Laken Tomlinson, Manny Ramirez to Lions: Trade Details and Reaction in NFL Draft

The Detroit Lions pulled off a draft-day trade to bolster their offensive line depth, as well as add additional picks, acquiring Manny Ramirez from the Denver Broncos. The two teams also swapped first-round picks, with Detroit going from No. 23 to 28, which the Lions used to take Duke guard Laken Tomlinson.  

According to Tim Twentyman of the Lions' official website, Detroit received Ramirez in a package that also includes two fifth-round draft picks from Denver for the 23rd overall pick:

It's a strong move for the Lions, who add Ramirez after he started all 32 games for Denver over the past two years and draft Tomlinson. 

According to Jason McIntyre of The Big Lead, Tomlinson may not be a household name but belonged in the first-round mix:

Those sentiments about Tomlinson were echoed by Dave Birkett of The Detroit Free Press, based on comments he received from an NFL scout:

From the Broncos' perspective, per Greg A. Bedard of The MMQB, it's a puzzling deal because their potential replacement at center doesn't inspire much confidence:

B/R's Dan Hope pointed out the overall depth on Denver's offensive line was not looking good as of right now heading into 2015:

With Peyton Manning reportedly dealing with a torn right quadriceps at the end of last season, protection problems are the last thing Denver needs next season. The team took Shane Ray with the 23rd pick to bolster their defense. 

The Broncos' impetus to deal Ramirez may have nothing to do with his performance and something to do with his salary, as ESPN's Jeff Legwold noted Denver will get some cap space in the trade:

The name "Manny Ramirez" gets baseball fans excited. It certainly wasn't lost on CJ Fogler of The Cauldron, who expects more "power" from the Lions' newest addition:

"

Broncos traded Manny Ramirez to the Lions, so I expect more HRs from the Lions outfield this year

— CJ Fogler (@cjzero) May 1, 2015"

I would suggest the Detroit Tigers as a spot where Ramirez could moonlight, but they already have a crowded outfield and plenty of power in their lineup. 

Scott Dochterman of The Gazette loves Detroit's end of this deal, building depth with draft picks and getting a solid offensive lineman to move down five picks:

The Lions have had problems up front offensively, being tied for 28th last season with 3.6 yards per carry and allowing 45 sacks, per ESPN, so the front office wanted to make the trenches a point of emphasis on draft night. 

With six rounds still to go, the Lions have already added a proven starter in Ramirez and a talented interior lineman in Tomlinson. The ball is in Matthew Stafford's court to produce with better protection up front and Calvin Johnson still on the outside.