Afternoon Lions Links for Tuesday 3-31-20

Articles:

How backup Chase Daniel plans to help Lions star QB Matthew Stafford:  https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2020/03/31/detroit-lions-chase-daniel-help-matthew-stafford/5088784002/

What to expect from Lions with their second-round NFL draft pick:  https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2020/03/31/detroit-lions-nfl-draft-second-round-pick-35-historical/5086610002/

7 remaining free agents who can still help the Lions before the draft:  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2020/03/31/7-remaining-free-agents-who-can-still-help-the-lions-before-the-draft/

Duron Harmon: "I'm a Big Golladay Fan":  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/duron-harmon-says-he-is-a-big-fan-of-wide-receiver-kenny-golladay

2020 NFL Draft:

If Lions go for Jeff Okudah, here are 10 second-round options that make sense:  https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2020/03/31/if-detroit-lions-go-jeff-okudah-here-10-second-round-options-make-sense/5087218002/

Could DL Neville Gallimore Be a Fit in Detroit?:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/could-dl-neville-gallimore-be-a-fit-in-detroit

Yahoo Sports' top 2020 NFL draft prospects, No. 35: Arizona State WR Brandon Aiyuk:  https://sports.yahoo.com/yahoo-sports-top-2020-nfl-draft-prospects-no-35-arizona-state-wr-brandon-aiyuk-234936080.html

NFL Hot Press: Team Sources Say C.J. Henderson Could Be Top-10 Pick:  https://walterfootball.com/nflhotpress/article/Henderson-Could-go-Top-10

2020 NFL draft: Brandon Jones scouting report:  https://draftwire.usatoday.com/2020/03/30/2020-nfl-draft-brandon-jones-scouting-report/

Draft: Defensive line prospects by type:  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/nfl-draft-2020-examining-javon-kinlaw-derrick-brown-and-the-rest-of-the-defensive-line-class-by-type/

AJ Schulte’s Top-20 RBs in the 2020 NFL Draft:  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/top-20-rbs-2020-nfl-draft/

2020 NFL Draft: Big 12 Scouting Reports:  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/big-12-scouting-reports-2020-nfl-draft/

Morning Lions Links for Tuesday 3-31-20

Articles:

How Lions' special teams could look different in 2020:  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/how-lions-special-teams-could-look-different-in-2020

The Detroit Lions’ 5 biggest remaining needs:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2020/03/the-detroit-lions-5-biggest-remaining-needs.html

What Bill Belichick said to Duron Harmon about trade to Lions:  https://patriotswire.usatoday.com/2020/03/30/what-bill-belichick-said-to-duron-harmon-about-trade-to-lions/

Ranking Detroit Lions Offseason Acquisitions: https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/ranking-detroit-lions-offseason-acquisitions

Lions' Offensive Line Still Has Significant Question Mark Ahead of NFL Draft:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/detroit-lions-offensive-line-still-has-significant-question-mark-ahead-of-nfl-draft

2020 NFL Draft:

Tua Tagovailoa’s doctor ‘extremely pleased’ with hip injury. Could it still affect his NFL draft fate?:  https://sports.yahoo.com/tua-tagovailoas-doctor-extremely-pleased-with-hip-injury-but-could-it-still-affect-his-nfl-draft-fate-203909843.html

Meet Josh Uche, Michigan's do-it-all EDGE prospect:  https://draftwire.usatoday.com/2020/03/30/nfl-draft-prospects-2020-josh-uche-michigan-interview/

2020 Draft: 5 groups of edge rushers:  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2020-nfl-draft-examining-chase-young-klavon-chaisson-and-rest-of-the-edge-rusher-class-by-type/

2020 NFL Draft: Big Ten Scouting Reports:  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/big-ten-scouting-reports-2020-nfl-draft/

NFL Draft big board: Top 100 prospects in the 2020 class:  https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/list/nfl-draft-big-board-top-100-prospects-2020/oe7fc0v0k82m1cb6p2fk041qk

Afternoon Lions Links for Monday 3-30-20

Articles:

Lions don't shy away from small-school prospects, but lack of pro days will hurt players in 2020:  https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2020/03/30/lions-dont-shy-away-small-school-prospects-but-lack-pro-days-hurt-players-2020/2918189001/

How adding Tony McRae impacts the Lions special teams roster:  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2020/03/30/how-adding-tony-mcrae-impacts-the-lions-special-teams-roster/

SI Lions Roundtable: Best and Worst Free Agent Acquisitions:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/si-detroit-lions-roundtable-best-and-worst-free-agent-acquisitions

Has WR Marvin Jones Jr. Been Underutilized in Lions Offense?:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/has-wide-receiver-marvin-jones-been-underutilized-in-detroit-lions-offense

Marvin Jones aiming for more than 15 touchdowns next season:  https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2020/03/30/marvin-jones-aiming-for-over-15-touchdowns-next-season/

2020 NFL Draft:

Meet the Prospect: Isaiah Simmons:  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/meet-the-prospect-isaiah-simmons

Yahoo Sports' top 2020 NFL draft prospects, No. 36: Wisconsin RB Jonathan Taylor:  https://sports.yahoo.com/yahoo-sports-top-2020-nfl-draft-prospects-no-36-wisconsin-rb-jonathan-taylor-013614380.html

2020 NFL draft: Troy Pride, Jr. scouting report:  https://draftwire.usatoday.com/2020/03/29/2020-nfl-draft-troy-pride-jr-scouting-report/

2020 NFL draft: K'Von Wallace scouting report:  https://draftwire.usatoday.com/2020/03/29/2020-nfl-draft-kvon-wallace-scouting-report/

2020 NFL draft: Quintez Cephus scouting report:  https://draftwire.usatoday.com/2020/03/29/2020-nfl-draft-quintez-cephus-scouting-report/

2020 NFL draft: Quartney Davis scouting report:  https://draftwire.usatoday.com/2020/03/29/2020-nfl-draft-quartney-davis-scouting-report/

Meet Nick Coe, Auburn's versatile DL prospect:  https://draftwire.usatoday.com/2020/03/29/nfl-draft-prospects-2020-nick-coe-auburn/

2020 NFL Draft: Southeastern Conference (SEC) Scouting Reports:  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/sec-scouting-reports-2020-nfl-draft/

2020 NFL Draft RB Rankings:  https://www.rotoworld.com/article/rankings/2020-nfl-draft-rb-rankings

Video:

SportsWorks 3-29-20 -- Roundtable talks life without sports & Lions with Jamie and Wojo:  https://www.fox2detroit.com/video/668588

Morning Lions Links for Monday 3-30-20

Articles:

Harmon looking forward to reuniting with Steve Gregory in Detroit:  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/harmon-looking-forward-to-reuniting-with-steve-gregory-in-detroit

Detroit Lions plan to sign ex-Packers WR Geronimo Allison to 1-year contract:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2020/03/detroit-lions-plan-to-sign-ex-packers-wr-geronimo-allison-to-1-year-contract.html

Assessing Lions WR corps after addition of Geronimo Allison:  https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2020/03/29/detroit-lions-news-geronimo-allison/2935848001/

Geronimo Allison: What the Lions are getting in their new WR:  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2020/03/29/geronimo-allison-detroit-lions-scouting-report-packers/

Making sense of the Lions roster overload at linebacker:  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2020/03/29/making-sense-of-the-lions-overload-at-linebacker/

Lions Must Still Upgrade Pass Rush:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/lions-must-still-upgrade-pass-rush

2020 NFL Draft:

Norris: NFL Draft Rankings - Top 50:  https://www.rotoworld.com/article/nfl-draft-preview/norris-nfl-draft-rankings-top-50-0

2020 NFL Draft Prospects Average Ranking Board 6

Top 238:

			Total	No. Boards	Average Ranking
1	Chase Young	DE	20	15	1.33
2	Joe Burrow	QB	46	15	3.07
3	Jeff Okudah	CB	65	15	4.33
4	Isaiah Simmons	LB	75	15	5.00
5	Tua Tagovailoa	QB	79	15	5.27
6	Derrick Brown	DL	117	15	7.80
7	Jerry Jeudy	WR	137	15	9.13
8	Tristan Wirfs	OT	142	15	9.47
9	CeeDee Lamb	WR	158	15	10.53
10	Jedrick Wills	OL	162	15	10.80
11	Andrew Thomas	OL	174	15	11.60
12	Javon Kinlaw	DL	196	15	13.07
13	Mekhi Becton	OT	198	15	13.20
14	Henry Ruggs	WR	215	15	14.33
15	Justin Herbert	QB	280	15	18.67
16	Xavier McKinney	S	312	15	20.80
17	CJ Henderson	CB	317	15	21.13
18	K'Lavon Chaisson	DE	332	15	22.13
19	Kenneth Murray	LB	388	15	25.87
20	Patrick Queen	LB	425	15	28.33
21	Yetur Gross-Matos	DE	426	15	28.40
22	Trevon Diggs	CB	437	15	29.13
23	Kristian Fulton	CB	439	15	29.27
24	Grant Delpit	S	465	15	31.00
25	Jonathan Taylor	RB	482	15	32.13
26	D'Andre Swift	RB	516	15	34.40
27	Ross Blacklock	DL	581	15	38.73
28	Jaylon Johnson	CB	733	15	48.87
29	A.J. Epenesa	DE	331	14	23.64
30	Justin Jefferson	WR	375	14	26.79
31	Jordan Love	QB	448	14	32.00
32	Josh Jones	OT	464	14	33.14
33	Tee Higgins	WR	472	14	33.71
34	Laviska Shenault Jr.	WR	503	14	35.93
35	Austin Jackson	OL	513	14	36.64
36	Denzel Mims	WR	548	14	39.14
37	Zack Baun	LB	564	14	40.29
38	JK Dobbins	RB	583	14	41.64
39	AJ Terrell	CB	590	14	42.14
40	Antoine Winfield	S	592	14	42.29
41	Brandon Aiyuk	WR	683	14	48.79
42	Justin Madubuike	DT	719	14	51.36
43	Clyde Edwards-Helaire	RB	736	14	52.57
44	Marlon Davidson	DL	747	14	53.36
45	Cole Kmet	TE	749	14	53.50
46	Damon Arnette	CB	824	14	58.86
47	Cesar Ruiz	OL	498	13	38.31
48	Jalen Reagor	WR	558	13	42.92
49	Terrell Lewis	LB	625	13	48.08
50	Neville Gallimore	DL	670	13	51.54
51	Jeff Gladney	CB	678	13	52.15
52	Julian Okwara	OLB	789	13	60.69
53	Noah Igbinoghene	CB	928	13	71.38
54	Michael Pittman	WR	712	12	59.33
55	Erza Cleveland	OL	747	12	62.25
56	Chase Claypool	WR	899	12	74.92
57	KJ Hamler	WR	576	11	52.36
58	Jacob Eason	QB	614	11	55.82
59	Curtis Weaver	DE	633	11	57.55
60	Isaiah Wilson	OL	636	11	57.82
61	Jordan Elliott	DT	673	11	61.18
62	Kyle Dugger	S	683	11	62.09
63	Jeremy Chinn	S	717	11	65.18
64	Prince Tega Wanogho	OT	724	11	65.82
65	Tyler Biadasz	OL	748	11	68.00
66	Josh Uche	OLB	762	11	69.27
67	Cameron Dantzler	CB	771	11	70.09
68	Ashtyn Davis	S	812	11	73.82
69	Raekwon Davis	DL	823	11	74.82
70	Jake Fromm	QB	838	11	76.18
71	Adam Trautman	TE	846	11	76.91
72	Bryce Hall	CB	848	11	77.09
73	Zack Moss	RB	849	11	77.18
74	Hunter Bryant	TE	861	11	78.27
75	Bradlee Anae	DE	888	11	80.73
76	Jalen Hurts	QB	893	11	81.18
77	Lucas Niang	OL	919	11	83.55
78	Jonathan Greenard	DE	943	11	85.73
79	Darrell Taylor	DE	1078	11	98.00
80	Bryan Edwards	WR	1100	11	100.00
81	Troy Pride	CB	1100	11	100.00
82	Jordyn Brooks	ILB	1122	11	102.00
83	KJ Hill	WR	1141	11	103.73
84	Lloyd Cushenberry	OC	642	10	64.20
85	Malik Harrison	ILB	763	10	76.30
86	Akeem Davis-Gaither	OLB	863	10	86.30
87	Matt Hennessy	OL	913	10	91.30
88	Donovan Peoples-Jones	WR	953	10	95.30
89	Matt Peart	OT	961	10	96.10
90	Devin Duvernay	WR	975	10	97.50
91	Brycen Hopkins	TE	986	10	98.60
92	Tyler Johnson	WR	1010	10	101.00
93	Robert Hunt	OL	1013	10	101.30
94	Antonio Gandy-Golden	WR	1028	10	102.80
95	Jonah Jackson	G	1029	10	102.90
96	Shane Lemieux	G	1107	10	110.70
97	Troy Dye	LB	1107	10	110.70
98	Leki Fotu	DT	1109	10	110.90
99	Van Jefferson	WR	1113	10	111.30
100	Cam Akers	RB	615	9	68.33
101	Netane Muti	OL	704	9	78.22
102	Albert Okwuegbunam	TE	724	9	80.44
103	Solomon Kindley	G	813	9	90.33
104	Nick Harris	OL	870	9	96.67
105	Terrell Burgess	S	914	9	101.56
106	Anfernee Jennings	LB	938	9	104.22
107	Gabriel Davis	WR	950	9	105.56
108	Harrison Bryant	TE	981	9	109.00
109	Ben Bredeson	OG	1009	9	112.11
110	Khalid Kareem	DE	1014	9	112.67
111	Amik Robertson	CB	1015	9	112.78
112	Willie Gay	LB	1117	9	124.11
113	Kenny Willekes	DE	1164	9	129.33
114	Logan Wilson	LB	1171	9	130.11
115	Antonio Gibson	RB	1253	9	139.22
116	James Lynch	DT	702	8	87.75
117	John Simpson	OG	792	8	99.00
118	Logan Stenberg	OG	801	8	100.13
119	Trey Adams	OL	821	8	102.63
120	Damien Lewis	G	839	8	104.88
121	Ben Bartch	G	854	8	106.75
122	Lynn Bowden	WR	932	8	116.50
123	Darnay Holmes	CB	941	8	117.63
124	Brandon Jones	S	990	8	123.75
125	Jack Driscoll	OT	991	8	123.88
126	Alex Highsmith	DE	999	8	124.88
127	Thaddeus Moss	TE	1006	8	125.75
128	Collin Johnson	WR	1047	8	130.88
129	Larrell Murchinson	DT	1161	8	145.13
130	Quartney Davis	WR	1297	8	162.13
131	Alohi Gilman	S	1424	8	178.00
132	Raequan Williams	DT	1446	8	180.75
133	Jabari Zuniga	DE	660	7	94.29
134	Rashard Lawrence	DT	689	7	98.43
135	Alton Robinson	DE	778	7	111.14
136	DaVon Hamilton	DL	839	7	119.86
137	AJ Dillon	RB	852	7	121.71
138	Anthony Gordon	QB	890	7	127.14
139	AJ Green	CB	908	7	129.71
140	K'Von Wallace	S	927	7	132.43
141	Hakeem Adeniji	OG	930	7	132.86
142	Jacob Phillips	ILB	970	7	138.57
143	Calvin Throckmorton	OL	1004	7	143.43
144	Ke'Shawn Vaughn	RB	1016	7	145.14
145	Eno Benjamin	RB	1022	7	146.00
146	Anthony McFarland	RB	1036	7	148.00
147	Darrynton Evans	RB	1069	7	152.71
148	James Proche	WR	1071	7	153.00
149	Lamical Perine	RB	1094	7	156.29
150	Devin Asiasi	TE	1115	7	159.29
151	Lavert Hill	CB	1117	7	159.57
152	Khaleke Hudson	S	1134	7	162.00
153	DJ Wonnum	DE	1145	7	163.57
154	Michael Ojemudia	CB	1165	7	166.43
155	Cam Brown	ILB	1195	7	170.71
156	Quintez Cephus	WR	1228	7	175.43
157	Joe Bachie	ILB	1269	7	181.29
158	Dane Jackson	CB	1280	7	182.86
159	Jason Strowbridge	DT	600	6	100.00
160	Colby Parkinson	TE	774	6	129.00
161	John Hightower	WR	795	6	132.50
162	Saahdiq Charles	OT	809	6	134.83
163	Isaiah Hodgins	WR	814	6	135.67
164	Davion Taylor	OLB	836	6	139.33
165	Geno Stone	S	867	6	144.50
166	Terence Steele	OT	868	6	144.67
167	Jonathan Garvin	DE	871	6	145.17
168	Julian Blackmon	S	872	6	145.33
169	JR Reed	S	891	6	148.50
170	Joshua Kelley	RB	914	6	152.33
171	David Woodward	LB	926	6	154.33
172	McTelvin Agim	DT	931	6	155.17
173	Markus Bailey	ILB	942	6	157.00
174	Jauan Jennings	WR	1007	6	167.83
175	James Robinson	RB	1022	6	170.33
176	Antoine Brooks	S	1027	6	171.17
177	Evan Weaver	LB	1029	6	171.50
178	Charlie Heck	OL	1034	6	172.33
179	Quez Watkins	WR	1057	6	176.17
180	Jacob Breeland	TE	1069	6	178.17
181	James Morgan	QB	1077	6	179.50
182	Robert  Windsor	DT	1093	6	182.17
183	Kamal Martin	OLB	1120	6	186.67
184	Stephen Sullivan	TE	1139	6	189.83
185	Benito Jones	DT	1153	6	192.17
186	Malcom Roach	DT	1191	6	198.50
187	Jared Pinkney	TE	653	5	130.60
188	Darryl Williams	OC	681	5	136.20
189	Keith Ismael	C	692	5	138.40
190	Yasir Durant	OT	696	5	139.20
191	Khalil Davis	DT	707	5	141.40
192	Lamar Jackson	CB	766	5	153.20
193	Shyheim Carter	DB	822	5	164.40
194	Kalija Lipscomb	WR	826	5	165.20
195	Trevis Gipson	DT	832	5	166.40
196	Francis Bernard	LB	842	5	168.40
197	Joe Reed	WR	849	5	169.80
198	Jake Hanson	OC	852	5	170.40
199	Essang Bassey	CB	860	5	172.00
200	Michael Onwenu	G	867	5	173.40
201	Josiah Scott	CB	883	5	176.60
202	Colton McKivitz	OT	888	5	177.60
203	Harrison Hand	CB	893	5	178.60
204	Josiah Deguara	TE	899	5	179.80
205	Alex Taylor	OL	904	5	180.80
206	Jordan Fuller	S	913	5	182.60
207	Jalen Elliott	S	916	5	183.20
208	Nate Stanley	QB	927	5	185.40
209	Josh Metellus	S	938	5	187.60
210	Reggie Robertson	CB	946	5	189.20
211	Coughlin Carter	QB	948	5	189.60
212	Mykal Walker	LB	948	5	189.60
213	Tanner Muse	S	950	5	190.00
214	Cole McDonald	QB	965	5	193.00
215	Shaquille Quarterman	ILB	973	5	194.60
216	Dalton Keene	TE	1017	5	203.40
217	Raymond Calais	RB	1132	5	226.40
218	Nick Coe	DE	586	4	146.50
219	Carlos Davis	DT	602	4	150.50
220	Brian Cole	S	617	4	154.25
221	Kindle Vildor	CB	623	4	155.75
222	Javaris Davis	CB	624	4	156.00
223	Myles Bryant	CB	664	4	166.00
224	Cheyenne O'Grady	TE	674	4	168.50
225	Danny Pinter	OG	679	4	169.75
226	Trystan Colon-Castillo	OL	737	4	184.25
227	Trevon Hill	DE	746	4	186.50
228	Deejay Dallas	RB	757	4	189.25
229	Jon Runyan	OG	770	4	192.50
230	Stanford Samuels	CB	778	4	194.50
231	Cordel Iwuagwu	G	791	4	197.75
232	Casey Toohill	LB	792	4	198.00
233	Michael Divinity	LB	795	4	198.75
234	Javon Leake	RB	800	4	200.00
235	Justin Herron	OL	803	4	200.75
236	Broderick Washington	DT	862	4	215.50
237	Steven Montez	QB	894	4	223.50
238	Michael Warren	RB	966	4	241.50

I used the boards below to get the average ranking.  All 237 prospects are in at least 4 boards.  I first rank by number of boards they are in, then by the average.

CBS:  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/prospect-rankings/

ESPN:  https://www.espn.com/nfl/draft/bestavailable

Draft Tek:  https://www.drafttek.com/2020-NFL-Draft-Big-Board/Top-NFL-Draft-Prospects-2020-Page-1.asp

Draft Countdown:  http://draftcountdown.com/2020-nfl-draft-rankings/2020-top-overall-rankings/

Top 103 Prospects For The 2020 NFL Draft (3-27-20):  https://football.realgm.com/analysis/3254/Top-103-Prospects-For-The-2020-NFL-Draft

Norris: NFL Draft Rankings - Top 50 (3-26-20):  https://www.rotoworld.com/article/nfl-draft-preview/norris-nfl-draft-rankings-top-50-0

Joel Klatt’s Top 50 players in the 2020 NFL Draft (3-24-20):  https://www.foxsports.com/nfl/story/nfl-draft-top-50-players-joe-burrow-chase-young-mock-tua-tagovailoa-032420

2020 NFL draft: Draftwire updated prospect rankings (3-19-20):  https://draftwire.usatoday.com/gallery/nfl-draft-rankings-2020-big-board-updated-top-200/

NFL Draft Big Board: Ranking the Top 50 Prospects (3-19-20):  https://www.si.com/nfl/2020/03/19/draft-big-board-top-100-prospects

Walter football (3-18-20):  https://walterfootball.com/nfldraftbigboard

Jeremiah's top 50 rankings 3.0 (3-9-20):  http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001105591/article/daniel-jeremiahs-top-50-2020-nfl-draft-prospect-rankings-30

Rotoworld Analytics Rankings (2020 NFL Draft):  https://www.rotoworld.com/article/nfl-draft-preview/analytics-top-300-rankings-2020-nfl-draft?page=3

2020 NFL Draft position rankings (3-4-20):  https://www.pff.com/draft/big-board

SN Top 100 (2-27-20):  https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/news/nfl-draft-prospects-2020-big-board-top-100-players/4g8v0bsp4p2n1o952wtueecs5

Morning Lions Links for Sunday 3-29-20

Articles:

Chase Daniel will make Lions' locker room 'better.' Just ask his college coach:  https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2020/03/28/chase-daniel-detroit-lions-gary-pinkel-missouri/2931851001/

Breaking down new Lions LB Reggie Ragland with Chiefs Wire:  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2020/03/28/breaking-down-new-lions-lb-reggie-ragland-with-chiefs-wire/

Is LB Jarrad Davis the Odd Man Out?:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/is-linebacker-jarrad-davis-the-odd-man-out-of-detroit-lions-defense

Lions Did Not Do Enough to Improve Defense in Free Agency:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/detroit-lions-did-not-do-enough-to-improve-defense-in-free-agency

2020 NFL Draft: Team Needs for All 32 Teams (Detroit Lions - When Darius Slay was shipped to Philadelphia, many penciled in Ohio State’s Jeff Okudah to the Lions at pick No. 3. And that’s probably valid. No defense plays more man coverage than Detroit and for that to work, you must have three quality corners. The Lions, right now, have two: Justin Coleman (who plays the slot in nickel) and Desmond Trufant (who is a downgrade from Slay).  Up front the Lions also lost NT Damon Harrison, DT A’Shawn Robinson and EDGE Devon Kennard. However, replacements for all three exist already, with ex-Patriot Danny Shelton now at nose tackle; deceptively deft-moving 320-pounder John Atkins ready to break out; and either recently acquired ex-Patriot Jamie Collins or last year’s second-round pick, Jahlani Tavai, primed to assume the EDGE duties, which, in this system, demands that the defender take on blockers and anchor in the outer lane. And so besides maybe additional depth at corner, the Lions don’t have as many pressing defensive needs as you’d guess for a team that just went 3-12-1. Some might argue they need a pass rusher—and indeed, a lethargic pass rush was often to blame for the big plays that Detroit’s 32nd-ranked pass defense surrendered in 2019. But Patricia, like his longtime boss Bill Belichick, seems to believe that a pass rush can be manufactured as long as you have fundamentally sound players to fill a five-man rush, and corners who can hold up in man-to-man behind them. Jamie Collins and Jarrad Davis can both prosper in a highly schemed rush, as can Trey Flowers and (granted, to a lesser degree) Romeo Okwara. That’s only four pass rushers—so yes, maybe the Lions could use one more (though Patricia, much more than Belichick, is often willing to rush only three). But most likely Patricia and GM Bob Quinn will find it more pertinent to use their early-to-mid-round picks on offense.  Departed right guard Graham Glasgow needs to be replaced. At wide receiver, vertical threats Kenny Golladay and Marvin Jones are both in the final year of their contracts. Assuming Golladay is the priority, it could be difficult to re-sign Jones. Slot man Danny Amendola is also playing on a one-year deal. Last season Matthew Stafford threw deep on a greater percentage of his passes than any other QB. If the Lions want to continue this approach, they’ll need a wideout with the size and speed or stride length to consistently win downfield.  Top-100 Targets (Detroit owns picks 3, 35 and 67): Ohio State CB Jeff Okudah seems like a highly logical fit with the third pick. The 35th should present a number of solid options on the interior. Michigan’s Cesar Ruiz can play any of the interior spots, as can LSU’s Lloyd Cushenberry; Ruiz is the higher-ceiling option while Cushenberry brings the kind of football character this front office seems to prioritize. Clemson’s John Simpson has a chance to be plug-ang-play. Louisiana’s Robert Hunt, who some teams see as a tackle prospect, could be a fit as well. If they’re looking for a mid-Day 3 deep threat for the receiving corps, South Carolina’s Bryan Edwards and UCF’s Gabriel Davis would fit the bill.):  https://www.si.com/nfl/2020/03/28/nfl-draft-team-needs-all-32-teams

Analyzing the three biggest myths surrounding the 2020 NFL Draft (Myth #3 – The Washington Redskins and Detroit Lions are in the market for a quarterback - There is a lot of smoke surrounding teams such as the Washington Redskins and Detroit Lions being potential landing spots for the top quarterback prospects in the 2020 NFL Draft. Logically, it makes sense. Dwayne Haskins improved as the season went on, but there are a lot of questions as to whether he is a big-time quarterback or not. Also, Matthew Stafford is coming off of a major injury and carries an absorbent cap number. The reality is that neither of these teams will select a quarterback in the early parts of round one in the 2020 NFL Draft.  While we saw the Arizona Cardinals give up on Josh Rosen after one season, it is not commonplace to do so. Redskins’ owner Daniel Snyder really wanted the Redskins to select Haskins in the 2019 NFL Draft, and to some accounts, even forced the front office into making the pick.  Spoiler alert: the Washington Redskins will be selecting Ohio State pass-rusher Chase Young with the second overall pick.  Stafford is far from the problem in Detroit. In fact, prior to a season-ending injury in 2019, he was playing some of the best football of his career. Matt Patricia’s coaching tenure in Detroit is on life support, and he needs to draft a player that makes an instant impact. After trading cornerback Darius Slay to the Philadelphia Eagles, Ohio State cornerback Jeff Okudah makes a lot of sense for them.  Sure, both the Redskins and Lions want teams such as the Dolphins and Chargers to believe they are in the market for a quarterback. Why? NFL teams are willing to pay a steep price in terms of draft picks to secure their franchise quarterback, so if the Redskins and Lions play their cards right, they might be able to move down, acquire additional high draft picks, and still land the prospect they covet. This is just a classic case of supply and demand.):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/three-myths-surrounding-2020-nfl-draft/

2020 NFL Draft:

Better Fit: Chase Young or Derrick Brown?: https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/who-is-better-fit-for-detroit-lions-chase-young-or-derrick-brown

Yahoo Sports' top 2020 NFL draft prospects, No. 37: LSU S Grant Delpit:  https://sports.yahoo.com/yahoo-sports-top-2020-nfl-draft-prospects-no-37-lsu-s-grant-delpit-164920204.html

Watch: Top NFL Draft prospect Becton shows off strength by pushing a Ford truck like a blocking sled:  https://touchdownwire.usatoday.com/2020/03/28/watch-nfl-draft-prospect-shows-off-strength-by-pushing-truck-like-a-blocking-sled/

Meet Arlington Hambright, Colorado's well-traveled OL prospect:  https://draftwire.usatoday.com/2020/03/28/nfl-draft-prospects-2020-arlington-hambright-colorado-interview/

Meet Robert Hunt, Louisiana's do-it-all offensive line prospect:  https://draftwire.usatoday.com/2020/03/27/nfl-draft-prospects-2020-robert-hunt-louisiana-interview/

2020 NFL draft: Jordan Mack scouting report:  https://draftwire.usatoday.com/2020/03/28/2020-nfl-draft-jordan-mack-scouting-report/

2020 NFL draft: Akeem Davis-Gaither scouting report:  https://draftwire.usatoday.com/2020/03/28/2020-nfl-draft-akeem-davis-gaither-scouting-report/

2020 NFL draft: Malik Harrison scouting report:  https://draftwire.usatoday.com/2020/03/27/2020-nfl-draft-malik-harrison-scouting-report/

2020 NFL draft: Bryce Hall scouting report:  https://draftwire.usatoday.com/2020/03/28/2020-nfl-draft-bryce-hall-scouting-report/

2020 NFL Draft: Four overrated and underrated draft prospects:  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/overrated-underrated-2020-nfl-draft-prospects/

Mock Draft Round Up 22

CBS Josh Edwards (3.  CB Jeff Okudah:  After trading away Darius Slay, cornerback is a need for Detroit despite adding Desmond Trufant. Isaiah Simmons and Derrick Brown could be in play here as well, but Okudah seems like the safest bet.  35. DT Neville Gallimore:   Detroit has not done much right over the past few years, but landing Okudah and Gallimore to start the draft is a home run.  67. RB Jonathan Taylor:  Taylor is a fantastic player but his carry share and fumbling tendencies are a bit of a concern. If those are removed, he is a first round pick.  85. S Terrell Burgess:  Burgess is a physical, rangy safety. He spent a lot of time in the box and made his presence felt.  109. G John Simpson:  Burgess is a physical, rangy safety. He spent a lot of time in the box and made his presence felt.  149. DE Kenny Willekes:  Willekes does not have to go far to join his new franchise. Detroit adds a hard working pass rusher.  172. LB Anfernee Jennings:  Jennings has limited burst but he offers some upside for Detroit.  182. P Braden Mann:  Detroit lost their punter in free agency so the Lions fill the need through the draft.) (3-27-20):   https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/seven-round-2020-nfl-mock-draft-buccaneers-help-tom-brady-with-o-linemen-and-rb-patriots-take-round-3-qb/

Detroit News Justin Rogers (3. CB Jeff Okudah:  Whether it’s at this spot or a few down the board after a trade, Okudah has come into focus as Detroit’s best bet. The film, production and testing metrics are similar to what we saw when Jalen Ramsey was entering the league, and top Ohio State corners Denzel Ward and Marshon Lattimore have adjusted quickly to the next level in recent years. Previous pick: Derrick Brown, DT, Auburn) (3-27-20):   https://www.detroitnews.com/picture-gallery/sports/nfl/lions/2020/03/27/justin-rogers-2020-nfl-mock-draft-2-0/2899710001/

Draft Tek (5. LB Isaiah Simmons:  The free agent period isn't over yet, and teams are still making their respecitve additions and subtractions, but with the Lions uninspiring moves so far this offseason, we're left to wonder how serious the Fords were when laying down the "win-now" mandate. How can Quinntricia say they're making moves to drastically improve a team that finished 3-12-1? Let's be real here; Detroit could have, if they really wanted to, given Darius Slay the contract he desired in order to "get after it".  After the trade with Philadelphia, Slay's contract was extended to 3 years at $50M (on average $16.6M per year), but prior to the trade they went out and signed ex-Falcon Desmond Trufant on a 2-year deal worth $20M (on average $10M per year). In other words, they had both Trufant and Slay in the same defensive backfield with money to spare. Obviously, we don't truly know how badly Slay wanted out of Detroit, but with the rumors and testimonials from ex-Lions including Slay, it sounded like he wanted out no matter if Detroit was willing to meet his monetary demands.  Whether this signals Jeff Okudah here, given the defensive backfield situation, or if it's Simmons to be a jack-of-all-trades player, Detroit needs to fill holes and quickly, given their lackluster offseason. What better player to do that than by taking a player that can provide a multitude of abilities, services, and roles to a defense that needs help in many, many areas? That player is, and should be, Isaiah Simmons.  In this mock, the Lions are still able to land Simmons despite trading down with Miami, AND picking up the 'Fins' #39 to help plug those holes!  - Doug Hyde, Lions Analyst  35. OG Shane Lemieux  39. DE Terrell Lewis 67. CB Cameron Dantzler.  85.  DT James Lynch.  109. WR KJ Hill. 149. LB Shaquille Quarterman. 166.  RB Lamical Perine. 182. DT Raequan Williams) (3-27-20):   https://www.drafttek.com/2020-NFL-Mock-Draft/2020-NFL-Mock-Draft-Round-1.asp

NFL.com Chad Reuter (3.  DE Chase Young:  TheI wonder how many trade calls the Lions have already taken for this pick? Young's talent is just too much to pass by unless there's a trade offer that Detroit absolutely cannot ignore.  35. DT Neville Gallimore.  67. CB Jeff Gladney.  85. RB Zach Moss.  109. G Netane Muti) (3-26-20):  http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001107680/article/fourround-2020-nfl-mock-draft-six-trades-shake-up-round-1

CBS Pete Prisco (3. DT Derrick Brown:  They could go for corner Jeff Okudah here in this spot, but I think they need a power player up front to go with Danny Shelton. Brown will be a star.) (3-26-19):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/nfl-mock-draft-2020-jaguars-select-jordan-love-cowboys-take-replacement-for-travis-frederick/

CBS Chris Trapasso (3. DE Chase Young:  Matt Patricia considers Jeff Okudah here, but decides on Young to pair with Trey Flowers up front.) (3-25-20):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2020-nfl-mock-draft-dolphins-get-aggressive-to-land-tua-tagovailoa-five-offensive-tackles-in-top-15/

PFF "What they think will happen" Mock Draft (5. DETROIT LIONS (VIA MIAMI DOLPHINS) — CB JEFFREY OKUDAH, OHIO STATE:  Detroit still gets its guy after trading down. The Lions still have a massive hole opposite newly acquired Desmond Trufant left by Darius Slay that Okudah can fill. On 31 targets in man coverage last year, Okudah allowed only 15 catches for 178 yards and one score.  26.  OT AUSTIN JACKSON, USC:  The Lions gain this pick in the trade for No. 3 overall and add to an offensive line that saw a couple of key departures this offseason. They gave Halapoulivaati Vaitai a big contract, but it’s really a short-term commitment and he can kick inside to guard. Jackson isn’t even 21 years old yet and earned pass-blocking grades of 78.4 and 78.8 the past two seasons.) (3-25-20):  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2020-post-free-agency-mock-draft-chargers-justin-herbert

Yahoo Eric Edholm (3. DE Chase Young:  This would be a windfall for the Lions, who still lack a true difference-maker on the front four other than Trey Flowers. Young could come in and be a pro-ready pass rusher the way Nick Bosa was last year for the 49ers.  If the first two picks go Burrow and Young, then Young’s teammate, CB Jeffrey Okudah, would be a fine choice. He’d fill a huge need, too.  35. CB AJ Terrell:  If they don’t take Jeff Okudah in Round 1, this would be a quality Plan B at a huge need position.) (3-25-20):  https://sports.yahoo.com/postfree-agency-nfl-mock-draft-what-happens-if-tua-tagovailoa-goes-no-2-184322901.html

CBS RJ White (9. DT Derrick Brown:  The Lions trade back with the Jaguars, pick up No. 20 and a mid-round pick plus this one, and get the top defensive tackle in this class, a player who could be a fit for them at No. 3 anyway. That's a big win for the Detroit front office.  20.  CB Kristian Fulton:  The Lions use the second first-rounder they acquired from the Jaguars in their trade down to bolster their talent at corner after dealing Darius Slay.) (3-24-20):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2020-nfl-mock-draft-tua-tagovailoa-lands-with-surprise-team-in-trade-up-ravens-make-big-move-for-receiver/

NFL.com Charlie Casserly (3. CB Jeff Okudah:  In the wake of the Darius Slay trade, the Lions pounce on the best cornerback in this class, slotting him across from free-agent signee Desmond Trufant.) (3-24-20):  http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001107359/article/charley-casserlys-2020-nfl-mock-draft-20-49ers-nab-wr-lamb

ESPN Mel Kiper Mock Draft (3. CB Jeff Okudah) (3-24-20):  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2020/03/mel-kiper-switches-lions-pick-from-tua-tagovailoa-to-jeff-okudah-in-latest-nfl-mock-draft.html

Draftwire (5. Detroit Lions - CB Jeff Okudah.   18.  DT Javon Kinlaw  35. DE Terrell Lewis.  66. S Jeremy Chinn.  85.  WR Donovan Peoples-Jones) (3-24-20):  https://draftwire.usatoday.com/gallery/nfl-mock-draft-trades-free-agency-3-rounds/

Touchdown Wire Doug Farrar (3.  CB Jeff Okudah:  Somebody, please save Matt Patricia from himself. The Lions played more man coverage (54%) than any other team last year, so of course Patricia offloaded Darius Slay, one of the NFL’s better man coverage cornerbacks, in another one of his culture-changing moves. The Lions then signed ex-Falcons cornerback Desmond Trufant, who is not at all a top-tier man-coverage guy. Whatever. At least the Lions can get better in the secondary with the selection of Okudah, who played man and match concepts at a very high level for the Buckeyes over the past three seasons.) (3-24-20):  https://touchdownwire.usatoday.com/2020/03/24/farrar-post-free-agency-nfl-mock-draft/2/

The Big lead Ryan Phillips (3. Detroit Lions: Jeff Okudah, CB, Ohio State:  This is prime position for a trade up to land Tua Tagovailoa. But in a no-trades mock draft, they have to make a pick. With this board and following the Darius Slay trade, I have them taking Jeff Okudah here.  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 guy a defense can build around.) (3-24-20):  https://www.thebiglead.com/posts/2020-nfl-mock-draft-free-agency-leads-to-major-shake-ups-01e2q3rbmc7h

Rotoworld Josh Norris (3. DETROIT LIONS – CB Jeff Okudah, OHIO STATE:  Based on Darius Slay’s comments, Matt Patricia seems to be having a difficult time connecting with his top players. With Slay’s departure, the Lions might prioritize landing Okudah to pair with Desmond Trufant and Justin Coleman. We see Brian Flores, another Belichick disciple, prioritizing secondary talent in Miami. Might Patricia do the same? This is another pick that might heat up with trade interest.) (3-24-20):  https://www.rotoworld.com/article/mock-draft/post-free-agency-mock-draft-0

Walterfootball (6.  Detroit Lions - CB Jeff Okudah:  "As of this very moment, the Lions need a talented cornerback to play across from Darius Slay." I wrote this prior to free agency, and now the Lions need a talented cornerback to play across from Desmond Trufant, as Trufant was signed prior to Slay being traded to the Eagles.  Jeff Okudah is a big, athletic, speedy cornerback with immense upside. He's a bit stiff, but that's commonplace from tall cornerbacks.  35. LB Zach Baun:  The Lions need an edge rusher to go along with Trey Flowers, as they'll need to improve their ability to get to Aaron Rodgers to overtake the Packers.  Zack Baun has size limitations (6-3, 238), but he was very productive at Wisconsin.  37.  RB JK Dobbins:  This is one of the picks the Lions received from the Chargers in my proposed trade in the first round.  Kerryon Johnson hasn't been able to stay healthy, so I expect Detroit to target a running back in the opening half of the 2020 NFL Draft.  J.K. Dobbins entered 2017 as a backup, but overtook Mike Weber and had a terrific freshman campaign, showing off his great, explosive running ability.  67. DT Marlon Davidson: Detroit could easily spend the No. 3 pick on Derrick Brown. If it goes a different route, someone like Marlon Davidson would be a solid defensive line option on Day 2 of the 2020 NFL Draft.  109. 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.  149. CB Shyheim Carter:  The Lions could address their secondary as early as No. 3 overall with Jeff Okudah. If they trade Darius Slay, they'll need two new corners.  172.  WR Kalija Lipscomb:  Marvin Jones may not be around much longer, so the Lions may target a receiver on Day 3.  Kalija Lipscomb has drawn some rave reviews from NFL team sources.  182.  LB Shaquille Quarterman:  The Lions need as much help in the middle of their defense as possible.) (3-24-20):  https://walterfootball.com/draft2020.php

CBS Ryan Wilson (3.  CB Jeff Okudah:  The team traded Darius Slay and signed Desmond Trufant. Trading out of this pick would be ideal, but it'll be hard to pass on Okudah here if they stay put.  35. RB D'Andre Swift:  The Lions add one of the top backs in the draft, lifting some of the load at the running back position off Kerryon Johnson's shoulders. A 1-2 punch of Swift and Johnson should be tough for opposing defenses. 67. S Terrell Burgess:  The Lions picked up Duron Harmon to help their safety depth, and here they find more talent for the position in Burgess, who would likely play early for Detroit.  85.  DT Jordan Elliott:  The Lions keep scooping up talent for the defensive side by getting a good interior player in Elliott.) (3-23-20):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/three-round-2020-nfl-mock-draft-henry-ruggs-second-receiver-off-board-patriots-get-quarterback-in-the-third/

Walterfootball Charlie (3. CB Jeff Okudah:  The Lions have the most interesting pick in the first round because of the variety of directions they could go. If Darius Slay is traded as expected, Ohio State cornerback Jeff Okudah would make sense for Detroit, but he is coming off a rough combine performance. Meanwhile, A'Shawn Robinson and Mike Daniels are entering free agency and Snacks Harrison was cut, so Auburn defensive tackle Derrick Brown also makes a lot of sense. It will be fascinating to see which problem Detroit decides to address.  Okudah has a great skill set with upside to develop. The 6-foot-1, 205-pounder is big, athletic, agile and can run. He is superb at blanketing receivers and preventing separation. Okudah has the entire physical skill set NFL teams hope to find in a No. 1 cornerback, and he put it all together with a dominant 2019 season. The junior totaled 35 tackles with nine passes broken up and three interceptions on the year. Okudah saw some brief action as a freshman, recording 17 tackles and a breakup before playing more as a sophomore. In 2018, he totaled 32 tackles with eight breakups. Okudah's rough combine performance could cause a slight slide, but after his pro day and other workouts, he could rise back up boards. 35. QB Jacob Eason:  The Lions have extra picks on Day 2 to address needs and could use one on an understudy to Mathew Stafford. Here's a big-armed quarterback who would provide continuity for the offense.  In 2019, Eason completed 64 percent of his passes for 3,132 yards with 23 touchdowns and eight interceptions. The 6-foot-6, 231-pounder has a powerful arm that can make all the throws and stretch a defense vertically. He can throw fastballs into tight windows to beat good coverage. Eason has quality field vision to work through his progressions and stands tall in the pocket. He is accurate in the short to intermediate part of the field and can make some beautiful throws downfield.  With his limited experience, Eason is a bit raw and needs to show some growth in instincts. He has some things to work on as a passer, including putting more air under the ball on some passes and throwing a softer, more catchable ball. That is a common issue with big-armed quarterbacks. He needs to work on climbing the pocket and not trailing backward as well. While Eason is not a running threat, he can move around some and his size makes him tough to get down.  Eason sat out the 2018 season after transferring out of Georgia. He was injured in the 2017 season opener for Georgia, and Jake Fromm remained the starter for the rest of the season. The Bulldogs didn't want to change their winning formula once Eason was healthy, keeping Eason as the backup. After the 2017 season, Eason transferred to Washington.  At Georgia, Eason got good experience working in an offense under a respected coordinator with Jim Chaney that correlates more to the NFL than the vast majority of college offenses being used. Kirby Smart said one of the sad parts about Eason leaving Georgia was his growth under Chaney wasn't seen nationally. Eason completed 55 percent of his passes in 2016 for 2,430 yards with 16 touchdowns and eight interceptions in his freshman season.  67.  DE Josh Uche:  The Lions could use more edge-rush talent across from Trey Flowers.  Uche had 35 tackles with 8.5 sacks, two passes batted and two forced fumbles in 2019. The 6-foot-1, 241-pounder was a fast and dangerous edge rusher over the past two seasons, but he is very undersized for the NFL. As a pro, he would fit best as a designated pass-rusher, and playing in a 3-4 scheme would probably be the best spot for him. Uche had only 15 tackles during the 2018 season, but seven of those were sacks as he was a dangerous pass-rusher for the Wolverines.  85. DT Laurell Murchinson:  The Lions need more young talent on the inside of their line.  Murchison totaled 48 tackles with seven sacks and two passes defended in 2019. Team sources say Murchison is spark-plug defensive tackle to rotate into the game for a 4-3 defense. He could be a contributor as a situational pass-rusher and may not have the size to be an every-down smaller defender, but they say he is a solid player who causes disruption. Murchison is said to be a high-character individual as well. Evaluators say that if Murchison tests well, he could rise. In 2018, he had four sacks and 34 tackles.  109. LB  Akeem Davis-Gaither:  The Lions could use more linebacker depth and competition.) (3-23-20):  http://walterfootball.com/draft2020charlie.php

Freep Dave Birkett Mock Draft (3. CB Jeff Okudah – I haven’t moved off Okudah in three mock drafts, either. The Lions still have a gaping need at cornerback after trading Darius Slay and Okudah is on par as a prospect, with more positional value, than Auburn’s Derrick Brown and Clemson’s Isaiah Simmons.) (3-21-20):  https://www.freep.com/picture-gallery/sports/nfl/lions/2020/03/21/dave-birkett-2020-nfl-mock-draft-first-round/2884333001/

SI Mock Draft (3.  CB Jeff Okudah:  We’ve expected for a while now that the Lions would trade Darius Slay, and he finally got his wish with a deal to the Eagles. Okudah would have represented a significant upgrade for the Lions whether they kept Slay or not, but now he fills a more obvious need. A complete corner, Okudah has an ideal blend of size, length, athleticism and competitiveness.  35. S Grant Delpit.  67.  S Kyle Dugger.  85. DE Bradlee Anae) (3-20-20):   https://www.si.com/nfl/2020/03/20/mock-draft-11-three-rounds

NFL.com Lance Zielein Mock Draft (6. CB Jeff Okudah: PROJECTED TRADE WITH CHARGERS. With the trade of Darius Slay to the Eagles, the Lions will be ready to turn in the card for Okudah. He's a talented, twitchy CB1 who has room to get even better.) (3-20-20):   http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001107112/article/lance-zierlein-nfl-mock-draft-20-dolphins-go-get-joe-burrow

Foxsports (3. CB Jeff Okudah ((2019 season stats: 3 interceptions, 9 passes defended, 34 total tackles, 1 forced fumble):  The Lions needed help defensively in the offseason, and Matt Patricia got two plug-and-play guys on the first day of free agency: DT Nick Williams and LB Jamie Collins. As much as I liked the idea of Detroit drafting do-it-all LB Isaiah Simmons, Collins plays a similar position and knows Patricia’s system. Simmons is obviously the better talent with much more upside, but Detroit needs to win now, or the coaches and front office are toast. Okudah will start from Week 1 opposite new addition Desmond Trufant.) (3-19-20):   https://www.foxsports.com/nfl/gallery/nfl-mock-draft-free-agency-tom-brady-joe-burrow-trade-bengals-dolphins-tua-tagovailoa-patriots-031920

USA Today Middlehurst-Schwartz (3. Lions — Jeffrey Okudah, CB, Ohio State:  Three-time Pro Bowl cornerback Darius Slay got his wish to be sent out of Detroit, as the Lions moved him early on Thursday in a trade to the Philadelphia Eagles. With his departure, the Lions' need for a cornerback to join free agent signing Desmond Trufant is more pressing than ever. Good thing Okudah, one of the best players at his position in several years, is waiting in the draft.) (3-19-20):  https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/draft/2020/03/19/nfl-mock-draft-2020-free-agency-tom-brady-patriots-quarterback/2871968001/

Sporting News (3. CB Jeff Okudah:  The Lions moved Darius Slay in a trade with the Eagles and signed Desmond Trufant to replace him, but they need to address the other outside corner spot. Okudah, an elite ball hawk at 6-1, 205 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.) (3-19-20):   https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/news/nfl-mock-draft-2020-49ers-vikings/e3vqvz0e6yjs17j3ab4hynvpt

CBS Tom Fornelli (3. LB Isaiah Simmons:  The Lions are still an absolute wild card at this spot, as anything could happen here. They will receive a lot of phone calls, but in this mock nothing entices them to risk passing up on Simmons.) (3-17-20):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2020-nfl-mock-draft-chargers-trade-up-for-justin-herbert-cardinals-go-o-line-after-adding-deandre-hopkins/

PFF GM Mock Draft (3. DETROIT LIONS — EDGE CHASE YOUNG, OHIO STATE:  Edge may not be as valuable as cornerback, but we feel more confident projecting elite edge talent to the NFL than corners. There’s little doubt in our mind that Young is going to be a dominant pass-rushing force from day 1.) (3-16-20):  https://www.pff.com/news/college-football-pff-gm-mock-draft-patriots-select-potential-replacement-for-tom-brady-at-no-23

NFL.com Charles Davis (3. DE Chase Young:  It's decision time for the Lions, similar to Cleveland's situation two years ago ( Bradley Chubb vs. Denzel Ward) -- pass rusher (Young) or cover guy (Jeff Okudah)? The pass rusher wins this time.) (3-12-20):  http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001105930/article/charles-davis-2020-nfl-mock-draft-10-jeff-okudah-out-of-top-10

MLive Ben Raven (6. Detroit Lions (via trade with Los Angeles Chargers) -- Clemson LB Isaiah Simmons:  While not as sexy as stacking first-round selections, Bob Quinn finds a deal that loads Detroit up with picks over the next two drafts, including the rights to No. 6. Throw the questions about Simmons’ position and size out the window. The do-it-all defender feels and has the looks of a perfect prospect for Matt Patricia’s defense. Not just looking at the scheme, but examining the holes that Simmons could fill on the roster as currently projected.  Jarrad Davis and Christian Jones were bad last year. The pair finished as two of the eight-worst graded linebackers in the league per Pro Football Focus. Davis was better when his role and number of tasks were scaled back. Jones signed an extension during the season while struggling in just about every aspect, though.  Simmons, who measured in at 6-foot-4, 238 pounds while running a 4.39-second 40-yard dash, could help get these two off the field more while adding some much-needed athleticism and versatility to the room. He was excellent in coverage while at Clemson despite lining up all over the field.  While his size doesn’t scream safety, his speed and ability to move while in coverage does. Tavon Wilson remains without a deal, Will Harris struggled as a rookie and Tracy Walker might be better suited to drop back to free safety. Simmons somehow fits the mold of a Derwin James-Tyrann Mathieu type of player, which screams elite defender with that treasure chest full of skills. Having someone with his ceiling on the roster is worth the risk of finding that perfect positional fit.) (3-11-20):  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2020/03/ben-ravens-2020-nfl-mock-draft-20-lions-still-trade-back-but-find-new-dance-partner.html

NFL.com Bucky Brooks Mock Draft (3. LB Isaiah Simmons:  Matt Patricia could opt for the Clemson standout to add a Swiss Army Knife to the defensive lineup.) (3-10-20):  http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001105692/article/bucky-brooks-2020-nfl-mock-draft-30-eagles-land-henry-ruggs

PFF Analytics Mock (3. DETROIT LIONS —CB JEFFREY OKUDAH, OHIO STATE
EE: A lot of Lions fans want to see Chase Young here. However, Matt Patricia (and Bill Belichick) simply don't value edge as much as they do secondary players, and with Darius Slay wanting a trade, Justin Coleman struggling during the second half of 2019 and Quandre Diggs already out the door via trade to Seattle, it's high time for the Lions to rebuild on the back end. Okudah is an excellent prospect as a press-man corner, which should allow the Lions to rush more players than they did in 2019.) (3-9-20):  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-the-pff-analytics-mock-draft-1-0

MLive Kyle Meinke (3. Ohio State DE Chase Young: Todd McShay gives it a 10-15% percent chance of happening. I think that’s ridiculous. Assuming Burrow goes first overall, which everyone assumes, all it takes is for one team to need a quarterback badly enough for it to happen. The Dolphins, Chargers and Panthers are all picking in the top 10 and need a quarterback. Washington could use Tua too. There is nothing more valuable than a good quarterback on a rookie contract, and I think the odds are good someone makes it happen before Detroit is on the clock. In which case, the Lions stumble into the best pass-rushing prospect in years. What a coup that would be for the Lions and their embattled defense, which had maybe the least effective pass rush in the league last year.) (3-9-20):  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2020/03/kyle-meinkes-2020-nfl-mock-draft-20-why-im-sticking-with-ohio-states-chase-young-for-detroit.html

O'hara's Mock Draft 3.0 (5. CB Jeff Okudah, Ohio State:  They've already made one deal with the Dolphins. Is there a chance to work the phones and make another with the Chargers?  The Chargers could trade up one spot from No. 6 to guarantee getting their quarterback of choice – Tagovailoa if he's still on the board, or Justin Herbert of Oregon. In this second trade, the Lions would get the same player with the sixth pick that they'd get with the fifth, and they'd add another draft pick, probably in the third or fourth round, based on the trade compensation charts. Sticking with one trade, and not knowing at this point who the Lions sign and lose in free agency and the trade market, there are three reasonable options on defense with the fifth pick: Okudah, linebacker Isaiah Simmons of Clemson, and defensive tackle Derrick Brown of Auburn.  Brown's Combine performance was somewhat disappointing. He did not show well at what amounted to an important job interview.  Simmons' time of 4.39 In the 40 was spectacular. Okudah was impressive in his Combine drills.) (3-9-20):  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/o-hara-s-mock-3-3-0-what-a-trade-could-look-like-for-lions-okudah-tagovailoa

FTW (3.  DE Chase Young:  If Young lasts to third overall, Matt Patricia will be stoked. Young is arguably the best prospect in the draft class.) (3-8-20):  https://ftw.usatoday.com/2020/03/2020-nfl-mock-draft-3-quarterback-surprises

NFL RealGM (3. Detroit Lions: Chase Young, EDGE, Ohio State. If he’s still on the board, and he is in this scenario, Chase Young will be the pick. If he’s not, I expect Jeff Okudah and that’s independent of what happens with Darius Slay.) (3-7-20):  https://football.realgm.com/analysis/3252/2020-NFL-Mock-Draft-Version-30-Pre-Free-Agency-Projections

Draftcountdown (3. CB Jeff Odukah:  The Lions had the worst pass defense in the league last year, which is why Okudah gets the nod over Auburn DT Derrick Brown.  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).) (3-7-20):   http://draftcountdown.com/mock-draft/2020-mock-draft/round-1-2020-mock-draft-1/

Rotoworld Hayden Winks (6. Lions (moved down to LAC) - Jeffrey Okudah, CB:  The Lions should feel very comfortable trading down with the Dolphins (No. 5) or Chargers (No. 6) as they’d be left with Okudah or Simmons in most scenarios. Okudah’s college tape and athleticism (99th percentile in Adjusted SPARQ) are both really strong. He has immediate shutdown corner upside.) (3-6-20):  https://www.rotoworld.com/article/mock-drafts/2020-nfl-mock-draft-post-combine

CBS Will Brinson (3. LB Isaiah Simmons:  WWBBD? (What Would Bill Belichick Do?) He would grab the most versatile defensive player in the draft and unleash him at all three levels against opposing offenses. We have to assume Matt Patricia will do the same.) (3-5-20):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2020-nfl-mock-draft-cowboys-tag-and-trade-dak-prescott-to-dolphins-in-outside-the-box-first-round/

Touchdown Wire Mark Schofield (3. CB Jeff Okudah:  Here is where things could really get sporty.  There are concerns in Detroit regarding the status of quarterback Matthew Stafford. Back injuries the past few seasons have some wondering if it is time to prepare for a world without Stafford in Detroit. The issue is, Stafford’s contract is such that it makes much more sense from a salary cap perspective to move on from Stafford in 2021, rather than 2020. Under Stafford’s contract, if he were to be traded or cut before June 1st, the Lions would be hit with $32 million in dead cap space for 2020, and would have a cap “savings” of minus $10.7 million for the 2020 league year. ) (3-4-20):  https://touchdownwire.usatoday.com/2020/03/03/touchdown-wires-post-combine-mock-draft-how-indianapolis-changed-the-game/

NFL.com Freuland Analytic Mock (3. DT Derrick Brown:  The Lions' defensive front was often injured and the strategy for piecing together free agents only created the second-lowest disruption percentage (18.1) on passing plays last season. Under the assumption that high-priced edge rusher Trey Flowers will be healthy in 2020, it'd make sense to add an interior D-line presence like Brown, who projects to have an immediate impact against both the pass and run. His 35 QB pressures at Auburn last season represented the 14th-highest total among interior DL in the FBS, per Pro Football Focus.) (3-4-20):  http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001105216/article/cynthia-frelund-2020-nfl-mock-draft-who-would-analytics-pick

ESPN's McShay Mock Draft (3. CB Jeff Okudah) (3-3-20):   https://www.detroitlions.com/news/highlights-from-todd-mcshay-s-conference-call-okudah-simmons-young

USA Today Nate Davis (3. Detroit Lions – Derrick Brown, DT, Auburn: The Lions are going to have a lot of interesting options, including their own case for Tagovailoa, possibly Ohio State CB Jeff Okudah and, perhaps most compelling, the opportunity to deal out of what appears to be this draft's first legitimate pivot point. But also a good argument here for Brown, a freakishly talented Southeastern Conference game-wrecker who has been compared to Ndamukong Suh and potentially ideal for a team set to hemorrhage bodies from its D-line.) (3-3-20):  https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/draft/2020/03/03/nfl-mock-draft-2020-combine-derrick-brown-isaiah-simmons/4931172002/

NFL.com Dan Jeremiah (3. CB Jeff Okudah:  I fully expect the Lions to trade out of this pick. They can slide back a couple of spots and still grab Okudah.) (3-2-20):  http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001104933/article/daniel-jeremiah-2020-nfl-mock-draft-20-patriots-take-herbert

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

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

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 (25 CB, 8 DE, 7 LB, 5 DT):

25 CB Jeff Okudah
8 DE Chase Young
7 LB Isaiah Simmons
5 DT Derrick Brown

Round 1 Trade (1 CB, 1 DT, 1 OT):

1 CB Kristian Fulton
1 DT Javon Kinlaw
1 OT Austin Jackson

Round 2 Pick (2 RB, 2 CB,  2 DT, 1 LB, 1 DE, 1 WR, 1 S, 1 QB, 1 G):

2 RB D'Andre Swift
2 DT Neville Gallimore
1 LB Zach Baun
1 CB Damon Arnette
1 CB AJ Terrell
1 G Shane Lemieux
1 DE Terrell Lewis
1 WR Laviska Shenault
1 S Grant Delpit
1 QB Jacob Eason

Round 2 Trade (1 S, 1 RB, 1 DE):

1 S Antoine Winfield
1 RB JK Dobbins
1 DE Terrell Lewis

Round 3 Pick 67 (3 S, 2 DE, 2 CB, 1 DT, 1 RB):

2 DE Josh Uche
1 S Terrell Burgess
1 S Kyle Dugger
1 S Jeremy Chinn
1 CB Jeff Gladney
1 CB Cameron Dantzler
1 DT Marlon Davidson
1 RB Jonathan Taylor

Round 3 Pick 85 (3 DT, 1 CB, 1 DE, 1 WR, 1 RB, 1 S):

1 DT Jordan Elliott
1 DT Laurell Murchinson
1 DT James Lynch
1 CB Cameron Dantzler
1 DE Bradlee Anae
1 WR Donovan Peoples-Jones
1 RB Zach Moss
1 S Terrell Burgess

Round 4 (2 G, 1 WR, 1 QB, 1 LB):

1 WR KJ Hill
1 QB James Morgan
1 LB Akeem Davis-Gaither
1 OG Netane Muti
1 G John Simpson

Round 5 Pick 149 (1 CB, 1 RB):

1 LB Shaquille Quarterman
1 CB Shyheim Carter
1 DE Kenny Willekes

Round 5 Pick 172 (1 WR, 1 RB, 1 LB):

1 WR Kalija Lipscomb
1 RB Lamical Perine
1 LB Anfernee Jennings

Round 6 (1 LB, 1 DT, 1 P):

1 DT Raequan Williams
1 LB Shaquille Quarterman
1 P Braden Mann