This story broke in the Detroit Free Press yesterday and Borges' article was in todays paper.
Lions' high pick may bring offers for draft trades
Talk of possible swap with Pats
March 31, 2004
BY CURT SYLVESTER
FREE PRESS SPORTS WRITER
PALM BEACH, Fla. -- With seven draft picks in the first four rounds -- including Nos. 21 and 32 overall -- New England coach Bill Belichick is interested in trading up in the NFL draft next month.
And with just six picks in the entire draft -- including the No. 6 pick in the first round -- Lions coach Steve Mariucci is a target for trade offers.
"We've had some conversations with Bill," Mariucci said Tuesday. "They're the only team that has two in the first round. When you look to trade back, you always look at who's got two first-round picks. That's who you look at first.
"I've spoken with Bill, Matt has spoken with Bill, we've spoken with several people with several teams about moving. That's what goes on now."
But for the talent-starved Lions, coming off a 5-11 season with only 10 wins in the last 48 games, a simple two-for-one deal just isn't good enough.
"One concern is moving from six to 21," Mariucci said. "That's a drop, a pretty good drop. You wouldn't do it just for those two picks; it would require more."
The ideal trade for Mariucci and president Matt Millen would drop them only four to six slots in the first round and would land them at least one more draft pick, preferably in the first or early second round.
"That would be a pretty good scenario, I suppose," Mariucci said. "You could certainly get one of those good receivers. It just depends.
"If you have to drop to 21 and 32, you've got to get that for sure -- and then, what else besides that? What other draft pick or picks -- or player -- goes with it? Then you consider that."
The lure of getting the sixth-best player in the draft is a strong factor for a team lacking star power since the retirement of running back Barry Sanders in 1999.
But the alternative -- landing two, three or more solid players who could play 8-10 years -- also is appealing for the Lions, who seemingly have done well in free agency but still have needs at linebacker, guard, running back, wide receiver, tight end, safety and pass rusher.
If the Lions make any kind of deal it probably will not happen until draft day on April 24, probably not until they are on the clock with 15 minutes to make a selection or make a trade.
If they're interested in giving up the No. 6 pick, there's a good chance Belichick will listen.
"I think we have enough draft picks to be able to move if we want to move," he said. "It depends on who you're moving for, what you want to do with that move. I don't think you want to move just to move, but if there's something specific you want to do, we might have the opportunity to do that."
