The Detroit Lions have been linked to a number of different prospects with the 10th overall pick, including a handful of wide receivers. Earlier in March, the team reportedly showed “a lot of interest” in Clemson’s Sammy Watkins.
There is more traction behind that report, as the Detroit Free Press reports the Lions are contemplating making a trade up to grab the draft’s consensus top wide receiver.
The #Lions have put a lot of time into Watkins as everyone knows this spring. Trying to figure if it’s right for them to move up and get him
— Dave Birkett (@davebirkett) April 8, 2014
According to the report, there’s a “growing sense in league circles” that this is a trade the Lions could be willing to make. The team has done all of its homework on Watkins, including dining with him the night before his Pro Day workout last month, and have spoke “glowingly” of him during the NFL owners meetings.
The Lions have a track record of making trades in the draft. In 2010, the team moved up four spots to nab Jahvid Best in the first round. The following year, GM Martin Mayhew attempted to slide up to land Patrick Peterson, though the Arizona Cardinals opted to stay put and draft the LSU cornerback.
The Lions signed Golden Tate this offseason to play opposite of All-Pro Calvin Johnson, but have yet to find a strong third wideout. The team released Nate Burleson at the start of the offseason, while Ryan Broyles continues to rehab an injury. Titus Young‘s off- the-field issues forced him out of the league.
As for Watkins, he visited with the St. Louis Rams on Wednesday and is scheduled to have a private workout with the team again on April 18.
The LSU Pro Day in Baton Rouge Wednesday drew plenty of interest from around the league, as fast-rising quarterback Zach Mettenberger and speedy wideout and first-round talent Odell Beckham Jr. were both on hand.
According to TFY Draft Insider Tony Pauline, Mettenberger met with the Oakland Raiders Tuesday night before his workout. ESPN’s Adam Caplan reported Mettenberger privately met with the Minnesota Vikings afterward.
Zack Mettenberger/QB/LSU is with the Oakland Raiders this evening before tomorrow’s pro-day…
— Tony Pauline (@TonyPauline) April 9, 2014
After having a meeting with the #Raiders last night, Zach Mettenberger is currently meeting with the #Vikings.
— Adam Caplan (@caplannfl) April 9, 2014
Vikings coach Mike Zimmer was also on hand for the Pro Day, along with New Orleans Saints coach Sean Payton, Jets coach Rex Ryan, Steelers coach Mike Tomlin and Eagles coach Chip Kelly. Some teams in need of wide receiver help may have had an eye on Beckham.
Beckham didn’t participate in speed drills, largely because of his impressive NFL Scouting Combine outing, but did catch passes for Mettenberger. After, Beckham went out to dinner with members of the hometown Saints, who pick late in the first round.
