Report: Lions were ready to trade up for Darius Robinson

Nov 11, 2023; Columbia, Missouri, USA; Missouri Tigers defensive lineman Darius Robinson (6) looks on during the first half against the Tennessee Volunteers at Faurot Field at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports

The Detroit Lions executed a first-round trade in the 2024 NFL draft last week. Detroit GM Brad Holmes sent the No. 29 pick and a third-round selection (No. 73) to the Dallas Cowboys for No. 24 overall and a 2025 seventh-round pick2025 seventh-round pick.

That deal allowed the Lions to select Alabama cornerback Terrion Arnold. The talented corner had fallen later in the first round than expected, and Holmes pounced.

However, one report indicates the Lions were looking to move up for a different target had Arnold been unavailable. Albert Breer of SI notes that Detroit was poised to deal up to select Missouri DL Darius Robinson,

Detroit had actually laid groundwork for a trade up—I believe Missouri DE Darius Robinson was the target—which made it easy to pivot and get aggressive in going up from No. 29 to No. 24 to land a falling Arnold.

It’s not a surprising report; the Lions were often connected with Robinson, a Detroit native and good schematic and character fit for the team.

This article originally appeared on Lions Wire: Report: Lions were ready to trade up for Darius Robinson