NFL Draft Rumors: Lions Want To Trade Up For Sammy Watkins; Zach Mettenberger, Odell Beckham Jr. Garner Interest at LSU Pro Day

Sammy Watkins
Sammy Watkins
Brian Spurlock USA TODAY Sports

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.

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.

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.

author avatar
Sam Spiegelman
Sam Spiegelman is a native New Yorker covering sports in New Orleans. He likes Game of Thrones way too much. Tweet him @samspiegs.