After the transcendent Heisman Trophy quarterback and the generational pass rusher, the fate of this week's NFL draft hinges on a franchise-defining decision from a franchise defined by its poor decision-making.
For the Detroit Lions, there are no obvious choices at third overall. Ohio State cornerback Jeff Okudah is the presumed favorite to be the pick, after the Lions shipped away its top cover man this offseason. There's also freakish Clemson defender Isaiah Simmons or Auburn defensive tackle Derrick Brown to consider, both of whom could make an immediate impact on one of the league's worst defenses.
But the most sensible option may be to not pick at all. With top quarterback prospects Tua Tagovailoa and Justin Herbert both expected to be available, the Lions have the leverage to trade down, add picks, and potentially still draft one of the defensive prospects they most desire.
They're hardly the only team that could look to exercise that leverage on Thursday. A year after the NFL set a record with 40 draft-day trades, we could see just as many deals made over the next three days, even as general managers are forced to deal with their spotty, at-home Wi-Fi.
That tone starts with the Lions, who only need to backtrack to 2018 for an ideal trade blueprint at No. 3 overall. In that draft, the Indianapolis Colts traded the third pick to the New York Jets for the sixth, 37th and 49th picks, as well as a second-round pick in 2019. The Jets chose Sam Darnold with their new top selection, while the Colts drafted three starters, two of whom (Quentin Nelson and Darius Leonard) are already All-Pro players.
Detroit could set itself up for similar success, if it's able to negotiate a similar, blockbuster deal. The Miami Dolphins, with three first-round picks, have the draft capital to make it happen. The Chargers, at No. 6, are another clear choice, along with the Jacksonville Jaguars at No. 9. Beyond that trio looms the Las Vegas Raiders (at No. 12) and New England Patriots (at No. 23), the latter of whom has strong organizational ties to the Lions _ and also happens to have an evil trade genius for a general manager.
The Lions may still opt to stand pat, selecting Okudah third overall, and letting the chips fall as they may with the draft's top quarterbacks. But where quarterbacks fall, trades often follow.
If Detroit doesn't take advantage, then someone else certainly will.
