Lions Tried to Trade Into Top 5 of NFL Draft for Star Receiver

The Detroit Lions could several different directions in the 2021 NFL Draft with the No. 7 pick. They're in need of a top wide receiver and defensive playmakers, though they could also trade back and accumulate draft assets from a team desperate to take one the draft's premier quarterbacks.

However, the Lions have even explored a trade-up.

Lions Ja'Marr Chase

ESPN's Dan Graziano and Jeremy Fowler report the Lions discussed a deal with the Atlanta Falcons to move up to the No. 4 pick in order to select LSU standout Ja'Marr Chase. But talks fell apart when it was clear Atlanta wouldn't budge on its asking price.

This rumor highlights how much the Lions must be interested in the LSU star. Chase is almost a guarantee to be off of the board before Detroit picks at No. 7 with the Cincinnati Bengals (No. 5) and Miami Dolphins (No. 6) considered among his top suitors.

Chase put up 84 receptions, 1,780 yards and 20 TDs in 2019 and cemented himself as a top WR prospect despite opting out of the 2020 season. He would immediately be able to slot in as Jared Goff's No. 1 receiver following the departures of Kenny Golladay and Marvin Jones Jr. this offseason.

Detroit may not be done pursuing Chase yet. They could reignite trade talks with Atlanta on draft night or approach the Dolphins about another trade down if they think the WR is worth it.

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Isaiah De Los Santos is not a FanDuel employee. In addition to providing DFS gameplay advice, Isaiah De Los Santos also participates in DFS contests on FanDuel using his personal account, username zayyy05328. While the strategies and player selections recommended in his articles are his personal views, he may deploy different strategies and player selections when entering contests with his personal account. The views expressed in their articles are the author's alone and do not necessarily reflect the views of FanDuel.