With the start of the NFL playoffs precisely a month away, the Detroit Lions stand as the leader of the NFC North with a record of 9-4.
According to the New York Times, with four games left this season, the Lions currently have a 98% chance to make the playoffs and an 85% chance to win their division.
Although there are multiple reasons for this season’s success, one reason that has been overlooked is the trade the Lions made with the Los Angeles Rams that involved the Lions sending away Matthew Stafford and acquiring Jared Goff in 2021.
On top of receiving Goff, the Lions secured a 2021 third-round pick, a 2022 first-round pick, and a 2023 first-round pick. The third-round pick was conveyed as the 101st pick, the 2022 first-round pick became the 32nd pick, and the 2023 first-round pick turned into the sixth pick.
Following the trade, the Lions executed several additional trades using the picks acquired from the Rams. However, in 2021, they did make use of the Rams’ third-round pick and selected cornerback Ifeatu Melifonwu.
In 2022, the Lions traded away the first-round pick they received from the Rams, along with a second-round pick and a third-round pick, to the Minnesota Vikings in exchange for the 12th overall pick and the 46th overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft.
Equipped with both picks, the Lions selected wide receiver Jameson Williams (12th overall) and defensive end Josh Paschal (46th). Notably, since coming back from suspension, Williams has posted two touchdowns this season for the Lions.
Next, the Lions traded back on draft day in 2023 with the Arizona Cardinals. In exchange for the sixth overall pick from the Rams and a third-round pick, the Lions received the 12th overall pick, the 34th overall pick, and the 168th overall pick.
Subsequently, the Lions packaged up the 168th pick, along with a fourth-round and a fifth-round pick, to move back up in the draft, securing the 96th overall pick from the Cardinals in the third round.
The Lions utilized these picks to select running back Jahmyr Gibbs at 12th overall, tight end Sam LaPorta at 34th overall, and defensive tackle Brodric Martin at 96th overall. Notably, Gibbs and LaPorta have been crucial to the Lions’ success this year despite being rookies.
Among all rookie running backs this season, Gibbs has the second-most rushing yards, the second-most rushing touchdowns and the most receiving yards. Furthermore, Gibbs rushes for 5.4 yards per carry, which ranks in the top three in the NFL, with a minimum of 6.25 rushing attempts per game this NFL season.
Additionally, LaPorta ranks towards the top in receiving yards, yards per reception, 20+ yard receptions, and touchdown receptions among tight ends. Notably, LaPorta is on pace to finish with the most receptions in NFL history by a rookie.
In total, the Lions traded Stafford and five draft picks, none of which were first-rounders, for Goff and six total draft picks, all of which were in the first three rounds of the NFL Draft. Among those six selections, two of them, Williams and LaPorta, start for the Lions.
If you include Goff, who has started all games for the Lions this year, the Lions netted three starters, with the potential for more from trading Stafford.
With the Rams in the playoff hunt this season, it would be magical for the Lions to seize their first playoff win in over 30 years by defeating Stafford and the Rams. This trade between the Rams and the Lions has proven to be a win-win for both teams. Stafford led the Rams to a Super Bowl victory in 2022, and the Lions have had a start to the season that has only happened four times in franchise history.
