The Detroit Lions are using the downtime before the start of the 2020 NFL Draft to talk business -- a lot of business.
The Lions have been engaged with multiple teams on potentially trading out of the No. 3 spot in Thursday's first round, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported, per sources informed of the situation. Talks have increased over the last 24 hours, he added.
Rapoport later reported that the Dolphins and Jaguars have emerged as possible trade candidates for the selection. The Jags would possibly be looking to add a tackle with the pick, and have pegged Georgia's Andrew Thomas as a main target, per Rapoport. Should they add him, starters Cam Robinson would kick inside to guard and Jawaan Taylor would stay at RT.
Unlike years past, the potential for communication breakdown during this virtual draft in which all 32 teams will be selecting has added some urgency to the pre-draft activities. Instead of waiting for the pressure of mid-draft negotiations to get a deal done, teams are being proactive in attempting to strike a swap before they're all relegated to their home offices and hardlined phones.
In the days leading up to the draft, Detroit has been very open about its willingness to listen to offers for No. 3 overall. Last week, Lions GM Bob Quinn told reporters their front office would continue to have talks about possibly trading out of No. 3.
With the first two picks likely being LSU quarterback Joe Burrow to Cincinnati, and Ohio State defensive end Chase Young to Washington, the draft will truly begin at No. 3. Whether the Lions are the ones making that pick remains to be seen.
NFL.com will keep you updated on the latest 2020 NFL Draft buzz, rumors and reports leading up to Round 1. Here's what else we're monitoring today:
»It's official: the Cincinnati Bengals, despite receiving interest from multiple teams, won't trade the No. 1 overall pick and will make a selection, according to Rapoport per sources informed of the situation.
» The Washington Redskins are expected to do the same, informed sources tell Rapoport. The Redskins had received calls from teams about a potential trade for the No. 2 pick but they've decided to keep the pick because, as Rapoport noted, they love the player who will be there for them.
»The Jaguars haven't had any movement on a deal involving disgruntled edge rusher Yannick Ngakoue, Rapoport reported. Such a trade would require the Jaguars to find a team willing to provide adequate compensation, and that same team would have to be able to strike a long-term deal with Ngakoue's agent, making for a difficult agreement to reach while under a time crunch ahead of the draft. While NFL Network's Mike Garafolo reported it sounded as if there was some communication with the Raiders on Ngakoue, it remains unlikely a deal is done before Thursday night.
» NFL Network's Mike Giardi reported that Colts safety Malik Hooker has been mentioned a number of times over the past 24-48 hours, signaling that he could potentially be on the move.
»This draft isn't considered a particularly strong one for tight ends. Cole Kmet is the consensus best one, and it's unclear whether he'll go in the first round. NFL Network's Tom Pelissero said there's three teams to keep an eye for the Notre Dame product: the Patriots, Packers and 49ers. All three own late Day 1 picks.
»If Philadelphia opts to wait on a wide receiver, NFL Network's Mike Garafolo said linebacker Kenneth Murray is a possibility for its first selection. Garafolo added that Eagles were in the mix for Brandin Cooks before he was traded to the Texans. "At some point he's going to come away with a receiver," Garafolo said of Philly GM Howie Roseman, "but he's not going to force it."
NFL Network's James Palmer later reported that the Eagles also inquired about receiver DeAndre Hopkins but obviously were unable to land him. According to sources, the possibility of landing multiple receivers could be more likely before the end of the draft, he added.
»The Baltimore Ravens were one of the team hoping to trade for Hopkins prior to him being traded to the Cardinals, multiple sources told Silver. He added that it wouldn't be a surprise to see the Ravens draft a wideout tonight with the 28th pick.
»The Cowboys could make a trade Thursday, it just isn't expected to be for a veteran. NFL Network's Jane SLater reported Dallas is open to trading down depending on who's still available with the No. 17 pick. Four players the Cowboys are especially interested in, per Slater: LB K'Lavon Chaisson, OL Cesar Ruiz, and CBs CJ Henderson and A.J. Terrell.
»There's a growing list of teams that could be in the market to move up during tonight's Round 1 (via Mr. RapSheet): The Falcons, the Jets (presumably for an offensive tackle), the Saints and the Packers.
» NFL Network's Michael Silver reported that the Las Vegas Raiders have been shopping starting guard Gabe Jackson over the past few weeks, according to several GMs. Silver noted that the asking price is not high.
