With less than two weeks to go until the 2018 Nfl Draft takes center stage, the mock selections and rumors are hitting high gear. For the Detroit Lions, 2018 comes with high expectations. So far this offseason, the Lions have signed one of the hottest names to take over as head coach in Matt Patricia along with adding some talented free agents as well.

Now the question is what direction the Lions will go in the NFL Draft? With the top needs for improvement at running back and defensive line, could the Lions be willing to trade up to secure their first-round selection?

It seems possible according to the latest Lions rumor mill.

All running backs on the block?

It is no secret that the Detroit Lions running game has been flat out pathetic since Barry Sanders hung up his cleats back in 1999. Over this offseason, the Lions signed two-time Super Bowl champion running back LeGarrette Blount, giving Detroit a real threat at the running back position for the first time in ages. However, what does this mean for Ameer Abdullah and Theo Reddick?

According to Clutchpoints.com via ESPN, Detroit could be putting them both on the trading block on draft day with the hopes of obtaining another proven veteran runner or more selections in the later rounds of the draft.

ESPN’s Michael Rothstein indicates that it would not surprise him if Detroit moved one or all of the running backs other than LeGarrette Blount - meaning Abdullah and Riddick could be casualties of the Blount deal.

If Detroit does deal away even one of these two runners, you have to believe that they are in the market for new blood at the running back position, especially considering that they only inked Blount to a 1-year deal. Many mock drafts have the Lions linked to LSU’s Derrius Guice and Sony Michel out of Georgia.

Ideally, it would be great if the Lions could swing a deal to jump into one of the top five spots and select Penn State's, Saquon Barkley.

Barkley has all of the tools to become a star in the NFL. In his three seasons at PSU, Barkley rushed for 3,843 yards and scored 43 rushing touchdowns. If he stayed at Penn State in 2018 for his senior season, Barkley would most likely hit the 5,000-yard rushing mark.

Should the Lions sell out to try and obtain Barkley? Even if they don't make a deal move up in the draft, they need to be focused on a running back, especially since this year's draft is full of talent.

Matt Stafford is getting older, and the Lions can't keep a one-dimensional offense. Detroit has finished in the bottom third in terms of rushing the football the past five years.

QB situation

One other Lions player that may be up for grabs on draft day could be Jake Rudock. This one I don’t understand, but then again I am not the GM. Detroit signed journeyman QB Matt Cassel just a few weeks ago to compete for the backup position behind Matt Stafford this season, which puts Ruddock’s status in the bit unknown category.

Michael Rothstein notes that while every team carries three QB’s, it will be interesting to see if the Lions try to move Rudock and sign another veteran or select a QB in the draft. Sooner or later the Lions are going to have to start grooming someone under Stafford. Keeping the former Michigan Wolverine may be the wise move at this point.
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