Detroit Lions 2020 NFL Draft
Detroit Lions 2020 NFL Draft: Detroit Lions 2020 mock drafts, last year draft recap, Detroit Lions draft needs, 2020 draft trades.
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Detroit Lions 2020 NFL Draft Grade: “Risk Averse”
1 (3). Jeff Okudah, CB, Ohio State
2 (35). D’Andre Swift, RB, Georgia
3 (67). Julian Okwara, LB, Notre Dame
3 (75). Jonah Jackson, G, Ohio State
4 (121). Logan Stenberg, G, Kentucky
5 (166). Quintez Cephus, WR, Wisconsin
5 (172). Jason Huntley, RB, New Mexico State
6 (197). John Penisini, DT, Utah
7 (235). Jashon Cornell, DT, Ohio State
Quinn did not have the luxury of attempting a single shenanigan in this draft. He and Patricia are on a very short leash, so his draft experiments had to be put on hold until they start winning. And apparently, that strategy was implemented very well in this draft.
It would have been good to see them get something from Miami for a move back to five. The Dolphins were foolish to not move up, but it ended up working out for them. Regardless, Okudah was the smart pick at three. This team depends on corners that can play press man, and they aren’t easy to find. Okudah is what a corner would look like if Patricia could design one from scratch.
Swift being available put them in an interesting position. It wasn’t a primary need, but a need nonetheless. They were smart to go with the best player available, and ended up finding quality prospects at glaring needs later in the draft.
The back to back guard picks in the middle rounds must have been very satisfying for the fan base. They have an all world center, but really needed an upgrade at both guard spots. They now have a nice mix of dependable veterans and young talent there.
Perhaps one of the best value picks in this draft was run stuffing defensive tackle Penisini out of Utah in the sixth round. While other bigger name two gapping DT’s went throughout the early and mid rounds, Penisini, who was actually one of the best DT’s agains the run in college, went undrafted. The Lions got a steal here.
Detroit Lions 2020 NFL Draft: Last Year’s Draft
1-8: T.J. Hockenson, TE (Iowa)
2-43: Jahlani Tavai, LB (Hawaii)
3-81: Will Harris, S (Boston College)
4-117: Austin Bryant, DE (Clemson)
5-146: Amani Oruwariye, CB (Penn State)
6-184: Travis Fulgham, WR (Old Dominion)
6-186: Ty Johnson, RB (Maryland)
7-224: Isaac Nauta, TE (Georgia)
7-229: P.J. Johnson, DT (Arizona)
Detroit Lions 2020 NFL Draft: 2018 Draft
1-20: Frank Ragnow, C (Arkansas)
2-43: Kerryon Johnson, RB (Auburn)
3-82: Tracey Walker, S (Louisiana-Lafayette)
4-114: Da’Shawn Hand, DE (Alabama)
5-153: Tyrell Crosby, T (Oregon)
7-237: Nick Bawden, FB (San Diego State)
Draft Grade: Tough and Smart
The Lions had some offers to move back at 8, but Hockenson is just too rare of a talent to pass up. Along with Jesse James that was added in free agency, and Nauta that was picked in the 7th, the Lions might have made the biggest positional unit makeover in the league with their TE core.
Tavai was a player that was only “prized” by teams running the Patriots style versatile 3-4 that need a very specific type of linebacker. They didn’t wait for the Pats, Titans, or other team running this system to grab him. He will allow Davis to finally be able to use his skills to the fullest.
The theme for a second year was tough and smart, and they got that particularly in Bryant and Will Harris. Oruwariye was a steal in the 5th.
GM: Bob Quinn
Head Coach: Matt Patricia
Offensive Coordinator: Darrell Bevell
Defensive Coordinator:Cory Undlin
Offensive Scheme: West Coast / Power Run
Defensive Scheme: 3-4 / Versatile