver in the first round instead. According to ESPN's John Clayton, the Lions are prepared to make a deal to get Mike Evans at the right price.
A trade for Evans is easier than a move for Sammy Watkins. The Clemson wide receiver has spent time visiting the Lions before the draft and even requested the team move up to get him. In order to draft Watkins, the Lions would have to move into the top three picks and that is simply too much to give up. Clayton reports the team is favoring a trade for Evans because they would have to give up less, but would still get top talent.
There is little chance that Evans slides to No. 10 with plenty of teams eyeing a deal for him. If the Lions can get into pick No. 5 or 6 they stand at chance to get Evans. If they cannot move ahead of Tampa Bay then Evans is off the board and the Lions will have to settle for a late-round options possibly in the second round. Odell Beckham Jr or Marqise Lee could be a target if Detroit were to miss out.
Getting Evans would give the Lions one of the best wide receiving corps in the league. Calvin Johnson would of course return to lead the group. The addition of Golden Tate gives the team a top dynamic player. Evans would run tandem with Johnson. It is the ideal fit, but how much is Detroit willing to give up to add a wide receiver that will likely turn into a third option for Matthew Stafford?
Clayton also brings up the idea that Broyles could be gone before the year starts. The wide receiver has suffered multiple injuries over the course of his career including ACL tears and a ruptured Achilles tendon. The Lions are not positive they can rely on Broyles and if they are able to draft a top rookie, he could be gone before training camp.
