Mock Draft Round up 15

CBS Josh Edwards (3. CB Jeff Okudah:  Okudah matata. It means the cornerback will give Detroit no worries in their secondary. The Lions nearly traded Darius Slay at the NFL Trade Deadline a year ago after parting with Quandre Diggs. They are clearly looking to make some changes in the secondary. In all honesty, Detroit makes a lot of sense for teams looking to trade up for a quarterback.) (2-7-20):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2020-nfl-mock-draft-cards-reunite-kyler-murray-with-ceedee-lamb-jags-stay-in-state-to-replace-jalen-ramsey/

NFL RealGM (3. Detroit Lions: Chase Young, EDGE, Ohio State. Lions fans--and I’m one of them--get their fantasy fulfilled. Young is the perfect player to fix Detroit’s biggest need, someone who can generate pass rush on his own and dictate blocking schemes.) (2-7-20):  https://football.realgm.com/analysis/3249/2020-NFL-Mock-Draft-Version-20-The-Rise-Of-The-OL

Draftwire (5. Detroit Lions - CB Jeff Okudah:  This is a fantastic scenario for the Lions, who trade back a couple of spots, get an extra first-round pick, and still land the player they likely would have taken at their original spot. Okudah is by far this year’s top corner prospect, and would team up with Darius Slay to give Detroit one of the league’s best tandems at a premium position. Don’t rule out Auburn defensive lineman Derrick Brown here, either.  26. Detroit Lions (from HOU via MIA)* Yetur Gross-Matos:  After moving down and getting a blue-chip corner in the top five, the Lions can now use the first-round pick they received in our projected trade to address their desperate need for front-seven help. Gross-Matos is a well-rounded prospect who may not be as flashy as some other defenders in this class, but he’s a pro-ready player who will make an immediate impact.) (2-6-20):  https://draftwire.usatoday.com/2020/01/13/2020-nfl-mock-draft-updated-divisional-playoffs-4-rounds/

Dave Birkett Mock Draft (3. CB Jeff Okudah, Ohio State – The draft starts at three, and since I’m not projecting trades for now, the Lions are left to pick between Tagovailoa and three of the best defensive players in the draft. Derrick Brown and Isaiah Simmons would be worthwhile selections, but cornerback is arguably the second most important position on the field and Okudah is a future star.) (2-6-20):  https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2020/02/06/dave-birkett-mock-draft-detroit-lions-defense-tua-tagovailoa/4666575002/

SI Mock Draft (5.  CB Jeff Okudah:  ***PROPOSED TRADE*** 5. Detroit: Jeffrey Okudah, CB, Ohio State (Proposed trade: Miami sends 5th, 39thand 70th overall picks to Detroit for the 3rd overall pick):  This would be a no-brainer trade-back scenario for Detroit as they get the prospect I slotted to them in my previous mock and add two Day 2 picks. Not only were the Lions tied for a league-low seven interceptions in 2019, but Darius Slay is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent after the 2020 season. Leading the Buckeyes with three interceptions in 2019, Okudah is a complete corner with an ideal blend of size (6’ 1”, 200 pounds), athleticism and fluidity to develop into a shutdown corner at the next level.) (2-6-20):   https://www.si.com/nfl/2020/02/06/nfl-mock-draft-2020-trade-up-tua-tagovailoa

CBS RJ White (3. DT Derrick Brown:  The Lions can use help at a lot of positions, and could even consider going QB here. But Brown gets the edge over Jeff Okudah due to the completeness of his game, and the Lions are losing a lot of snaps at DT to free agency.) (2-6-20):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2020-nfl-mock-draft-raiders-bring-new-qb-wr-duo-to-vegas-chiefs-add-linebacker-to-super-bowl-roster/

Draft Tek (3. CB Jeff Okudah:  With the Super Bowl ending both a curse (Madden-cover athlete) and a drought (Chiefs' 50-year Super Bowl-title drought) in one fell swoop, we Lions' fans can be optimistic and take comfort in knowing it's possible that our lovable Leos will one day alleviate all of that bad juju. What does it take to get to that point? Well, a lot has to go right, and the Lions did not have that luxury in 2019 with untimely injuries and consistency issues on defense.  Prior to Stafford's injury, the defense had allowed an average of 425 total yards per game with four 400+ total yard games and three 350+ total yard games. Atrocious. Despite all of this, the team entered Week 10 with a 3-4-1 record, still "in the hunt" for the playoffs. The only issue being the team was now without Stafford, which resulted in an 0-8 tailspin.  All of this to say, the Lions need to be better and more consistent defensively with Stafford healthy in order to give them the best opportunity to win games. In fact, backing up what the front office has stated about being "in most of the games", Detroit lost (or tied) 8 games within one score (field goal/touchdown/touchdown + 2-point conversion). We can always play the "what if" game, but Stafford, when healthy, gives the team its best chance to win regardless of defensive performance. Without him, it's a sinking ship.  By taking Okudah here in RD1, the Lions are getting a consistent pass defender. Okudah is rarely, if ever, beaten. He's never allowed over 50 yards in a game to an opposing WRs in his two full seasons with Ohio State. Building on this, Okudah had only allowed six 15+ yard gains to opposing receivers in 400 coverage snaps. If the Lions take Okudah and "lock down" both sidelines, they can better dictate to opposing offenses to play in a confined area. This alone will create the consistency they so badly and desperately need. - Doug Hyde, Lions Analyst  35. WR Justin Jefferson:  Detroit gets more athletic and explosive in their first two picks of the 2020 NFL Draft as Justin Jefferson is selected here. The playmaking wide receiver and National Champion from LSU would provide them with more firepower, adding to a unit that was clicking under Darrell Bevell prior to Stafford's end-of-season back injury.  The versatile receiver who played his early years on the outside was moved to the inside slot position in 2019 under LSU OC Joe Brady (now with the Carolina Panthers) and the production was staggering, as Jefferson posted a single-season school record in receptions (111), which equated to 1,540 yards receiving and 18 touchdowns. Yes, 18 touchdowns.  Assuming Detroit acquires defensive assets via Free Agency, adding a player of Justin Jefferson's caliber here would provide benefits in more ways than just one. It strengthens the WR corps, potentially mitigates losses to the group due to injury (Jones and Golladay missed time in 2019), provides Stafford multiple outlets to distribute the football (Golladay, Jones, Hockenson, Jefferson, Kerryon Johnson, etc.), and, of course, a championship pedigree. - Doug Hyde, Lions Analyst  67. ILB Malik Harrison  99. QB Jacob Eason. 131.  DT Jason Strowbridge.  154.  DE DJ Wonnum. 162. LB Keandre Jones) (2-5-20):   https://www.drafttek.com/2020-NFL-Mock-Draft/2020-NFL-Mock-Draft-Round-1.asp

Walterfootball (3.  Detroit Lions - DE Chase Young:  The Lions would be foolish to even wait a whole second to submit their card if they have a chance to obtain Chase Young. He would fill a huge need, and he'd be a steal as the best player in the 2020 NFL Draft class at No. 3 overall.  Young enjoyed a breakout season in the wake of Nick Bosa's injury in 2018, and has been very dominant this year. He's a very athletic edge player with great size (6-5, 265), and he won't get out of the top three, barring injury.  35. DT Raekwon Davis:  I discussed Derrick Brown being a possibility for the Lions, depending on what happens in free agency. If they don't take Brown, perhaps Raekwon Davis will be an option atop Round 2.  Raekwon Davis had a dominant performance in the national championship win over Georgia to cap off his excellent 2017 season in which he logged 8.5 sacks.  67. S Antoine Winfield: The Lions traded Quandre Diggs, which did not sit well in the locker room. Here's a replacement for him. Antoine Winfield is a ball-hawking play-maker. This Web site is so old that we used to write about his dad!  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.  131. CB Samuel Stanford:  The Lions could address their secondary as early as No. 3 overall with Jeff Okudah. If they trade down or land Chase Young, they'll have to find another cornerback later in the draft.  155. RB Ke'Shawn Vaughn:  The Lions can't really trust Kerryon Johnson, so perhaps they'll use a mid-round pick on a running back. Ke'Shawn Vaughn has great strength to run through defenders.) (2-5-20):  https://walterfootball.com/draft2020.php

CBS Chris Trapasso (3.  CB Jeff Okudah:  There is a good chance the Lions trade down, but Matt Patricia needs quality press man corners for his defense to resemble something like the unit he had in New England before coming over the Detroit. Okudah is the best man-to-man corner in this class.) (2-5-20):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2020-nfl-mock-draft-tua-tagovailoa-falls-to-chargers-as-five-qbs-go-in-top-15-patriots-add-to-defense/

ESPN's McShay Mock Draft (3. CB Jeff Okudah) (2-4-20):   https://www.mlive.com/lions/2020/02/espns-todd-mcshay-sticking-with-cb-jeff-okudah-to-detroit-lions-in-latest-mock-draft.html

USA Today Middlehurst-Schwartz (3. Lions — Jeffrey Okudah, CB, Ohio State:  The draft might really start here as it's easy to envision other teams inquiring about this selection. But let's save the trade speculation until this whole process unfolds at least a bit more. Okudah would clearly bolster the league's worst pass defense, one that's set to lose Pro Bowl CB Darius Slay to free agency a year from now.) (2-4-20):  https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/draft/2020/02/04/nfl-mock-draft-2020-super-bowl-first-round-jordan-love/4621511002/

CBS Tom Fornelli (12. CB Kristain Fulton:  If the Lions stay at No. 3 they'd probably take Okudah. In my mock they trade down and still get a top corner in Kristian Fulton and pick up an extra first-round pick.  19. WR Jerry Jeudy:  The Lions use the second first-rounder they pick up from Oakland to give Matt Stafford another tool in the passing game. Jeudy is not big, but he's such a terrific route-runner. He reminds me of former Colts WR Marvin Harrison.) (2-4-20):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2020-nfl-mock-draft-raiders-take-tua-tagovailoa-after-trade-with-lions-dolphins-find-qb-late-in-first-round/

CBS Ryan Wilson (3. CB Jeff Okudah:  Okudah's effort vs. Clemson in the Fiesta Bowl last month was the closest thing we've seen to a shutdown corner during the '19 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.) (2-3-20):   https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2020-nfl-mock-draft-five-quarterbacks-go-in-round-1-chargers-bucs-vikings-all-land-franchise-passers/

PFF Mock Draft (5. CB JEFFREY OKUDAH, OHIO STATE:  The Lions add an extra first-rounder and still get their guy. Okudah was tailor-made to play in a man-heavy defense like Matt Patricia’s. He allowed only 12 first downs and one touchdown last season.  22. QB Jordan Love:  The Lions got the added first-rounder for the No. 3 overall pick and can stand to take some swings for the fences because of it. They come back up and jump other teams with veteran quarterbacks who could be in the mix for Love’s services. Love finished top-five in both big-time throws and turnover-worthy plays this past season. That’s the definition of a high-risk, high-reward prospect.) (2-3-20):   https://www.pff.com/news/draft-pff-2020-nfl-mock-draft-dolphins-trade-tua-tagovailoa

NFL.com Chad Reuter (3. CB Jeff Okudah:   Okudah's speed, size, and length offer a rare combination at the position. The Lions allowed a league-worst 284.4 pass yards a game in 2019 and tied for the fewest interceptions in the league (seven).  35. WR Laviska Shenault.  67. Solomon Kindley) (2-3-20):  http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001101022/article/threeround-2020-nfl-mock-draft-10-dolphins-pass-on-tua

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 Cameron Dantzler: Detroit Lions: Cameron Dantzler, CB, Mississippi State
Teez Tabor was a bust, and the Lions could use more corner talent to go with Darius Slay. In 2019, Dantzler had 40 tackles with two interceptions, eight passes broken up, one forced fumble and a fumble recovery. Team sources have said Dantzler was a player who jumped out at them in 2018 despite them not watching him closely as he was yet to be eligible for the NFL draft. The sophomore totaled 43 tackles with nine passes broken up and two interceptions in 2018. Dantzler (6-2, 195) has good size, and the questions will be how well he runs and if he is fluid enough to maintain coverage and prevent separation.  67.  RB Josh Kelley:  The Lions could use another running back in case Kerryon Johnson gets hurt again.  Kelley (5-11, 214) had an impressive week of practice at the Senior Bowl, showing off the skill set to be a three-down starter. The talented back went under the radar in 2019, but multiple team sources have said Kelley impressed them at the Senior Bowl. In Mobile, he showed he has a good build to him with quickness, cutting ability, and natural instincts. Kelley also could contribute on third downs, so he could develop into a three-down starter in the NFL. He had a really good week in Mobile after averaging 4.6 yards per carry for 1,060 yards and 11 touchdowns in 2019. He had 11 receptions for 71 yards and a touchdown as well.  Kelley started out his college career at UC Davis, where he totaled 1,139 yards and seven touchdowns over two seasons. He sat out 2017 after transferring, and then had a breakout year for the Bruins in 2018, averaging 5.5 yards per carry for 1,243 yards and 12 touchdowns. Kelley took 27 receptions for 193 yards as well.) (2-3-20):  http://walterfootball.com/draft2020charlie.php

Detroit News Justin Rogers (3. DT Derrick Brown:  Ideally, the Lions are able to trade down from this spot, pick up some extra draft equity and still get one of the top defenders on their board. Staying put, the polished and productive interior lineman fills one of Detroit’s biggest needs, which only becomes more glaring if “Snacks” Harrison retires.) (2-2-20):   https://www.detroitnews.com/picture-gallery/sports/nfl/lions/2020/02/03/justin-rogers-2020-nfl-mock-draft-1-0/4597618002/

Sporting News (3. CB Jeff Okudah:  Matt Patricia and Bob Quinn need to think about the best defensive player available, and drafting a cornerback to support Darius Slay, who's going into his age-29 season, isn't a bad route. Okudah, an elite ball hawk at 6-1, 200 pounds, has the build to handle receivers of all sizes. He is fluid and quick enough with great recovery skills in coverage to develop into a shutdown type with his strengths showing up in press man.) (2-2-20):   https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/news/nfl-mock-draft-2020-patriots-raiders-giants-bills-bucs-chargers/1ofg086jh3g601ctjfqskdlubz

NFL.com Lance Zielein Mock Draft (3. CB Jeff Okudah: Easy slot to fill with the Lions needing help opposite Darius Slay and Okudah possessing all the traits Matt Patricia could want.) (1-29-20):   http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001099512/article/lance-zierlein-nfl-mock-draft-10-raiders-pick-wr-jerry-jeudy

The Big lead Ryan Phillips (3. Detroit Lions: Jeff Okudah, CB, Ohio State:  This will be a prime spot for a trade, but 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 All-American in 2019, the 6-foot-1, 200-pound corner is an elite, lockdown corner a defense can build around.) (1-28-20):  https://www.thebiglead.com/posts/2020-nfl-mock-draft-joe-burrow-stays-at-no-1-top-10-sees-a-number-of-changes-01dzmejf4e6h

Rotoworld Thor Nystrom  (3. LB Isaiah Simmons:  I refuse to list Simmons as a linebacker – he’s a defensive weapon. You don’t draft him to play a traditional off-ball role. You draft him to move him all over the place, erase opponents, and tick off opposing offensive coordinators. The Lions are no doubt hoping Chase Young falls. If he doesn’t, Detroit really should take Miami’s Tua offer (or whoever has decided to buck up). Because the Lions don’t have one defensive need, they have a pride of them.  You wouldn’t argue with Jeffrey Okudah here, but Simmons’ ability to be deployed off-ball, on the edge, in the slot, and at safety feels like a better fit in a two-for-one special kind of way. ) (1-27-20):  https://www.rotoworld.com/article/mock-drafts/thor-nystrom-mock-draft-10

NFL.com Bucky Brooks Mock Draft (3. CB Jeff Okudah:  Detroit doesn't typically take corners on Day 1, but Okudah's game matches the Lions' scheme and fills their biggest defensive need.) (1-27-20):  http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001099246/article/bucky-brooks-2020-nfl-mock-draft-10-jordan-love-to-saints

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

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

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

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

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

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/

Round 1 Pick (21 CB, 4 DT, 2 LB, 2 DE, 1 OT):

20 CB Jeff Okudah
4 DT Derrick Brown
2 LB Isaiah Simmons
2 DE Chase Young
1 OT Jedrick Wills
1 CB Kristain Fulton

Round 1 Trade (1 DE, 1 WR, 1 QB):

1 DE Yetur Gross-Matos
1 WR Jerry Jeudy
1 QB Jordan Love

Round 2 Pick (2 WR, 1 CB, 1 DT):

1 WR Justin Jefferson
1 CB Cameron Dantzler
1 DT Raekwon Davis
1 WR Laviska Shenault

Round 3 (1 LB, 1 RB, 1 G, 1 S):

1 ILB Malik Harrison
1 S Antoine Winfield
1 RB Josh Kelley
1 G Solomon Kindley

Round 4 (2 QB):

1 QB Jacob Eason
1 QB James Morgan

Round 5 Pick 131 (1 DT,  1 CB):

1 DT Jason Strowbridge
1 CB Samuel Stanford

Round 5 Pick 157 (1 DE, 1 RB)

1 DE DJ Wonnum
1 RB Ke'Shawn Vaughn

Round 6 (1 LB):

1 LB Keandre Jones