The Detroit Lions are expected to trade up in the 2014 NFL draft for either Sammy Watkins or Mike Evans. Detroit reportedly wants to draft a playmaking wide receiver to pair opposite of Calvin Johnson and, eventually, replace the Pro Bowler.
"I don't know that the front office has said anything about wanting to trade up, but that's certainly the perception they've given people across the league," Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press wrote on Friday in a chat. "And when they bring in (Jadeveon) Clowney, Watkins, etc., guys who won't be there at 10, that adds to it.
"That said, talking to people across the league, sounds like a lot of teams will be looking to move down come draft day so the Lions could have a few trade partners."
Watkins spoke before about his desire to play in Detroit beside Johnson, who would help make Watkins' transition to the NFL easier by already being the No. 1 receiver. Birkett believes moving up for Watkins would be worthwhile if Detroit could do it without mortgaging too much of their future.
"I think [trading up for Watkins] would be a good move, too, as long as they don't overpay. I wouldn't give up a future first-rounder, so I think moving up 1 or 2 will be too expensive. Maybe they can find a reasonable trade partner at 4.
"I wouldn't sell the farm for him, but I think he's good enough and explosive that he can be an impact receiver for a long time, and I think he can take over for Calvin Johnson eventually as the Lions' No. 1"
Watkins finished the 2013 season with 101 receptions for 1,464 yards and 12 touchdowns; Evans finished with 69 receptions, 1,1394 yards and 12 touchdowns for Texas A&M.
The NFL draft begins on Thursday, May 8.
