There have been a number of Detroit Lions rumors popping up as we get closer to Thursday's NFL draft, but the latest - right from the mouth of Clemson star WR Sammy Watkins - looks be the first one that actually holds weight.
Lions GM Martin Mayhew and HC Jim Caldwell have their work cut out for them as they attempt to turn a borderline playoff squad into a Super Bowl contender, and it's no secret that an early part of the plan is to find a playmaker who can divert attention from superstar WR Calvin Johnson.
With comparatively few elite receivers in this draft, the Lions aren't interested in rolling their dice on a late-round pick, and according to NFL.com's Ian Rapaport, they're dead serious about trading up for a sure thing:
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
Watkins, who set 23 records at Clemson and ran a 4.43 40-yard-dash at the NFL Draft Combine, would be an ideal compliment to Johnson. He may not have Johnson's size, but the raw ability and explosive power are there, and few opposing secondaries have the personnel - let alone the ability - to contain both players.
Detroit's pursuit of Watkins will depend on whether or not they can find a trading partner with just hours before the draft - the Oakland Raiders are a possibility in the top 5, but nothing concrete has been planned.
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