2025 NFL Draft Buzz: Detroit Lions trade down with QB-needy team

As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, speculation is heating up, and the Detroit Lions might find themselves in the middle of some first-round movement. ESPN insider Adam Schefter, known for his credible sources, recently hinted at a scenario that could affect the Lions’ plans.

While Schefter didn’t reveal any specific names linked to Detroit at pick No. 28, he did suggest that a quarterback-desperate team may try to jump back into the late first round. This potential move would be aimed at staying ahead of the Cleveland Browns, who hold the No. 33 pick—the top selection in the second round—and also have a quarterback need.

“There are several teams after Tennessee looking to draft a quarterback, such as the Browns, Giants, Saints, and Steelers,” Schefter reported. “Because Cleveland owns pick No. 33, the Giants or Saints might try to trade up to the end of the first round to get ahead of them.”

Although any of these teams could go for a QB with their first pick, the Browns are reportedly leaning toward drafting a top-tier defensive player—like Colorado’s Travis Hunter or Penn State’s Abdul Carter. That would leave them potentially searching for a quarterback later in Round 1, depending on who’s still available. With prospects like Shedeur Sanders, Jalen Milroe, Jaxson Dart, and Tyler Shough all carrying question marks, the end of the first round could spark a bidding war.

As for the Lions, GM Brad Holmes has left the door open for a trade-down scenario, depending on how the draft board falls.

“If we see several prospects graded similarly and the right offer comes in, moving out of the first round could definitely be an option,” Holmes said in a recent press conference.

Detroit could benefit from gaining more picks. They’re currently near the bottom of the league in overall draft capital for 2025, partially because their picks fall late in each round. The team also lacks their original third-rounder (sent to acquire Giovanni Manu) and fifth-round pick (dealt for Za’Darius Smith). Trading down from the 28th pick might help them restock their draft pool and build a deeper class.