Detroit turned a fifth- and seventh-round package into…
Detroit turned a fifth- and seventh-round package into linebacker Tahir Whitehead and Travis Lewis, while Minnesota received Trevor Guyton plus a future fourth-rounder. Whitehead became the decisive piece, growing into a long-term Detroit starter and productive linebacker. Minnesota later used the future fourth as part of its 2013 move for Cordarrelle Patterson, which prevents this from being a lopsided loss, but Detroit realized the cleaner direct return.
Detroit Lions Received
- pick 2012 5th round pick (138th overall, Tahir Whitehead)
- pick 2012 7th round pick (223rd overall, Travis Lewis )
Minnesota Vikings Received
- pick 2012 7th round pick (219th overall, Trevor Guyton )
- pick 2013 4th round pick (102nd overall subsequently traded as part of Minnesota's move for Cordarrelle Patterson)
Trade Analysis
Why Detroit Made the Move
Detroit moved up in the fifth round in 2012, sending Minnesota pick No. 138 and a seventh-rounder at No. 223. The Lions used the higher selection on Temple linebacker Tahir Whitehead and the later pick on linebacker Travis Lewis. For a team trying to add speed and depth to the second level of its defense, the trade was a relatively modest bet on two prospects.
What Minnesota Received
The Vikings moved down to No. 219 for defensive end Trevor Guyton and also gained a 2013 fourth-round selection. Guyton did not become a meaningful NFL contributor, so the immediate player return was thin. The future pick mattered more. Minnesota later included that fourth-rounder in the package used to move back into the 2013 first round for wide receiver Cordarrelle Patterson, preserving some real downstream value from this deal.
How Whitehead Separated the Returns
Whitehead became the best direct player in the exchange. He developed from a special-teams contributor into a regular defensive starter for Detroit and eventually built a long NFL career. His durability and role in the Lions' defense produced far more direct value than Guyton or Lewis. Even though Lewis provided depth, Whitehead alone was enough to justify Detroit's decision to move up.
Why This Trade Still Matters
This is a useful example of why draft-trade chains deserve context. Minnesota's future fourth did not simply disappear; it helped finance a later aggressive move. Still, the value created by that later trade should not erase what Detroit actually received here: a starting-caliber linebacker at a low acquisition cost.
Final Verdict
Detroit Lions Win. Whitehead's longevity and production earn Detroit a B+, while Minnesota's later reuse of the future fourth keeps the Vikings at C+ rather than turning the move into a major loss.