Lions GM Already Laying Perfect Smokescreen for 2021 NFL Draft

After the trade of Matthew Stafford, the Detroit Lions look poised to start Jared Goff in 2021. But, with the No. 7 overall pick, Detroit can also select one of the talented QBs in this draft class to develop for the long term.

New GM Brad Holmes is already hyping up this year's QB prospects, but it could be the perfect smokescreen.

When asked about which positions are strong in this year's draft, Lions GM Brad Holmes starts with safety and then mentions quarterback, later adding: "I like the crop of quarterbacks that are coming out in this year's draft."
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) March 2, 2021

There are a number of teams around the league who need a new starting quarterback, which means picks in the top 10 will command a premium this year. If Detroit talks up the QB prospects and a team is worried they'll take their top target, it could motivate someone like the San Francisco 49ers or New England Patriots to overpay for their No. 7 pick.

With the Lions headed into a likely rebuild, trading down a few spots and grabbing extra draft capital in exchange is a pretty attractive scenario.

There's also the chance that Detroit is trying to make sure they get the player they want. The Lions could use a wideout like DeVonta Smith or Jaylen Waddle, but if they send out signals that they're looking at QBs, quarterback-needy teams may trade up ahead of them in order to get their guy, helping Detroit's top target fall to them at No. 7.

The Lions could go several different directions in April, and they'll likely remain a mystery until then.

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