Seattle Trades Julian Peterson to Lions for Cory Redding: The Draft Effect

The surprisingly busy NFL trade market continued, again today, as the Seattle Seahawks and Detroit Lions consummated swapped star players and team needs. 

In the deal, the Seattle Seahawks acquired 28-year-old DT, Cory Redding and a fifth round pick while the Lions land 31-year-old pass rushing linebacker, Julian Peterson. 

While it would be easy to take the Lions to task for trading for a quality player and absorbing a massive cap hit in exchange for a player the Seahawks were considering cutting, NFL Draft 101 is a draft site so we will focus on the draft implications for both teams:

Seattle

Landing Redding fills a need at DT and most likely takes them out of the running for DT BJ Raji. On the other hand, moving Peterson clears the way for the Seahawks to draft LB Aaron Curry if he is still on the board. 

It may also be an indication they feel the Chiefs are at the very least considering Raji. The fifth round pick is gravy and adding mid-round picks is always a nice thing.

Detroit

Acquiring Peterson fills a need for a pass rusher and a defensive playmaker opposite LB Ernie Sims but opens up a major hole at the defensive tackle position. 

Two-years ago the Lions had Shaun Rogers and Cory Redding, now the Lions have neither and a major hole in the middle of the defensive line.

Don't be surprised if the 20th overall pick is now Peria Jerry or the 33rd pick becomes Ron Brace or Evander Hood. 

The bigger sub-plot of this move is it likely removes Aaron Curry from consideration as the No. 1 overall pick and makes it increasingly likely the Lions will draft QB Matthew Stafford No. 1.

Chris Maier is senior editor for NFLDraft101.com.

He can be reached at [e-mail].