Mock Draft Round up 17

NFL.com Chad Reuter (5.  CB Jeff Okudah:   PROJECTED TRADE WITH DOLPHINS. Detroit, at No. 3 overall, is in a great spot to grab multiple quality draft picks because several QB-needy teams could be looking to move up to get their guy. In this mock, I see the Lions moving down to No. 5 in exchange for a first- and second-rounder from Miami this year as well as an early-round 2021 pick. Detroit gets a hefty bounty and still lands Okudah, the outstanding corner the franchise might've taken in the original draft slot.  26. WR Tee Higgins:  PROJECTED TRADE WITH DOLPHINS. With Higgins in the fold, Kenny Golladay should have more freedom downfield. 35. LB Zach Baun.  56. S Antoine Winfield (trade).  67. Solomon Kindley) (2-21-20):  http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001102631/article/threeround-2020-nfl-mock-draft-20-trades-shake-up-round-1

CBS Josh Edwards (3. CB Jeff Okudah:  It is calm. The trade market for quarterbacks was not as robust as many, including the Lions, expected so Matt Patricia and Bob Quinn hold tight and take Okudah.) (2-21-20):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2020-nfl-mock-draft-jets-trade-up-vikings-trade-stefon-diggs-and-then-draft-his-brother/

Touchdown Wire (3. Detroit Lions (3-12-1): Chase Young, EDGE, Ohio State:  So, if the Redskins turn the 2020 draft upside down by not taking Chase Young, Matt Patricia’s Lions get an unrivaled edge-rusher, which is one of many things Detroit’s defense needs. Trey Flowers signed a five-year, $90 million contract with $56 million in guarantees last offseason and put up 61 total pressures despite dealing with injuries. Flowers and linebacker Devon Kennard combined for 14 sacks in 2019; everyone else in Detroit’s defense also combined for 14. Young is a game-wrecker at the level of the Bosa brothers — and he’ll make every part of Detroit’s defense better by that standard alone.) (2-20-20):  https://touchdownwire.usatoday.com/2020/02/20/touchdown-wires-pre-combine-mock-draft-chase-young-jerry-jeudy-are-pivot-points/

CBS Pete Prisco (3. DT Derrick Brown:  They could consider corner here, but Brown is too good to pass up. He is a force who might end up being the best defensive player in this draft.) (2-20-19):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2020-nfl-mock-draft-lock-in-joe-burrow-to-bengals-plus-saints-and-packers-add-receivers-in-round-1/

CBS Chris Trapasso (3. DE Chase Young:  The Lions signed Trey Flowers in free agency a year ago but still have a pass-rushing problem. And that issue is fixed with Young at No. 3.) (2-19-20):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2020-nfl-mock-draft-dolphins-trade-up-to-no-2-to-select-tua-tagovailoa-redskins-get-big-haul-to-move-back/

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 Ross Blacklock:  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 or Ross Blacklock will be an option atop Round 2.  Ross Blacklock has underrated athleticism at his massive size (6-3, 329).  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.) (2-19-20):  https://walterfootball.com/draft2020.php

Draft Tek (3. CB Jeff Okudah:  Every year, some team HAS to be the worst passing defense in the league. Congrats, Detroit; you won the prize in 2019! The Lions gave up a whopping 285 yds/Game, and opposing QBs punked their secondary with 33 TDs. With so many balls whizzing through the air and into the end zone, you'd THINK the Lions secondary would rack up interceptions just by closing their eyes and holding their hands out. Nope; the Lions also were last in the league in INTs. Detroit defensive backs only notched six INTs all year, despite facing several QBs that were truly generous turnover machines in 2019.  Complicating matters is the fact that their #1 CB Darius Slay has one year left on his contract, and apparently wants to be the highest-paid corner in the league. When you're a three-win team like the Lions, shelling out that kind of money to a corner that'll turn 30 next January is a bad idea. That's how bad teams stay bad for a long time. On the flip side, if they trade him, they'll have to find some team willing to part with a draft pick, knowing that Slay will want a mega-contract after one year. That's a tough sell. The Lions may need to lower their expectations on potential draft-pick compensation.  If I'm the Lions, and Jeff Okudah is sitting there (and Chase Young isn't), I take whatever I can get for Darius Slay (probably a RD3 pick) and draft this guy. Ohio State is quickly becoming CB-U, and Okudah only enhances that reputation. A #1 CB in every sense of the phrase, Okudah's most common comparison is Jalen Ramsey without the mental baggage. ProFootballFocus says that Okudah played 184 snaps in press coverage, never allowing a completion over 12 yards!!! When QBs made the mistake of targeting him, he rewarded them with an average QB rating of 37.6. This is a no-brainer selection for a team that really needs to get younger and re-create itself.  35. G Ben Bredeson:  When compared to the Lions' defense, their offense looks like the '92 Cowboys. However, if you evaluate their offense in a vacuum, they struggled to achieve mediocrity (and often failed to do so). ProFootballFocus ranked the Lions' O-Line as the 11th-best unit in the league. I don't necessarily buy that (PFF's stats can get you to ignore what your eyes are seeing sometimes), but I think it's safe to say the line was just OK. The O-Line gave up 43 sacks...twice as many as the best teams, but plenty of teams did much worse. There is also some debate as to how many of the Lions' linemen will even return next year.  If I'm the Lions, I take a page out of the Titans' playbook, and really try to emphasize the run game with a powerful O-Line. Stafford isn't getting any younger, and a tough running game really could be his best friend at this point. Wolverine Guard Ben Bredeson isn't going to wow anyone at the Combine agility drills, but he's a tough, strong guard built for a power-running game.  67. ILB Malik Harrison  106. QB Jacob Eason. 149.  DE Delontae Scott.  172.  WR James Proche. 182. LB Keandre Jones) (2-18-20):   https://www.drafttek.com/2020-NFL-Mock-Draft/2020-NFL-Mock-Draft-Round-1.asp

NFL.com Charlie Casserly (3. CB Jeff Okudah:  Detroit needs to upgrade the pass rush, and Derrick Brown is the best D-lineman on the board. That said, I gave them Okudah because I have him rated higher than Brown. Not to mention, the Lions have a need at CB (even more so with the uncertainty surrounding Darius Slay). And of course, better coverage helps the pass rush get home.) (2-18-20):  http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001102266/article/charley-casserlys-2020-nfl-mock-draft-10-herbert-to-chargers

CBS Tom Fornelli (3. CB Jeff Okudah:  The Lions trade down three spots and end up with the corner everybody is mocking to them at No. 3 while adding more picks to their arsenal. Pretty good move for Detroit!) (2-18-20):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2020-nfl-mock-draft-chargers-trade-up-for-tua-tagovailoa-lions-add-picks-and-still-get-perfect-fit/

ESPN Mel Kiper Mock Draft (3. QB Tua Tagovailoa) (2-18-20):  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/kiper-has-lions-drafting-a-quarterback-in-latest-mock-draft

SI Mock Draft (3.  CB Jeff Okudah:  In the previous iteration of my mock, Miami traded up for Tua Tagovailoa, which allowed the Lions to still get their man (Okudah) at No. 5 and acquire a pair of additional Day 2 picks. If they don’t find a trade-back scenario they like, the pick will likely come down to Okudah, Derrick Brown or Isaiah Simmons. Pairing a complete corner like Okudah with Darius Slay, who is entering a walk season and looking for a big contract, would give the Lions one of the best cornerback tandems in the league (for at least one season).) (2-18-20):   https://www.si.com/nfl/2020/02/18/nfl-mock-draft-2020-joe-burrow-bengals-justin-herbert-chargers

MLive Ben Raven (5. Detroit Lions -- Clemson LB/S Isaiah Simmons:  The Detroit Lions were bad all over the board last season, coming 64 yards within the franchise mark for defensive futility. Detroit’s defense allowed the most passing yards, intercepted the least amount of passes and produced a league-worst 28 sacks.  Simmons might not have a defined position, but he’s performed at a high level while being asked to do a little bit of everything. He logged more than 100 snaps at outside linebacker, inside linebacker, slot corner, and both safety positions for Clemson last season. He might be the perfect hybrid linebacker for where the NFL is going. Pro Football Focus handed him coverage grades of 76.1, 90.0 and 88.2 in three seasons, respectively. Those marks paired with the number of different positions he was regularly playing is mind-boggling.  A defensive coach like Matt Patricia getting his hands on a player with this level of versatility? That sounds too good to pass on for someone who asks a lot from his linebackers. Jarrad Davis and Christian Jones struggled, and there’s room for Simmons to immediately enter the linebacker rotation to limit the added tasks for those two. Also, veteran Tavon Wilson is a pending free agent and Will Harris needs to take some steps forward to earn a regular role at safety. Simmons might need a little more time to find what works best, but the all-around talent is worth the risk.  18. Detroit Lions (via trade with Dolphins) -- Florida CB C.J. Henderson:  Detroit trades back and misses out on Okudah but finds Henderson waiting for them at No. 18. Henderson comes in at 6-foot-1 and with desirable experience playing man coverage in the SEC. He was credited with allowing only 28 first-down catches on 637 coverage plays in the last two seasons per PFF. Considering the level of talent he was facing, and you better believe he’s popped up on Lions general manager Bob Quinn’s radar.  Adding Simmons and Henderson to the defense both fills the need for versatility at the linebacker position while beefing up the secondary. If this happens in April, expect an A+ grade right here. Henderson is both a fit and would represent one of the best-case scenarios if the team trades back and misses on Okudah.) (2-18-20):  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2020/02/ben-ravens-2020-nfl-mock-draft-10-lions-trade-back-land-2-defenders-with-first-round-picks.html

O'hara's Mock Draft 2.0 (3. DE Chase Young, Ohio State:  The Lions catch a break with the Dolphins trading up to take Tagovailoa at No. 2. Young adds an elite pass rusher to a defense that ranked 31st overall last year, last against the pass, tied for last with seven interceptions and tied for 30th with 26 sacks.) (2-17-20):  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/o-hara-s-mock-3-2-0-pre-combine-edition-young-tagovailoa-okudah

Draftwire (3. Detroit Lions - CB Jeff Okudah:  I’m betting the Lions would love to move down from this spot, and with plenty of QB-needy teams likely to be targeting Alabama’s Tua Tagovailoa, they might get the deal they’re looking for. If not, they can choose between a couple of blue-chip prospects at positions of need on defense, opting for the best player at the more premium spot here.  35.  James Lynch DT.  67. DE Bradlee Anae.   99. Detroit Lions | Denzel Mims WR ) (2-17-20):  https://draftwire.usatoday.com/2020/02/17/2020-nfl-mock-draft-4-rounds-updated-joe-burrow-chase-young-tua-tagovailoa/

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 Damon Arnette: Teez Tabor was a bust, and the Lions could use more corner talent to go with Darius Slay.  Arnette has possessed an excellent skill set for years, but he only finally put it all together as a senior. In 2019, he totaled 35 tackles with eight passes broken up, an interception and a forced fumble. The 6-foot, 195-pounder has good size, and sourced data has him running a 4.40-second time in the 40-yard dash. Arnette can really cover and compete with receivers, plus is a willing tackler. However, Arnette has some off-the-field issues and teams have character concerns with him. Thus, he could go as high as late in the first round or slide well into the second day of the 2020 NFL Draft, depending on how teams feel about those character issues.  Arnette totaled 40 tackles and six passes batted and an interception in 2018. Team sources felt he was best to return to Ohio State for 2019 because he needed to improve on his discipline and show more instincts. Arnette made the wise decision to go back to campus rather than enter the 2019 NFL Draft. In 2017, he totaled 44 tackles with eight passes broken up and two interceptions.  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.) (2-17-20):  http://walterfootball.com/draft2020charlie.php

CBS Ryan Wilson (3. DE Chase Young:  The Lions' D-line ranked 31st in getting after the quarterback, according to Football Outsiders, and the entire defense ranked 29th in pass rush. You know what fixes that? The best edge rusher in college football.) (2-17-20):   https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2020-nfl-mock-draft-dolphins-trade-up-to-no-2-as-redskins-pass-on-chase-young-to-get-picks-rebuild-roster/

USA Today Middlehurst-Schwartz (3. Lions — Jeffrey Okudah, CB, Ohio State:  With Matthew Stafford trade speculation summarily dismissed by GM Bob Quinn, the most pressing question of Detroit's offseason still hinges on whether a quarterback-hungry team will offer a bounty for this selection — and whether the Lions would accept such a package. Part of that equation should entail weighing the risk of losing out on Okudah, who has a good case to trail only his ex-Buckeye teammate Young among this draft's premiere defensive talents.) (2-17-20):  https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/draft/2020/02/17/nfl-mock-draft-2020-cowboys-patriots-combine-first-round/4783268002/

CBS Will Brinson (3. CB Jeff Okudah:  The Lions could go QB here in theory or auction off the pick (I think the latter is more likely), but they also need to win now and so they add a player in Okudah who can help improve their defense immediately.) (2-13-20):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2020-nfl-mock-draft-browns-trade-odell-beckham-to-patriots-chiefs-land-star-running-back/

MLive Kyle Meinke (3. Ohio State DE Chase Young: Nobody stands to benefit from a run on quarterbacks more than Detroit, which already has a franchise quarterback playing at a high level. Of course, it still lost 12 games last year because of a near-historically bad defense. There was no bigger reason for that than their pass rush, which was among the league’s worst. This defense won’t work without better peformances up front, and Young just so happens to be the best pass rusher in this draft. Hell, he might be the best defensive prospect overall. As long as you have a quarterback in place, you don’t pass up the opportunity to lock in a playmaking pass rusher on a cost-controlled contract like this. Detroit won’t.) (2-11-20):  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2020/02/kyle-meinkes-2020-nfl-mock-draft-10-lions-land-ohio-state-star-chase-young.html

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.) (2-11-20):   https://www.pff.com/news/draft-pff-2020-nfl-mock-draft-dolphins-trade-tua-tagovailoa

NFL.com MJD (3. CB Jeff Okudah:  Detroit gets the most talented cornerback in this draft class to pair with three-time Pro Bowler Darius Slay, assuming he remains a Lion this offseason.) (2-11-20):  http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001101731/article/maurice-jonesdrew-nfl-mock-draft-10-chargers-replace-rivers

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.  35. CB Bryce Hall:  The Lions signaled their willingness to jump on this type of zone-first corner when they signed Justin Coleman last year, and Hall looks like a long-term starter in the league if he can find the right schematic fit.  67. WR Donovan Peoples-Jones:  The Lions have two studs at receiver but depth behind the pair has been a problem, plus Marvin Jones is set to hit free agency after 2020. Peoples-Jones wasn't able to reach his ceiling in the Michigan offense but he's capable of making an early impact.) (2-11-20):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/three-round-2020-nfl-mock-draft-cowboys-land-tight-end-patriots-add-playmakers-three-qbs-taken-on-day-2/

Yahoo Eric Edholm (3. CB Jeff Okudah:  How about that? Three picks, three straight members of the 2017 Buckeyes.  In our previous mock, we had Auburn DT Derrick Brown at this spot. Our estimation is that the Lions have three options right now: trade down (for a Tua team), or stay put and take either Okudah or Brown. And depending on how far they move down, the Lions might be able to have their cake and eat it, too.  But in this scenario, the Lions nab the best cover man in the draft. With Darius Slay’s future in Detroit unclear, it would make a lot of sense.  35.  RB D’Andre Swift) (2-10-20):  https://sports.yahoo.com/precombine-nfl-mock-draft-5-quarterbacks-land-in-rounds-1-and-2-143615177.html

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.  35. Mississippi State CB Cam Dantzler:  A long, explosive, suffocating corner from the SEC who figures to rise during the process. Dantzler (6’2/185) is skinny, but he’s an aggressive, fight-you-for-it type made for press coverage. He’d be a target of mine if I needed a corner early in Round 2. I wouldn’t wait much longer. Dantzler has enough high-level tape against top-notch competition that he shouldn’t drop outside the top-40, lack of hype right now notwithstanding.  67.  Michigan EDGE Josh Uche:  The Lions, in need of edge help, shop local with Uche, who piled up 25 hurries, 13 hurries and eight sacks in 206 pass-rushing attempts last year. That was good for an elite 91.4 PFF pass-rushing grade. Uche will drop a little because of size limitations (6’1/241), a foot fracture and torn meniscus in his past, and a game that is overly-reliant on athleticism over technical know-how.) (2-10-20):  https://www.rotoworld.com/article/mock-drafts/thor-nystrom-mock-draft-day-1 and Day 2 - https://www.rotoworld.com/article/mock-drafts/thor-nystrom-mock-draft-day-2?page=0

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

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/

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

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

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

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/

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 (20 CB, 7 DE, 5 DT, 3 LB, 1 OT, 1 QB):

20 CB Jeff Okudah
5 DT Derrick Brown
7 DE Chase Young
3 LB Isaiah Simmons
1 OT Jedrick Wills
1 QB Tua Tagovailoa

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

1 QB Jordan Love
1 CJ Henderson
1 WR Tee Higgins

Round 2 Pick (3 CB, 1 WR, 2 DT, 1 RB, 1 G, 1 LB):

1 G Ben Bredeson
1 CB Damon Arnette
1 CB Bryce Hall
1 CB Cameron Dantzler
1 DT Ross Blacklock
1 DT James Lynch
1 WR Laviska Shenault
1 RB D'Andre Swift
1 LB Zach Baun

Round 2 Trade (1 S):

1 S Antoine Winfield

Round 3 (1 LB, 1 RB, 1 G, 1 S, 1 WR, 2 DE):

1 ILB Malik Harrison
1 S Antoine Winfield
1 RB Josh Kelley
1 G Solomon Kindley
1 WR Donovan Peoples-Jones
1 DE Josh Uche
1 DE Bradlee Anae

Round 4 (2 QB, 1 WR):

1 QB Jacob Eason
1 QB James Morgan
1 WR Denzel Mims

Round 5 Pick 149 (1 DE,  1 CB):

1 DE Delontae Scott
1 CB Samuel Stanford

Round 5 Pick 172 (1 WR, 1 RB)

1 WR James Proche
1 RB Ke'Shawn Vaughn

Round 6 (1 LB):

1 LB Keandre Jones