Lions Blog: January 2020

Friday, January 31, 2020

Morning Lions Links for Friday 1-31-20

Articles:

What's next for Kenny Golladay? Nate Burleson has an idea:  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/what-s-next-for-kenny-golladay-nate-burleson-has-an-idea

6 takeaways from Roger Goodell's press conference:  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/6-takeaways-from-roger-goodell-s-press-conference

George Kittle thinks Hockenson has 'a lot of great days ahead of him':  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/george-kittle-thinks-hockenson-has-a-lot-of-great-days-ahead-of-him

Tony Gonzalez thinks T.J. Hockenson can be an All-Pro. Hockenson is ready to learn from him.:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2020/01/tony-gonzalez-thinks-tj-hockenson-can-be-an-all-pro-and-hockenson-is-ready-to-learn-from-him.html

Anthony Hitchens: Refs ‘absolutely’ got it right by picking up PI flag in Lions-Cowboys playoff game:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2020/01/anthony-hitchens-refs-absolutely-got-it-right-by-picking-up-pi-flag-in-lions-cowboys-playoff-game.html

Detroit Lions reportedly hiring one of Matt Patricia’s old players as linebackers coach:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2020/01/detroit-lions-reportedly-hiring-one-of-matt-patricias-old-players-as-linebackers-coach.html

Ex-Lions WR Nate Burleson: Might be time for Detroit to move into post-Matthew Stafford era:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2020/01/ex-lions-wr-nate-burleson-might-be-time-for-detroit-to-move-into-post-matthew-stafford-era.html

Mitchell Trubisky owns the Detroit Lions: 'I cannot tell you the secret':  https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2020/01/30/mitchell-trubisky-detroit-lions/2858851001/

Lions' Kenny Golladay earns 186% pay bump for 2020 season:  https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2020/01/30/detroit-lions-kenny-golladay-earns-186-pay-bump-2020-season/2856599001/

Wojo: To ever sniff a Super Bowl, Lions must crank up the boldness:  https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/columnists/bob-wojnowski/2020/01/30/ever-sniff-super-bowl-lions-must-crank-up-boldness/4619954002/

Titans media, fans praise new Lions LB coach Tyrone McKenzie:  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2020/01/30/tyrone-mckenzie-lions-titans-coaching-reaction/

2019 NFL Draft QIB qualifiers: Interior defensive line:  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2019/04/11/2019-nfl-draft-qib-qualifiers-interior-defensive-line/

Grading our 32 NFL preseason bold predictions: Hits, misses and regrets (Bold prediction from September: The Detroit Lions go 10-6 ... and make the playoffs. Yikes. That's pretty much all that needs to be said. The defense, which was projected to be a top-10 unit, couldn't force turnovers or rush the passer. The offense became a shell of itself after injuries to quarterback Matthew Stafford and running back Kerryon Johnson. Penalties were problematic. Oh, and did I mention the Lions couldn't stop anyone at all throughout the season? Yeah, a massive miss all over the place that resulted in the Lions finishing 3-12-1. -- Michael Rothstein):  https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/page/nfl_32for32200130/grading-our-32-nfl-preseason-bold-predictions-hits-misses-regrets

2020 NFL Draft:

2020 NFL Draft Position Rankings: Offensive Tackles:  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2020-nfl-draft-position-rankings-offensive-tackles

2020 NFL Draft prospects similar to Super Bowl stars:  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/super-bowl-2020-nfl-draft-prospects-who-resemble-star-players-that-helped-chiefs-and-49ers-reach-super-bowl/

Lenoir-Rhyne safety Kyle Dugger becoming an elite draft prospect:  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/lenoir-rhyne-safety-kyle-dugger-becoming-an-elite-draft-prospect/

Tony Pauline Mailbag: Tom Brady to Miami, Justin Herbert’s draft stock, and free agency (Tagovailoa, Herbert, Burrow):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/tom-brady-miami-justin-herbert-nfl-draft-scouting-combine-pauline-mailbag/

Pairing draft eligible QBs to NFL teams:  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2020-nfl-draft-best-nfl-team-fits-for-tua-tagovailoa-justin-herbert-jordan-love-and-jacob-eason/

Video:

Lions LB Devon Kennard on how defense can get better in 2020:  https://www.freep.com/videos/sports/nfl/lions/2020/01/30/detroit-lions-devon-kennard-defense-improve-2020/2857681001/

Might the Lions be right for Tua Tagovailoa? His agent has thoughts:  https://www.freep.com/videos/sports/nfl/lions/2020/01/30/detroit-lions-right-tua-tagovailoa-his-agent-has-thoughts/4619387002/

ESPN's Dan Orlovsky on why Lions shouldn't draft Tua Tagovailoa:  https://www.freep.com/videos/sports/nfl/lions/2020/01/30/detroit-lions-dan-orlovsky/2855730001/

Thursday, January 30, 2020

SB Picks

Morning Lions Links for Thursday 1-30-20

Articles:

Robinson among interior defenders set to hit free agency:  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/robinson-among-interior-defenders-set-to-hit-free-agency

Lions’ Darius Slay has already begun texting with Ohio State star Jeff Okudah:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2020/01/lions-darius-slay-has-already-begun-texting-with-ohio-state-star-jeff-okudah.html

Anthony Zettel was cut by the Lions and the Browns and the Bengals. Now he’s in the Super Bowl.:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2020/01/anthony-zettel-was-cut-by-the-lions-and-the-browns-and-the-bengals-now-hes-in-the-super-bowl.html

Hall-of-Fame TE says Lions' T.J. Hockenson headed for 'outstanding career':  https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2020/01/29/detroit-lions-tj-hockenson-praised-tony-gonzalez-tight-end/4605586002/

Ex-Lions CB Teez Tabor: Injury part of 'God's plan':  https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2020/01/29/former-detroit-lions-teez-tabor-super-bowl-49-ers/4615223002/

Report: Lions hiring Titans' Tyrone McKenzie as the new LB coach:  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2020/01/29/report-lions-hiring-titans-tyrone-mckenzie-as-the-new-lb-coach/

NFL Rumors: Might A Tom Brady-Danny Amendola Reunion Be Coming In 2020?:  https://boston.cbslocal.com/2020/01/29/nfl-rumors-tom-brady-danny-amendola-reunion-patriots/

2020 NFL Draft:

2020 NFL Draft prospect watch: Antoine Winfield Jr.:  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2020/01/29/2020-nfl-draft-prospect-antoine-winfield-jr-scouting-report/

Utah's Bradlee Anae is a Great Fit for Lions:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/utah-bradlee-anae-would-be-a-great-fit-for-detroit-lions-nfl-draft

Post 2020 Senior Bowl Notebook:  https://football.realgm.com/analysis/3246/Post-2020-Senior-Bowl-Notebook

Meet Netane Muti, Fresno State's gem of an OL prospect:  https://draftwire.usatoday.com/2020/01/28/2020-nfl-draft-prospects-netane-muti-fresno-state-interview/

2020 NFL Draft Position Rankings: Running Backs:  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2020-nfl-draft-position-rankings-running-backs

2020 NFL Draft Position Rankings: Quarterbacks:  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2020-nfl-draft-position-rankings-quarterbacks

Quantifying Quarterbacks: Tua Tagovailoa:  https://www.rotoworld.com/article/qb-klassroom/quantifying-quarterbacks-tua-tagovailoa

Justin Herbert NFL Draft profile: What is, and what can be:  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/justin-herbert-nfl-draft-profile-2020/

Video:

Detroit Lions' Darius Slay has already connected with Ohio State's Jeff Okudah:  https://www.freep.com/videos/sports/nfl/lions/2020/01/29/detroit-lions-darius-slay-pro-bowl-kobe-bryant-nfl-draft/4613014002/

Wednesday, January 29, 2020

Morning Lions Links for Wednesday 1-29-20

Articles:

10 QUESTIONS WITH TWENTYMAN: Which draft prospects could make an immediate impact for Lions?:  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/10-questions-with-twentyman-which-draft-prospects-could-make-an-immediate-impact

The Lions and 49ers have very, very different cultures:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2020/01/the-lions-and-49ers-have-very-very-different-cultures.html

Laken Tomlinson busted out in Detroit. He’s found his way in San Francisco.:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2020/01/laken-tomlinson-got-so-much-better-after-detroit-traded-him-to-49ers.html

Lions offered Richard Sherman big money in 2018. Here's why he said no:  https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2020/01/28/detroit-lions-guaranteed-money-richard-sherman/4597224002/

Why so many ex-Lions are part of 49ers' Super Bowl run:  https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2020/01/28/detroit-lions-san-francisco-49-ers-super-bowl/4595588002/

Green: Quarterbacks remain as Super Bowl's ultimate showstoppers:  https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/2020/01/27/quarterbacks-remain-super-bowls-ultimate-showstoppers/4593482002/

32 players who leveled up this NFL season: Rising receivers and Year 2 leaps (Matthew Stafford, quarterback. After throwing for under 4,000 yards for the first time in a full season in his career in 2018 and tying a career worst in yards per attempt in a full season (6.8), Stafford once again proved he is Detroit's MVP. Before a back injury ended his 2019 season after eight games, he was playing at a Pro Bowl and fringe MVP level -- on pace for 5,000 yards, 40 touchdowns and 10 interceptions (he had 2,499 yards, 19 touchdowns and five interceptions). While safety Tracy Walker, center Frank Ragnow and receiver Kenny Golladay could all merit inclusion, it is Stafford who took a jump in play once again, and when the Lions didn't have him, they saw how bad it could get. -- Michael Rothstein):  https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/page/nfl_32for32200128/players-leveled-all-32-nfl-teams-2019-season

Could the Lions fill their position coach openings from within the organization?:  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2020/01/28/detroit-lions-hire-three-position-coaches/

8 teams that could trade up with Lions for a quarterback:  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2020/01/28/8-teams-who-could-trade-up-with-lions-for-a-quarterback/

2020 NFL Draft:

Pat Caputo - Jeff Okudah to Lions 3rd overall would be NFL Draft outlier:  https://www.theoaklandpress.com/sports/pat-caputo---jeff-okudah-to-lions-rd-overall/article_a097ad98-41fe-11ea-bf51-c78fd119fce1.html

2020 NFL Draft position rankings:  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2020-nfl-draft-position-rankings

Draft: Six best underrated WR prospects:  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2020-nfl-draft-bryan-edwards-tyler-johnson-among-top-six-underrated-wide-receiver-prospects/

Multiple Teams Grade Curtis Weaver in Mid-Rounds:  http://walterfootball.com/nflhotpress/article/Multiple-Teams-Grade-Curtis-Weaver-in-Mid-Rounds

Under-the-radar 2020 Big 12 NFL Draft prospects you need to know:  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/under-the-radar-2020-big-12-nfl-draft-prospects-you-need-to-know/

2020 NFL Draft Musings: The falling draft stock of some Alabama prospects:  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2020-nfl-draft-musings-falling-draft-stock-alabama-prospects/

Lamical Perine runs through the 2020 Senior Bowl:  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/lamical-perine-runs-through-the-2020-senior-bowl/

Kyle Dugger and Ben Bartch help boost their 2020 Draft Stock:  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/kyle-dugger-and-ben-bartch-help-boost-their-2020-nfl-draft-stock/

Tuesday, January 28, 2020

Morning Lions Links for Tuesday 1-28-20

Articles:

O'HARA: A history of who's been available at 3:  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/o-hara-a-history-of-who-s-been-available-at-3

NFL draft analyst: Why the Lions should consider Tua Tagovailoa, ultimately take Jeff Okudah:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2020/01/nfl-draft-analyst-why-the-lions-should-consider-tua-tagovailoa-ultimately-take-jeff-okudah.html

Barnwell picks next season's 49ers: Five teams that have ingredients for a rapid rise (Detroit Lions (3-12-1): Similarity: They spent most of 2019 without their starting quarterback. Matthew Stafford was playing arguably the best football of his career before missing the final eight games with a fractured back. The Lions then spent the rest of the season with a pair of replacement-level backups in David Blough and Jeff Driskel, who went 0-8 while averaging just 1.4 points per drive, the second-worst rate in football. Stafford had trouble staying healthy early in his career, but he had made 136 consecutive starts before suffering the back injury, so he should be projected for a full return to health in 2020. It's not quite as easy to project a 16-game season from running back Kerryon Johnson, who has now missed 14 games over his first two seasons, but the Lions will hope to get more than eight games out of their promising lead rusher in 2020. Similarity: They didn't rack up many interceptions. While the Lions recorded more than the NFL record-low two interceptions that the 49ers generated in 2018, Darius Slay & Co. finished the season with just seven picks across 611 pass attempts, which resulted in a league-low interception rate of 1.1%. The Lions forced just six turnovers during their eight-game losing streak to end the season despite playing teams like the Bears, Broncos and Buccaneers. Interception rate on a team basis tends to be inconsistent from year to year. Over the past decade, 20 teams have posted an interception rate under 1.5%. The following year, their average interception rate was 2.6%. On the other end of the spectrum, the 20 teams that posted an interception rate over 4% during that time frame fell to 3% the following year. The Lions should intercept more passes by sheer chance alone in 2020. Similarity: They have an X's-and-O's genius on staff. Shanahan is regarded as one of the NFL's brightest offensive minds, and though the Niners didn't show that frequently while Jimmy Garoppolo was out injured, they have been brilliant on offense in 2019. Matt Patricia's first two years as Lions coach have fairly been panned. Detroit hired him after a season in which he oversaw the league's second-worst defense by DVOA. Patricia inherited a Lions defense that finished 19th in the same statistic and led them to finishes of 27th and 28th in his first two seasons. The unit was supposed to see marked improvement this season after the Lions added Patricia-approved pieces like Trey Flowers, Justin Coleman and Jahlani Tavai, but they instead remained as one of the league's worst defenses while posting the second-worst adjusted sack rate in football. But if you ask around the league, Patricia is regarded as a bright defensive mind. He was the one who initially tried to stop the Rams in 2018 with a 6-1 front, a move the Bears and Patriots emulated with better personnel to shut down the Sean McVay offense before the rest of the league followed suit in 2019. This season, Patricia altered his game plan against the Chiefs to play more man coverage and try to win with four-man rushes, and while the Chiefs still scored 27 points, the Colts used a similar philosophy to upset Kansas City the following week. Even that stat sells the Lions short. They lost or tied three games they were winning with one minute to go and lost a fourth that was tied in the final minute. Three of those four games were against teams that made it to conference title games. Both the 2018 Colts and 2019 49ers have gone from blowing the most fourth-quarter leads in football to righting the ship and making it to the postseason the following year. Difference: Their coach doesn't have a track record of success in multiple places. While Shanahan succeeded as an offensive coordinator with the Texans, Washington and Falcons before getting his head-coaching opportunity in San Francisco, Patricia spent his entire NFL coaching career before Detroit with the Patriots. It's unclear whether he can succeed without working alongside arguably the best coach in NFL history, and the early returns haven't been impressive.):  https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/28563798/five-teams-the-49ers-2020-all-similarities

Lions the only NFL team to post a losing record when leading after 3 quarters: https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2020/01/27/lions-the-only-nfl-team-to-post-a-losing-record-when-leading-after-3-quarters/

10 Pro Bowlers who are also potential 2020 free agents:  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2020/01/26/10-pro-bowlers-who-are-also-potential-2020-free-agents/

Chargers moving on from Philip Rivers and how it impacts the Lions draft:  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2020/01/27/chargers-moving-on-from-philip-rivers-and-how-it-impacts-the-lions-draft/

PFF Rankings: The NFL's top quarterbacks heading into Super Bowl LIV (8. MATTHEW STAFFORD, DETROIT LIONS: In one of the biggest single-year transformations in recent memory, Stafford briefly returned to his best in 2019 before he lost his season due to injury. Stafford increased his average depth of target by over four yards per attempt, a massive improvement in offensive aggressiveness that led to the most efficient year of his career and the league’s highest percentage of big-time throws. He also saw the biggest jump in the percentage of positively graded throws outside of Ryan Tannehill, which led to the league’s sixth-most efficient passing attack while Stafford was on the field. He had fallen into more of a game manager mode in recent seasons, but Stafford and the Lions embraced a high-risk, high-reward style that led to more explosive plays but also a few more misses down the field. And if they continue down that path, the payout could be massive. Key Stat from QB Annual: Twenty-seven percent of Stafford’s targets were into tight windows, eight percentage points higher than the league average.):  https://www.pff.com/news/nfl-best-quarterbacks-ahead-of-super-bowl-liv

2020 Senior Bowl:

Making money: 12 NFL draft prospects who boosted their stock most at the Senior Bowl:  https://sports.yahoo.com/making-money-12-nfl-draft-prospects-who-boosted-their-stock-most-at-the-senior-bowl-170546233.html

2020 Senior Bowl Recap:  http://walterfootball.com/draft2020seniorbowlrecap.php

2020 NFL Draft:

2020 NFL Draft: PFF Top 100 Big Board Post Senior Bowl:  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2020-nfl-draft-pff-top-100-big-board-update

Monday, January 27, 2020

Morning Lions Links for Monday 1-27-20

Articles:

Senior Bowl kicks off countdown to 2020 NFL Draft:  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/senior-bowl-kicks-off-countdown-to-2020-nfl-draft

Matt Patricia was loud, profane, and a big hit among players at the Senior Bowl:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2020/01/matt-patricia-was-loud-profane-and-a-big-hit-among-players-at-the-senior-bowl.html

10 Pro Bowlers who are also potential 2020 free agents:  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2020/01/26/10-pro-bowlers-who-are-also-potential-2020-free-agents/

2020 Senior Bowl:

A Senior Bowl prospect for every round for Lions:  https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2020/01/26/2020-senior-bowl-prospect-every-round-nfl-draft-detroit-lions/4580927002/

2020 Senior Bowl Stock Watch:  http://draftcountdown.com/2020/2020-senior-bowl-stock-watch/

Sunday, January 26, 2020

Mock Draft Round Up #13

Foxsports (3. LB Isaiah Simmons (2019 season stats: 8.0 sacks, 3 INTs, 8 passes defended, 104 total tackles): The most versatile defender in the draft will probably have a huge impact on Trey Flowers and promising young LBs Jarrad Davis and Christian Jones.) (1-24-20): https://www.foxsports.com/nfl/gallery/2020-nfl-mock-draft-joe-burrow-chase-young-tua-tagovailoa-number-one-pick-011520-2-012420

Mel Kiper Mock Draft (3. CB Jeff Okudah) (1-24-20):  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2020/01/detroit-lions-take-ohio-state-cb-jeff-okudah-in-mel-kipers-first-mock-draft.html

CBS Josh Edwards (3. CB Jeff Okudah: Detroit is in a position to potentially trade down and allow another team to trade up for a quarterback. They stand pat in this projection and take Okudah to bolster their secondary.) (1-23-20):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2020-nfl-mock-draft-four-qbs-go-in-round-1-but-not-justin-herbert-49ers-pass-rush-grows-more-dangerous/

Draft Tek (3. DT Derrick Brown: As the 49ers beat the Packers into submission during the NFC Championship game, I was struck with a realization, a team that held the second pick in last year's NFL Draft is now going to the Super Bowl. Talk about a turnaround. Granted, it's no worst-to-first story, but it got me thinking, could the Lions pull off something similar in 2020? It's a mighty Lion leap, but considering the pieces in place and those pieces yet to be added, a turnaround of epic proportions could be in the works.  Now, I'm not saying the Lions are going to the Super Bowl next year, that would be mildly irresponsible, let alone highly unlikely. Pair up Quinn and Patricia's sense of urgency, a healthy Stafford (prior to being injured was in the MVP discussion), and nearly $50M in cap space at their disposal, and you could have something very positive brewing in 2020. How Detroit ultimately chooses to address their many needs remains to be seen, but one thing is for certain, they are going to need to address the pass rush. The Lions ranked second to last in overall defensive rank (31st), tied for 30th in sacks (28) and was abysmal against the pass (31st) by allowing over 400 yards per game through the air. Derrick Brown, plain and simple, is a beast. His raw power, quickness for his size, and pure strength to just outwill the man across from him is something to behold. With the #3 pick in this Draft, the Lions can go many different directions, but one way to stop a passing attack is taking a man always on the attack, and that's Brown. To bookend this analysis, Nick Bosa was given a pass rush grade of 92.5 coming into last year's Draft from Pro Football Focus. This year, Derrick Brown was given a 90.4. Could Detroit take a similar leap? We can only hope! -Doug Hyde, Lions Analyst 35. LB Anfernee Jennings:  As we addressed with the Derrick Brown selection, the Lions desperately need assistance in the pass rush department. It's an admission that stings, given the amount of money that was spent this offseason to bring in Trey Flowers (5 years/$90M). It's interesting though; Patricia seemed use different pass rushing schemes by using many different forms of "rush three", which seemed to be working early on, but many are now attributing this scheme to explain Detroit's inability to stop the pass. This is where a player like Anfernee Jennings comes into play. Jennings is your proverbial "do-it-all" defender. Jennings brings sound mechanics, instict, and versatility to the table. Per Pro Football Focus, Jennings was graded an 88.8 in pass rushing and an 86.9 in run defense, and given Patricia's "mad scientist" tendencies to play-calling, having a jack-of-all-trades player like Jennings on your roster will make the man giddy. Worth noting:, Jennings is listed as an Inside Linebacker on the Senior Bowl's website. With Patricia coaching the North squad, he'll be tasked to find ways to scheme against him, further noting his strengths. It will certainly be worth watching Jennings this weekend to see just how versatile he can be. - Doug Hyde, Lions Analyst 67. ILB Malik Harrison 99. WR Aaron Fuller. 131. S Kyle Dugger. 154. OLB Keandre Jones. 162. WR Bryan Edwards) (1-22-20): https://www.drafttek.com/2020-NFL-Mock-Draft/2020-NFL-Mock-Draft-Round-1.asp

CBS Chris Trapasso (3. CB Jeff Okudah: The top three have been locked in for a while. With Young gone, the Lions improve the defense with the best cornerback in this class.) (1-22-20):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2020-nfl-mock-draft-tom-brady-sticks-with-patriots-and-they-get-him-a-speedy-receiver-jaguars-add-defense/

NFL.com Dan Jeremiah (3. CB Jeff Okudah: Detroit could easily auction off this slot to those teams in search of a quarterback. If the Lions stick and pick, Okudah would provide a much-needed upgrade in their secondary.) (1-21-20):  http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001097592/article/daniel-jeremiah-2020-nfl-mock-draft-10-four-qbs-in-top-15

CBS Ryan Wilson (3. CB Jeff Okudah: Okudah's effort vs. Clemson in the Fiesta Bowl earlier this month was the closest thing we've seen to a shutdown corner this season; he put the clamps on Tee Higgins and Justyn Ross for most of the night and solidified his place as the No. 1 cornerback in this draft class.) (1-21-20):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2020-nfl-mock-draft-four-qbs-off-the-board-after-12-picks-colts-get-jacoby-brissett-downfield-weapon/

SI Mock Draft (3. CB Jeff Okudah: Positioned well to move back to acquire more draft capital, the Lions could potentially auction off this slot to the Dolphins to secure Tua Tagovailoa’s services or to a QB-needy team that wants to get in front of Miami. If they hold steady here, this pick could come down to Auburn’s Derrick Brown or Okudah, who led the Buckeyes with three interceptions and passes defended in 2019. The Lions are one of three defenses to record a league-low seven interceptions in 2019, and Darius Slay is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent after the ’20 season. Okudah has the size (6' 1", 200 pounds), fluidity and athleticism to develop into a lockdown corner.) (1-21-20):  https://www.si.com/nfl/2020/01/21/nfl-mock-draft-2020-justin-herbert-ceedee-lamb-jedrick-wills-jr

Draftcountdown (6. CB Jeff Odukah: Considering they have one of the leagues worst pass defenses the Lions would be fortunate to find Okudah still on the board at this point. A unanimous five-star recruit coming out of high school, Okudah only had one career start entering his junior season due to the embarrassment of riches the Buckeyes have had at the cornerback position in recent years. Despite that modest experience Okudah was projected to be a Top 10 pick based mostly on potential. Not only did Okudah live up to those lofty expectations, he surpassed them. A big, fast and athletic cover guy, the physical tools were never in doubt with Okudah. Scouts wanted to see him make more plays in the secondary though and Okudah answered those questions in emphatic fashion. Okudah is arguably the first true shutdown corner to come along since Jalen Ramsey and is a better pro prospect than former teammates Marshon Lattimore (#11 overall in 2017) or Denzel Ward (#4 overall in 2018).) (1-20-20): http://draftcountdown.com/mock-draft/2020-mock-draft/round-1-2020-mock-draft-1/

O'hara's Mock Draft 1.0 (3. Cornerback Jeff Okudah, Ohio State: It's a tough choice at this point between Okudah and Brown. Brown can provide a penetrating interior force that the Lions lacked on any level in 2019. The lack of that presence is one reason the Lions had only 28 sacks, their fewest since 26 in 2016 and second fewest in the last 10 seasons.Okudah is a walk-in starter opposite Darius Slay – assuming Slay is back with the Lions in 2019. And if he isn't, cornerback will be an even a more pressing need.) (1-20-20):  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/o-hara-s-mock-3-the-first-prediction

Walterfootball Charlie (3. DT Derrick Brown: Detroit's defense has been a massive disappointment this season. A'Shawn Robinson and Mike Daniels are entering free agency and may not be re-signed. Here's a versatile defender who could dominate between Snacks Harrison and Trey Flowers. Brown has 50 tackles with four sacks, four passes batted and two forced fumbles in 2019. Against Oregon and Texas A&M, he was very disruptive and made a lot of superb plays that showed off his tremendous skill set. Brown totaled 48 tackles, 4.5 sacks, 10.5 tackles for a loss and one forced fumble in 2018. Teams sent consistent double teams at him, but he still managed to stuff runs and cause disruption. Brown also has the quickness to fire into the backfield and pressure the quarterback from the interior. The 6-foot-5, 316-pounder contains a ton of upside and is just scratching the surface of what he is capable of doing. Brown (6-5, 316) had an impressive 2017 season, playing well down the stretch when Auburn made a run into the SEC Championship. He totaled 56 tackles with 3.5 sacks, nine tackles for a loss, one pass broken up and two forced fumbles on the year.  35. CB Noah Igbinoghene: Teez Tabor was a bust, and the Lions could use more corner talent to go with Darius Slay. Team sources say that Igbinoghene (5-11, 200) impressed them during the 2019 season. He was the Tigers top cornerback and played well against a tough schedule. Igboghene totaled 42 tackles with seven passes broken up in 2019. In 2018, he had 45 tackles with an interception and 11 breakups. Evaluators say Igbinoghene is a better athlete than player at this point, but he has a good skill set with upside to develop.  69. RB Najee Harris: The Lions could use another running back in case Kerryon Johnson gets hurt again. In 2019, Harris has averaged 5.9 yards per carry for 1,088 yards with 11 touchdowns. He has 27 receptions for 304 yards and seen scores as a receiver. Harris has flashed at times, but some scouts don't feel Harris is the same caliber as other recent Alabama running backs like Josh Jacobs, Damien Harris or Derrick Henry.  Harris (6-2, 230) is a big back who has some quickness and athleticism for the NFL. Over the past few seasons, he has not run to his size and has looked to bounce too many carries to the outside rather than using his power to run behind his pads in a physical manner. Lately and especially against LSU and Mississippi State, Harris has been running aggressively downhill with decisiveness. His tape from the back half of the 2019 season will help his draft grade and definitely makes him look like a better pro prospect compared to how he performed at the beginning of the season.) (1-16-20):  http://walterfootball.com/draft2020charlie.php

USA Today Middlehurst-Schwartz (3. Lions — Jeffrey Okudah, CB, Ohio State: Tua Tagovailoa's entry into the draft creates an interesting dynamic at this slot, as a bidding war for a quarterback could benefit Detroit. Might some team offer a package similar to what the Jets conceded to the Colts in 2018 (three second-round picks) to move from No. 6 to No. 3? Okudah is hardly a consolation prize, however, as he's in a tier of his own at an all-important position.) (1-16-20):  https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/draft/2020/01/16/nfl-mock-draft-2020-joe-burrow-lsu-first-round/4479915002/

Walterfootball (3. Detroit Lions - CB Jeff Okudah: Darius Slay is a terrific cornerback, but the rest of Detroit's secondary has been horrible this season. They've needed an upgrade across from Slay for quite a while. Jeff Okudah is a big, athletic, speedy cornerback with immense upside.  35. RB Jonathan Taylor: Kerryon Johnson hasn't been able to stay healthy, so I wonder if the Lions would be willing to spend a second-day pick on a running back to complement him.  67. LB Troy Dye: Matt Patricia needs a centerpiece for his defense, as the Lions have struggled to cover in space for quite a while. Troy Dye is a very athletic linebacker with great coverage skills.  99. QB James Morgan: The Lions could stand to add a young quarterback to groom behind Matthew Stafford. James Morgan has made a name for himself by being the best quarterback at the East-West Shrine, by far.) (1-15-20):  https://walterfootball.com/draft2020.php

Yahoo Eric Edholm (3. CB Jeff Okudah: This might feel a skosh early to some, but Epenesa has been on fire of late and is starting to resemble the game-wrecking defender many thought he would be at the start of the season. And besides, doesn’t he look like a Lions defender? That is, of course, if GM Bob Quinn and head coach Matt Patricia are afforded a third year together in Detroit. A top wide receiver also could be an option here.) (1-15-20):  https://sports.yahoo.com/postbowl-season-nfl-mock-draft-four-q-bs-land-in-round-1-163246345.html

PFF Mock Draft (3. CB JEFFREY OKUDAH, OHIO STATE: These top three picks are set in stone for any future GM mock until we start incorporating trades. Okudah passed his final collegiate test with flying colors against Clemson's pair of NFL wide receivers. He was targeted 10 times in the playoff semifinals and allowed only five catches for 47 yards while breaking up two passes. Put him across from Darius Slay, and watch your pass defense transform overnight.) (1-14-20): https://www.pff.com/news/draft-pff-2020-nfl-mock-draft-national-champion-joe-burrow-cements-his-spot-as-first-overall-pick

Sporting News (3. DT Derrick Brown: The Lions were terrible against the run in 2019, and Matt Patricia, with some fading talent in the middle of his defensive front, could use an elite run-stuffer with some excellent inside pass-rush juice. Brown would do nicely. At 6-5, 318 pounds, he is a quick disruptor who makes a lot of plays in the backfield. The Lions can also consider the edge here, but Brown is the best pure lineman in the class, period.) (1-14-20): https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/news/nfl-mock-draft-2020-clemson-lsu-first-round/cs5kf75glf7o1v0ukln0lvke8

The Big lead Ryan Phillips (3. Detroit Lions: Jeff Okudah, CB, Ohio State: Detroit's secondary is a mess and this is a spot where they could land a star at cornerback. Okudah is the best corner in the country by a considerable margin. He has the upside of a shutdown guy, which is exactly what the Lions need. A unanimous First Team All-American in 2019, the 6-foot-1, 200-pound corner is an elite, lockdown corner a defense can build around.) (1-14-20):  https://www.thebiglead.com/posts/updated-nfl-mock-draft-2020-joe-burrow-chase-young-01dydx4hxe7z

FTW (3. Jedrick Wills Jr., OT, Alabama: General manager Bob Quinn and coach Matt Patricia should open up phone lines to see if anyone wants to trade up to leapfrog the Miami Dolphins and take Alabama quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. If no one bites, the Lions could address a number of positions, but let’s give Detroit a complement to tackle Taylor Decker. Wills can help Patricia with a run-first offense, while protecting Matthew Stafford, who was enjoying one of his best seasons before suffering an injury.) (1-14-20):  https://ftw.usatoday.com/2020/01/2020-nfl-mock-draft

Draftwire (3. Detroit Lions - CB Jeff Okudah: This defense has needs at every level, so this pick is about getting the best value anywhere they can. Trading down would be ideal, likely for a team targeting a franchise quarterback, but Okudah is the most worthy candidate for this pick if they stay put. He’s the best of a corner class that could produce a handful of first-round picks.  38. Detroit Lions - DE DT Raekwon Davis. 67. DE Jonathan Greenard. 99. RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire) (1-13-20):  https://draftwire.usatoday.com/2020/01/13/2020-nfl-mock-draft-updated-divisional-playoffs-4-rounds/

Tony Pauline (3. DT Derrick Brown: This would be a major boost for the defensive line as Damon Harrison won’t last much longer and could possibly retire this offseason. Brown is a prospect I’ve gushed over the past two years and someone I graded as a top-12 pick a year ago before he decided to return to Auburn. Presently listed third on my big board, Brown is a scheme versatile defender who can line up at multiple spots up front.) (1-13-20): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/tony-pauline-pre-senior-bowl-nfl-mock-draft-raiders-saints-qb/

ESPN's McShay Mock Draft 1 (5. CB Jeff Okudah) (12-16-19): https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2019/12/17/first-mock-draft-espns-todd-mcshay-has-lions-taking-cornerback/2673675001/

Round 1 Pick (15 CB, 4 DT, 2 OT, 1 LB):

15 CB Jeff Okudah
4 DT Derrick Brown
1 OT Andrew Thomas
1 OT Jedrick Wills
1 LB Isaiah Simmons

Round 2 Pick (1 DT, 1 RB, 1 CB, 1 LB):

1 LB Anfernee Jennings
1 CB Noah Igbinoghene
1 DT Raekwon Davis
1 RB Jonathan Taylor

Round 3 (2 LB, 1 RB, 1 DE):

1 ILB Malik Harrison
1 LB Troy Dye
1 RB Najee Harris
1 DE Jonathan Greenard

Round 4 (1 WR, 1 RB, 1 QB):

1 WR Aaron Fuller
1 RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire
1 QB James Morgan

Round 5 Pick 139 (1 S):

1 S Kyle Dugger

Round 5 Pick 157 (1 LB)

1 LB Keandre Jones

Round 6 (1 WR):

1 WR Bryan Edwards