Report: Watkins Says Lions Told Him They Are Serious About Trying To Get Him
By Ashley Dunkak
@AshleyDunkak
CBS DETROIT - Those who would hate to see the Detroit Lions take another wide receiver with their first pick need to steel themselves for disappointment. According to heralded Clemson wide receiver Sammy Watkins himself (via NFL.com's Ian Rapoport), the Lions have told Watkins they are strongly considering making a move to pursue him.
From talking with Sammy Watkins today: The #Lions have made it clear to him they are very serious about potentially trading up for him.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) May 6, 2014
Though the Lions have not actually taken a wide receiver with their first pick since 2007, that draft marked the fourth time in five years Detroit had done so. While no one in his right mind regrets that 2007 pick - hello, Calvin Johnson - the consecutive selections of Michigan State's Charles Rogers (2003), Texas's Roy Williams (2004) and USC's Mike Williams (2005) drove many fans a bit batty.
The Lions currently have the No. 10 pick. Unless something unforeseen happens in the next 48 hours, there does not appear to be any conceivable way Watkins could fall that far, so Detroit will need to trade up to get him. While exactly how far up the chain the Lions need to go to make sure to get Watkins is hard to say, some believe Watkins could end up being the best player in this draft.