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