2019 NFL Draft: Implications of Kyler Murray going No. 1 overall

TRADE:

ATL Receives: 8th pick, 88th pick

DET Receives: 14th pick, 45th pick, 117th pick

With Devin White off the board, the Lions could explore trade-down options to secure an extra pick and still fill a major need at cornerback. In this scenario, Detroit would slide back six spots and give up a third round pick, getting a second rounder and a fourth rounder in return.

The Lions gave up 7.9 yards per pass attempt in 2018, pointing toward the need for upgrades in the secondary. LSU’s Greedy Williams isn’t the sure-fire No. 1 corner on everyone’s draft boards, but he’s still probably the consensus top player, and it’s hard to argue that he doesn’t have the highest ceiling.

Washington’s Byron Murphy and Georgia’s Deandre Baker will push for that spot, and either player could be the top guy on someone’s draft board. Williams has some concerns with his motor, but when he is dialed in, he has the skills to be a true lock-down corner on one side of the field. He also has some ball-hawking capabilities, and while his interception numbers were down in his redshirt sophomore season, that had more to do with opposing quarterbacks being timid about throwing to his side of the field.

The Lions could go several different ways either. They have a laundry list of needs, but after finishing 28th in defensive DVOA a year ago, I have a tough time imagining that a defensive-minded coach like Matt Patricia won’t look at defensive upgrades as a bigger priority than any offensive needs.

An edge-rusher like Florida State’s Brian Burns would be quite tempting here as well, particularly after losing Ziggy Ansah in free agency.