The Lions tried to trade up for CB Patrick Peterson in the first round of the NFL draft before the Cardinals selected him fifth overall, a league source said Friday. The Lions entered the draft needing defensive back help and attempted to address it early by moving up for Peterson, but they couldn’t find any top-five options that seemed feasible. They were thrilled when Auburn DT Nick Fairley, whom some considered a top-five pick, fell to them at No. 13. Source: NFL.com
The Lions in essence would have traded Nick Fairley and Titus Young for Peterson. As much of a talent Peterson is......that wouldn't have been a smart thing to do.
Lions can still get him in three years. Scenario: Peterson signs a four year deal > fires agent > hires Drew Rosenhaus > wants to redo his deal in year two > plays third year of deal > Rosenhaus demands trade with Peterson doing chinups with a Saguaro cactus in the background > Cards deal Peterson to the Lions and get nothing in return. Business as usual in AZ.
He is a great talent but I'm not sure that would've been the smartest thing to do though. Fairley and Suh in the middle of the Dline is very very solid.
Their front four is looking beastly but they have no formidable DB's. I agree that they couldn't afford to give up what they would of had to. And with Fairley falling in their lap at 13 it was a no brainer. Hopefully the pressure from the front four can give their DB's a chance to look above average.
They still have FA when it happens to upgrade the CB spot. With the pressure the front 4 will generate that should also help out the secondary.
Just my opinion, but the Lions are beginning to look like the Neil O'Donnell lead Steelers. Add one solid running back and one solid DB and the Lions are no longer a weekly scrimmage for opponents. Did they need to reach for Peterson? In a year or two they'll be happy they didn't. Mathew Stafford still has a lot to prove.
