2020 NFL Draft Grades

Overall Grades:

PFF 2020 NFL Draft grades for all 32 teams (Day 1: You can talk all you want about how the Lions should have traded out of this pick to get more value, but the truth is we don’t know what kind of offers (if any) were on the table. Jeffrey Okudah is a special cornerback prospect, a player who has allowed a completion percentage of 50% or less in each of the past three seasons. He has nearly as many forced incompletions over the last two years as he does first downs allowed. From athletic profile to production, it would be hard to draw up a better fit for Matt Patricia’s man-heavy coverage scheme than Okudah.  “Okudah really does have it all. The ‘cons’ on his scouting report were some of the most difficult to write of any prospect in the class. He not only has a high floor, but everything you want for a high ceiling.” – PFF’s lead draft analyst Mike Renner.  Day 2: Swift is a complete running back, but I'm not sure there's much he does with the ball in his hands I'd deem ‘special'. If you're valuing him highly, you better have a plan to take advantage of his receiving ability. He’s the top-ranked running back on PFF’s board but just the 71st-ranked player. “Is there something wrong with Kerryon Johnson that I don’t know of? I’m lost to explain why they would draft [Swift] here.” — PFF’s Mike Renner.  “Of all the players that we at PFF were high on this year, Okwara is the one who I can’t understand why he didn’t get more love. Usually, edge defenders who check-in among the top 10 on Bruce Feldman’s ‘Freaks’ list get over-drafted in the NFL and not under-drafted the way we see Okwara. Although he’s undersized, Okwara is already one of the best bull-rushers in the entire draft class and can convert speed to power exceptionally well. He played only nine games this past season before breaking his leg but earned a 90.4 pass-rushing grade in those outings.” — PFF’s Mike Renner.  “Jackson is quite easily my favorite pass-protecting guard prospect in the entire draft. On 460 pass-blocking snaps last season, Jackson allowed all of 10 pressures. Of those 10, only one came via a true one-on-one pass-rushing situation. This was nothing new, though, as he allowed even fewer pressures in 2018 (seven) on 398 pass-blocking snaps at right guard for Rutgers before transferring. He should be able to replace Graham Glasgow seamlessly for Detroit.” — PFF’s Mike Renner.  Day 3: One could argue that the Lions were looking to upgrade both starting options at guard heading into the draft, and after selecting Jonah Jackson in the third round, they doubled up with Logan Stenberg in the fourth. Stenberg has a mean streak that should play well into the physical play style that the Detroit Lions seem to be building towards. His solid work in pass protection is also promising. Stenberg has pass-blocking grades of 75.0 or higher in each of the past two seasons.  Penisini isn’t going to get after the quarterback at a high level, but he is going to do one thing better than most — stuff the run. After notching a run-defense grade of 83.2 in 2018, he bumped that all the way up to 90.6 this past season.   Draft Grade: A):   https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2020-nfl-draft-grades-for-all-32-teams

SI Grades Every Team’s Picks in the 2020 NFL Draft (Lions No team played more man coverage than the Lions last season, which is a philosophy that head coach Matt Patricia brought over from New England. In that same vein, Patricia also puts a huge emphasis on matchups, having specific corners travel almost everywhere with specific receivers week after week. You must have a true No. 1 corner to consistently do this. What reigning Defensive Player of the Year Stephon Gilmore has brought to New England, the Lions hope Jeff Okudah will bring to Detroit. He’s a slightly different style of corner than the physical Gilmore; what scouts liked most about Okudah is he has the agility to mirror wide receivers.  The Lions, who like to have multiple safeties helping in coverage, often instruct their corners to play in the low hip pocket of their man. Okudah shined with that at Ohio State. The only negative here is Detroit GM Bob Quinn probably felt he could get a quality corner a few picks later in the draft, but he did not get an enticing enough package to trade down. Okudah is the first corner drafted in the top three since Seattle took Shawn Springs third in 1997. He can slide right into the role previously filled by recently traded veteran Darius Slay.  The downfall of Detroit’s man coverage last season was it occurred behind an absolutely futile pass rush. Enter third-round pick Julian Okwara. Julian is a different style of defensive lineman than his older brother Romeo, with whom he’ll now be teammates in Detroit. While Romeo is a long and somewhat thick-bodied moderate NFL-caliber athlete who is highly dependent on his mechanics, Julian is more of a dynamic edge defender, with the length, burst and flexibility to turn the corner and reach the quarterback. Guys with those attributes are not usually available in Round 3. The Lions desperately needed to buttress their pass rush; you’ll likely see Julian Okwara in a passing down sub-package specialist role in 2020.  Offensively, the focus was on the running game. The Lions resumed their ongoing efforts to find Barry Sanders’s replacement. The latest swing here, D’Andre Swift, was a highly refined zone runner at Georgia and will operate mainly out of those designs in coordinator Darrell Bevell’s offense. Swift has the lateral agility to create his own space, and his potential explosiveness as a receiver could do wonders for a Lions offense that must regain some aerial balance after becoming heavily skewed toward vertical throws in 2019. With sustaining third-year back Kerryon Johnson aboard, expect Swift to fill an Alvin Kamara type role.  To buttress the swift pick, Detroit added third-rounder Jonah Jackson, who has a chance to start immediately at right guard ahead of middling veterans Oday Aboushi and Kenny Wiggins (who has been a quality backup but turns 32 in August). And fortifying the Jackson selection, the Lions also pursued his likely backup in Logan Stenberg, a blue-collar scrapper who might even be able to compete for a starting job with Joe Dahl. Grade: A):  https://www.si.com/nfl/2020/04/26/nfl-draft-2020-team-grades-picks-analysis

Draftwire (Detroit Lions - After all the talk of trading down from No. 3 overall, the Lions stayed put and filled their biggest need with by far the best corner in the class, Ohio State’s Jeff Okudah. He’s a worthy replacement for the recently traded Darius Slay.  Bigger needs aside, Georgia running back D’Andre Swift was a great value at No. 35 overall, and gives the Lions a dangerous 1-2 punch in the backfield with Kerryon Johnson. Was there a better moment than watching Notre Dame defensive end Julian Okwara realize he would be playing with his brother in Detroit?  The Lions scored big by doubling up on two of this year’s best guard prospects in the third and fourth rounds with Ohio State’s Jonah Jackson and Kentucky’s Logan Stenberg. Oh, and Wisconsin wide receiver Quintez Cephus? Okudah said he’s the best receiver he’s ever faced. Not bad for a fifth-round pick.  GRADE: A):  https://draftwire.usatoday.com/2020/04/26/2020-nfl-draft-grades-full-every-team/11/

Draft Tonight': Grading the Lions' 2020 draft class (Lions get an A-):  http://www.nfl.com/videos/detroit-lions/0ap3000001111757/Draft-Tonight-Grading-the-Lions-2020-draft-class

NFL.com Quick-snap draft grades for each team: A for 'Boys (Detroit Lions - Day 1 grade: A.  Day 2 grade: A-.  Day 3 grade: A-.  Overall grade: A-.  Draft analysis: On the first two days of the draft, the Lions secured a shutdown cornerback, explosive running back, much-needed interior offensive line help and brought together two family members in a literal sense. They hit the offensive line again with Stenberg, who has exactly the type of nastiness and strength you want up front -- at times it got the best of him during his collegiate career, though, so maturity will be a factor in how fast he can contribute. Cephus was a third-round talent with a seventh-round 40 time (4.73). He'll be a factor in the Lions' offense sooner than later. Huntley can be a special teams ace. Penisini meets the team's need for a backup nose tackle.):  http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001111711/article/2020-nfl-draft-final-quicksnap-grades-for-all-32-teams

Monarrez: Lions earned a B-plus for 2020 NFL draft haul:  https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2020/04/26/detroit-lions-grades-nfl-draft-2020/3026249001/

NFL Draft Scout Rob Rang (Lions grade a B+):  https://www.si.com/nfl/draft/news/2020-nfl-draft-grades-detroit-lions

USA Today (Grade - B.  Detroit Lions: Adding No. 3 overall pick Jeff Okudah to the defense and upgrading QB Matthew Stafford's arsenal with second-round RB D'Andre Swift – good luck finding a better all-purpose back in this draft – and a pair of guards to keep him off his back should equate to a pretty good weekend's work.):  https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/draft/2020/04/25/nfl-draft-grades-2020-teams-packers-eagles-cowboys-dolphins/3026362001/

Walterfootball (Detroit Lions: B Grade.  Goals Entering the 2020 NFL Draft: The Lions are in a difficult position. Their front office and coaching staff needs to do everything in its power to win now, but that conflicts with the health and status of Matthew Stafford. The long-time Detroit quarterback has a bad back and doesn't seem like he'll be available to play much longer. It'll be tough for Detroit to balance immediate success with a long-term answer. What they can do is trade down from No. 3 to accumulate more draft capital.  2020 NFL Draft Accomplishments: Detroit fans have to be very upset that the front office couldn't move down from No. 3. It may have been difficult for teams to wheel and deal on draft day - there were just four trades in the first round - but the Lions had two months to make a trade happen. Other teams can get a pass for not trading, but not the Lions. They would have easily obtained Jeff Okudah at No. 5 or 6. They should have taken anything, even if it was a fifth-round pick or a box of doughnuts.  It's a shame the Lions didn't trade down because that spoiled what was an impressive class otherwise. Okudah will be a terrific player, while De'Andre Swift was a steal atop Round 2. Julian Okwara and Logan Stenberg were also solid choices. I wasn't a fan of the Jonah Jackson pick, mostly because the Lions unnecessarily traded up for him. The Lions are better than they were prior to the draft. If Matthew Stafford can remain healthy, Detroit can take the division with the Packers and Vikings in decline. However, this draft would've been so much better had the Lions just been more aggressive in acquiring more assets.):  https://walterfootball.com/nfldraftgradesteam.php

TW Grades and analysis for every team at the end of the 2020 NFL draft (Detroit Lions: B. Only the Patriots played a higher percentage of man coverage snaps than the Lions last season, so it made all the sense in the world that Detroit would go with Ohio State cornerback Jeff Okudah with the third overall pick. The best pure cornerback in this class, Okudah is a plug-and-play aggressor with impeccable technique. Second-round pick D’Andre Swift out of Georgia should provide immediate juice as a rusher and receiver, and he’s an underrated run-blocker. Two good guards came in the middle rounds with Ohio State’s Jonah Jackson in the third and Kentucky’s Logan Stenberg, but the guy to watch here is Notre Dame edge-rusher Julian Okwara, who has the speed and athleticism you’d expect from a tight end, and he brings it against offensive tackles. A little refinement in his game, and Okawra could prove to be one of the steals in this class.):  https://touchdownwire.usatoday.com/2020/04/25/grades-and-analysis-for-every-team-at-the-end-of-the-2020-nfl-draft/2/

2020 NFL Draft Grades: Detroit Lions (Lions get a B):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/detroit-lions-draft-grades-2020/

SN Grades the draft class (24. Detroit Lions
Grade: B- (Draft picks: CB Jeff Okudah, RB De’Andre Swift, DE/LB Julian Okwara, G Jonah Jackson, G Logan Stenberg, WR Quintez Cephus, RB Jason Huntley, DT John Penisini, DT Jashon Cornell):  Bob Quinn and Matt Patricia started with a bang in Okudah, and their best picks after that related to biggest need and value were Okwara and Jackson. They weren’t in a position to take Swift as a luxury pick and possible upgrade to oft-injured but talented Kerryon Johnson. They could have done more to consider the defense at linebacker and tackle vs. doubling up on guard after getting Jackson.):  https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/news/nfl-draft-grades-2020-best-worst-classes/2bs9w101joku1lruu8r1xwt9f

Draft grades for all 32 teams: Four earn A's (Detroit Lions: C+.  Best Pick: Third-round guard Jonah Jackson is a physical mauler who will help in the run game. He is a battler who will push for time right away.  Worst Pick: I didn't like the pick of running back D'Andre Swift in the second round. With other needs, taking a back that high was a luxury. Good player, but not the right pick.  The Skinny: I know they needed a corner, but I would have taken Derrick Brown over Jeff Okudah in the first round. Taking a running back second was a luxury as well. I just didn't love this draft.):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/priscos-2020-nfl-draft-grades-for-all-32-teams-vikings-among-four-to-earn-an-a-packers-get-lowest-mark/

THOR'S SNAP DRAFT GRADES (Grade - D.  The Okudah pick made sense, of course, and I loved the Okwara and Cephus selections. Outside of that, I didn’t get it. The Lions had too many holes to use a premium pick like 2.35 on a running back … and then they turn around and use a fifth-rounder on (another) receiving back? And then there were the reaches.):  https://www.rotoworld.com/article/evaluations/thors-snap-draft-grades

Rotoworld Hayden Winks (Lions (Grade: D):  After phone calls weren’t returned, Detroit made the correct decision by drafting a stud corner over a defensive tackle or linebacker, positions that are less valuable and more replaceable. Okudah is an elite corner prospect. He allowed 5.0 yards per target in coverage as a 20-year-old at Ohio State, and then tested in the 96th percentile at the NFL Combine. He’s a much cheaper alternative to Darius Slay… Swift will be a good pro, but using the No. 35 pick on a running back in a deep class is a total waste, especially with Kerryon Johnson in the building already. This will be a frustrating committee for fantasy, but Swift should be the 1A… Okwara underperformed at Notre Dame due to injuries (broken fibula), but he has a lot of juice off the edge and fills a position of need for the talentless Lions Defense. Okwara should be in the rotation as a rookie… Jackson was a first-team All-Big Ten recipient at Ohio State, but he tested in the 12th percentile at the NFL Combine (5.29 forty) and is already 23 years old. He profiles as a backup, which means he will likely start for the Lions… Stenberg is a tall offensive guard (6-foot-6) but that tends to hurt him more than help him. He has 18th percentile Adjusted SPARQ athleticism (5.30 forty) and will be a forgettable backup in Detroit.):  https://www.rotoworld.com/article/nfl-draft-grades/2020-nfl-draft-grades-nfc

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Dave Birkett's grades: Lions' 2020 NFL draft class still has one 'F':  https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2020/04/25/detroit-lions-grades-nfl-draft-2020/3028175001/

Detroit Lions' 2020 NFL Draft Grades:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/detroit-lions-nfl-draft-grades

Okudah Grades:

Lions Wire - Grading the Detroit Lions' selection of Jeff Okudah (Lions get an A+):  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2020/04/23/grading-the-detroit-lions-selection-of-jeff-okudah/

Touchdown Wire Doug Farrar (3. Detroit Lions: Jeff Okudah, CB, Ohio State: The Lions went with the best coverage player in this draft, which makes sense for a defense that played with five or more defensive backs in 2019. Okudah is a natural press cornerback who can excel in zone, but he’s an ideal man and match defender. A perfect fit for the Lions, who played more man coverage than any other team but the Patriots last season. Grade: A+):  https://touchdownwire.usatoday.com/2020/04/23/instant-grades-and-analysis-for-every-first-round-pick-in-the-2020-nfl-draft/

Freep Carlis Monarrez - Why Lions get an A for drafting CB Jeff Okudah:  https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2020/04/23/jeff-okudah-nfl-draft-grade-detroit-lions/3011867001/

SN Grade/Tracker ( Detroit Lions: Jeff Okudah, CB, Ohio State - Grade: A. The Lions traded Darius Slay and acquired Desmond Trufant, but they needed a young stud corner to fortify the back end of Matt Patricia’s defense. Okudah is a technically sound ball hawk at 6-1, 205 pounds, allowing him to cover all receiving body types. He is fluid and quick enough with great recovery skills and is strong enough in press man coverage to develop into a shutdown cornerback.):  https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/news/nfl-draft-grades-2020-live-picks-results/1u86adwa8sx4s14uhvepxtxuwe

NFL.com Chad Reuter (Draft pick: Ohio State CB Jeff Okudah (No. 3 overall) - Day 1 grade and analysis: A.  The Lions traded Darius Slay this offseason, leaving them in desperate need of a No. 1 corner. Okudah's the type of big, strong, athletic corner that teams desire on the outside. Detroit's Matt Patricia coached reigning Defensive Player of the Year Stephon Gilmore in New England, and I'm sure he sees the potential for Odukah to make a similar impact.):  http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001111004/article/2020-nfl-draft-day-1-quicksnap-grades-for-all-32-teams

Draft wire - 2020 NFL Draft: Full grades for every 1st-round pick (3. Detroit Lions - Jeff Okudah:  The Lions wanted to move back a few spots, but they didn’t get the deal they wanted, so they just took their man here.  Okudah is easily this year’s top corner prospect, with the size, length and ball skills to excel in man coverage, as well as the toughness and technique to support in the run game. His confidence is his best trait, and one that every top corner must possess at the next level.  After trading away Darius Slay, the Lions replace him with a player who has Pro Bowl potential of his own.  GRADE: A):  https://draftwire.usatoday.com/2020/04/24/2020-nfl-draft-grades-1st-round-joe-burrow-tua-tagovailoa-justin-herbert-jordan-love/3/

Detroit News (3. Detroit: Jeff Okudah, CB (Ohio State) -- Okudah gives the draft back-to-back Buckeyes, and the Lions a long-term solution to replace three-time Pro Bowler Darius Slay. Trading down was popular speculation, and perhaps it’s disappointing the Lions weren’t able to leverage their position to add an extra pick, but they nevertheless fill a huge need in the ball-hawking Okudah, who should help a defense that gave up more passing yards per game than any other team last season. Grade: A-):  https://www.detroitnews.com/picture-gallery/sports/nfl/lions/2020/04/24/detroit-news-2020-nfl-draft-grades-first-round/3017014001/

Yahoo 2020 NFL draft: Round 1 instant grades (3. Detroit Lions: CB Jeffrey Okudah, Ohio State — After much speculation that Detroit would trade out of this pick, the Lions stayed put and picked arguably the best defensive back in the draft. Long, highly athletic coverage ace who is just starting to hit his peak and profiles as a future All-Pro at one of football’s most demanding positions. Grade: A-.):  https://sports.yahoo.com/2020-nfl-draft-round-1-instant-grades-041848465.html

SI Grade/Tracker (GRADE - B+.  Jeff Okudah:  No team played more man coverage than the Lions last season, which is a philosophy that head coach Matt Patricia brought over from New England. In that same vein, Patricia also puts a huge emphasis on matchups, having specific corners travel almost everywhere with specific receivers week after week. You must have a true No. 1 corner to consistently do this. What reigning Defensive Player of the Year Stephon Gilmore has brought to New England, the Lions hope Okudah will bring to Detroit. He’s a slightly different style of corner than the physical Gilmore; what scouts liked most about Okudah is he has the agility to mirror wide receivers. The Lions, who like to have multiple safeties helping in coverage, often instruct their corners to play in the low hip pocket of their man. Okudah shined with that at Ohio State. The only negative here is Detroit GM Bob Quinn probably felt he could get a quality corner a few picks later in the draft, but he did not get an enticing enough package to trade down. Okudah is the first corner drafted in the top three since Seattle took Shawn Springs third in 1997. He can slide right into the role previously filled by recently traded veteran Darius Slay.):  https://www.si.com/nfl/2020-draft-tracker

CBS Prisco (Lions get a B.  Grade Analysis. I think they should have taken Derrick Brown. When in doubt, take the big guy. I don't think you can pass on big people that play like Derrick Brown. (Pete Prisco)):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2020-nfl-draft-grades-lions-get-a-b-for-selecting-cornerback-jeff-okudah-at-no-3-overall/

Walterfootball Grades (Detroit Lions: Jeff Okudah, CB, Ohio State - D- Grade. I like the player. I really do. This D- grade has nothing to do with Jeff Okudah. In fact, Okudah is the reason why this grade isn't an O'Brien. However, this is very close to a failure. The Lions could've obtained Okudah at No. 5 overall. They should have at least obtained something for moving down two spots, even if it was just a fifth-round pick. This is just horrible management by the Lions.):  https://walterfootball.com/nfldraftgrades.php

Swift Grades:

Grades:

Walterfootball (D'Andre Swift, RB, Georgia - A+ Grade:  I love this pick. The Lions needed someone to challenge or take over for Kerryon Johnson, who can't stay healthy. They upgraded Johnson here with a player who easily could've been chosen as high as No. 18 overall. Running backs dropped because the need wasn't there for the most part in the 17-32 range, so the Lions are getting a steal with the best player at his position in the entire class.):  https://walterfootball.com/nfldraftgrades2.php

Carlos Monarrez Freep (Lions get an A):  https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2020/04/24/dandre-swift-detroit-lions-nfl-draft/3022250001/

Yahoo (Swift - Draft Grade: A-.  Pre-Draft Rank: 19.   Eric Edholm's Commentary - The Lions wanted to add juice to the offense, and Swift is exactly that. Can he stay healthy? My only concern. Swift isn’t built to be a workhorse but can be a great complement to Kerryon Johnson and a 15-touch-per-game weapon right away.):  https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/draft/

SI (GRADE:  A-.  D'Andre Swift - Try, try again. That’s what the Lions have been doing at running back ever since Barry Sanders’s unexpected retirement 21 years ago. Swift was a highly refined zone runner at Georgia and will operate mainly out of those designs in coordinator Darrell Bevell’s offense. He has the lateral agility to create his own space, and his potential explosiveness as a receiver could do wonders for a Lions offense that must regain some aerial balance after becoming heavily skewed toward vertical throws in 2019. With sustaining third-year back Kerryon Johnson aboard, expect Swift to fill an Alvin Kamara type role.):  https://www.si.com/nfl/2020-draft-tracker

CBS (35. Lions: RB D'Andre Swift, Georgia
Grade: C+. Swift ran through huge lanes at Georgia. Elusiveness lacking. Thick frame with speed. Premier receiving RB in the class.):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/2020-nfl-draft-grades-and-analysis-for-every-second-round-pick/

2020 NFL Draft grades, Day 2: Lions’ picks of Swift, Okwara, Jackson draw high marks (35. Swift: C+ -- “Swift ran through huge lanes at Georgia. Elusiveness lacking. Thick frame with speed. Premier receiving RB in the class.”):  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2020/04/2020-nfl-draft-grades-day-2-lions-picks-of-swift-okwara-jackson-draw-high-marks.html

SN (35. Detroit Lions: D'Andre Swift, RB, Georgia - Grade: C.  The Lions needed to draft a contingency for oft-injured Kerryon Johnson, but despite Swift’s talent, this is a curious pick, a running back this high over more defensive help for Matt Patricia. Swift (5-8, 212 pounds) is capable of getting the tough yards inside and breaking free for big plays in the open field. He also flashed as a receiver for the Bulldogs and can excel in the screen game.):  https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/news/nfl-draft-grades-2020-live-picks-results/1u86adwa8sx4s14uhvepxtxuwe

FTW (35. Swift - Grade: C.  If you’re going to take a running back this high, take one who will have an impact in the passing game. That’s DeAndre Swift. I don’t know if Swift will be a game-changing receiving option like Alvin Kamara or Christian McCaffrey, but he’ll be able to play on all three downs.):  https://ftw.usatoday.com/2020/04/2020-nfl-draft-tracker-live-grades-analysis-round-2-round-3

Okwara Grades:

SI (GRADE A+. Julian Okwara:  Julian is a different style of defensive lineman than his older brother Romeo, whom he’ll now be teammates with in Detroit. While Romeo is a long and somewhat thick-bodied moderate NFL-caliber athlete who is highly dependent on his mechanics, Julian is more of a dynamic edge defender, with the length, burst and flexibility to turn the corner and reach the quarterback. Guys with those attributes are not usually available in Round 3. The Lions desperately needed to buttress their pass rush; you’ll likely see Julian Okwara in a passing down sub-package specialist role in 2020.):  https://www.si.com/nfl/2020/04/24/nfl-draft-2020-day-2-grades-analysis

Freep Carlos Monarrez (Grade: A):  https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2020/04/24/detroit-lions-nfl-draft-2020-notre-dame-julian-okwara-grade/3022311001/

Grading the Detroit Lions' selection of Julian Okwara (Lions get an A):  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2020/04/24/grading-the-detroit-lions-selection-of-julian-okwara/

2020 NFL Draft grades, Day 2: Lions’ picks of Swift, Okwara, Jackson draw high marks (67. Okwara: A- -- “Okwara is a long, super-powerful edge rusher with first-round flashes because of his bull rush and occasional pass-rush moves. Just needs to improve his pass-rush plans. Fluid athlete. Good add for Detroit to pair with Trey Flowers.”):  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2020/04/2020-nfl-draft-grades-day-2-lions-picks-of-swift-okwara-jackson-draw-high-marks.html

CBS (67. Lions: EDGE Julian Okwara, Notre Dame.  Grade: A-. Okwara is a long, super-powerful edge rusher with first-round flashes because of his bull rush and occasional pass-rush moves. Just needs to improve his pass-rush plans. Fluid athlete. Good add for Detroit to pair with Trey Flowers.):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/2020-nfl-draft-grades-and-analysis-for-every-third-round-pick/

FTW (67. Okwara (Grade: B): The Lions needed some athleticism on the edge and they got it in the talented Notre Dame product. Matt Patricia can do a lot with Okwara.):  https://ftw.usatoday.com/2020/04/2020-nfl-draft-tracker-live-grades-analysis-round-2-round-3

Yahoo (67. Okwara (Grade: B-):  We have an Okwara reunion in Detroit! Older brother Romeo is already with the Lions, and younger brother Julian likely wouldn’t be on the board this late had he not suffered a broken leg last season. He has some pass-rush tools and outstanding athletic traits but must become a better run defender and be a little more accountable.):  https://sports.yahoo.com/2020-nfl-draft-day-2-grades-for-every-pick-014402497.html

SN (67. Detroit Lions: Julian Okwara, LB, Notre Dame. Grade: B. The Lions address their need for more big plays on the edge after getting Jeff Okudah to fortify the back end of the pass defense. Okwara (6-4, 252 pounds) is a flexible, explosive pass-rusher with great finishing burst to the quarterback.):  https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/news/nfl-draft-grades-2020-live-picks-results/1u86adwa8sx4s14uhvepxtxuwe

Walterfootball (67. Detroit Lions: Julian Okwara, DE/OLB, Notre Dame - B Grade
The Lions play in a division with some pretty pedestrian quarterbacks - Nick Foles, Kirk Cousins, Jordan Love - but they still needed an edge rusher across from Trey Flowers. Julian Okwara makes sense here as a third-round prospect. This is a decent fit.):  https://walterfootball.com/nfldraftgrades3.php

Jackson Grades:

2020 NFL Draft grades, Day 2: Lions’ picks of Swift, Okwara, Jackson draw high marks (75. Jackson: A -- "Not a high-level athlete but superb balance and recovery skills. Awesome hand work. Constantly resets his hands in pass pro. Doesn't look the part but just gets the job done. Detroit had a clear need on the interior up front."):  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2020/04/2020-nfl-draft-grades-day-2-lions-picks-of-swift-okwara-jackson-draw-high-marks.html

Freep Carlos Monarrez (Lions get an A):  https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2020/04/24/detroit-lions-grade-jonah-jackson-nfl-draft-ohio-state/3025447001/

FTW (75. Jackson (Grade: A): I had Jackson as the top guard in the class. He’s an athletic guard with some power, but his pass blocking could be better. Detroit needed to bolster its line. This pick will do that.):  https://ftw.usatoday.com/2020/04/2020-nfl-draft-tracker-live-grades-analysis-round-2-round-3

CBS (75. Lions: G Jonah Jackson, Ohio State.  Grade: A. Not a high-level athlete but superb balance and recovery skills. Awesome hand work. Constantly resets his hands in pass pro. Doesn't look the part but just gets the job done. Detroit had a clear need on the interior up front. ):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/2020-nfl-draft-grades-and-analysis-for-every-third-round-pick/

Grading the Detroit Lions' third-round selection of Jonah Jackson (Lions get an A-):  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2020/04/24/grading-the-detroit-lions-third-round-selection-of-jonah-jackson/

SI (GRADE A-.  Jonah Jackson:  The Lions invested in their long-stagnant run game early on Friday, drafting Georgia’s DeAndre Swift. Then, they did it again, taking Jackson, who has a chance to start immediately at right guard ahead of middling veterans Oday Aboushi and Kenny Wiggins (who can be a high quality backup). It’s always great when one draft pick can boost another.):  https://www.si.com/nfl/2020/04/24/nfl-draft-2020-day-2-grades-analysis

SN (75. Detroit Lions (from Colts): Jonah Jackson, G, Ohio State.  Grade: A-.  The Lions were wise to address their interior offensive line here after losing Graham Glasgow in free agency. Jackson (6-3, 306 pounds) is a unique prospect because he is a pure pass-protecting interior blocker. He has the frame and strength to develop in the running game. ):  https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/news/nfl-draft-grades-2020-live-picks-results/1u86adwa8sx4s14uhvepxtxuwe

Yahoo (75. Jackson (Grade: C-):  Jackson was outside our top 100 and felt like a Day 3 pick to us, but this isn’t a massive reach for a strong, sturdy interior blocker who could work his way into a starting spot. The Rutgers transfer was able to showcase his run-blocking skill last season for the Buckeyes, and he’s a high-character worker who fits the Matt Patricia typecast.):  https://sports.yahoo.com/2020-nfl-draft-day-2-grades-for-every-pick-014402497.html

Walterfootball (75.  Detroit Lions: Jonah Jackson, G, Ohio State - O'BRIEN Grade.  I get the need, and I'm glad the Lions have decided to protect Matthew Stafford, but I don't understand why the Lions jumped up 10 spots for Jonah Jackson. That didn't seem necessary at all. I've had Jackson in the sixth and seventh round, depending on the update, so I have to grade this poorly. This would be a C/C- if the Lions didn't trade up, but relinquishing resources unnecesarily is a killer.):  https://walterfootball.com/nfldraftgrades3.php

Stenberg Grades:

Walterfootball (Detroit Lions: Logan Stenberg, G, Kentucky - A Grade. Logan Stenberg had some questions about him being able to block speed rushers, but he answered those questions at the Senior Bowl. I thought he may have improved his stock to go as high as the second round, but apparently not. The Lions won't complain, as they're getting a potential starter in the middle of the draft.):  https://walterfootball.com/nfldraftgrades4.php

Grading the Lions selection of offensive guard Logan Stenberg (Lions get a B+):  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2020/04/25/grading-the-lions-selection-of-offensive-guard-logan-stenberg/

Freep Carlos Monarrez (Lions get a B):   https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2020/04/25/detroit-lions-nfl-draft-2020-logan-stenberg-grade/3026242001/

CBS (121. Lions: G Logan Stenberg, Kentucky
Grade: D+. Play-through-the-whistle mauler in the run game with minimal effectiveness (and experience) in pass protection. Heavy-footed and lacks lateral agility or recovery skill. Very one-dimensional player.):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/2020-nfl-draft-grades-and-analysis-for-every-fourth-round-selection/

Cephus Grades:

CBS (166. Lions: WR Quintez Cephus, Wisconsin - Grade: B+. Cephus is a battler in traffic and plays faster than his timed speed. Thick body. Could even be a big slot in the NFL. Not a separator. Quality depth for Lions at WR.):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/2020-nfl-draft-grades-and-analysis-for-every-fifth-round-selection/

Lionswire (Lions get a B-):  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2020/04/25/grading-the-lions-fifth-round-selection-of-quintez-cephus/

Freep Carlos Monarrez (Lions get a C):  https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2020/04/25/quintez-cephus-detroit-lions-nfl-draft-grade-reaction/3026466001/

Walterfootball (Detroit Lions: Quintez Cephus, WR, Wisconsin - D Grade.  Speaking of receivers who can't separate, Quintez Cephus is not a player I had mocked in most of my updates. I think I had him undrafted most of April. He was productive at Wisconsin, but he doesn't look like an NFL player to me.):  https://walterfootball.com/nfldraftgrades5.php

Huntley Grade:

Freep Carlos Monarrez (Lions get a B):  https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2020/04/25/jason-huntley-detroit-lions-nfl-draft-2020-reaction/3026245001/

Lionswire (Lions get a C):  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2020/04/25/grading-the-detroit-lions-selection-of-jason-huntley/

CBS (172. Lions: RB Jason Huntley, New Mexico St.  - Grade: D+. Huntley has major juice down the field but is very small-framed. Second RB pick for Detroit in already jam-packed RB room. Weird.):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/2020-nfl-draft-grades-and-analysis-for-every-fifth-round-selection/

Walterfootball (Detroit Lions: Jason Huntley, RB, New Mexico State - D- Grade
  Jason Huntley wasn't on my radar as a draftable prospect. He was productive at New Mexico State, but that's not going to translate to the pros. Huntley is too small (5-9, 193).):  https://walterfootball.com/nfldraftgrades5.php

Penisini Grades:

CBS (197. Lions: DT John Penisini, Utah
Grade: A-. Penisini will boost the Lions run defense immediately and constantly battles with his hands to get an edge. Good strength and deceptive athlete. Nice value here for Detroit at position of need.):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/2020-nfl-draft-grades-and-analysis-for-every-sixth-round-selection/

Walterfootball (Detroit Lions: John Penisini, DT, Utah - B Grade.  John Penisini is a quality pass rusher who has good technique, so he makes sense here in the sixth round, though I didn't have him drafted. The athleticism isn't good, but Penisini could end up being a fine rotational player.):  https://walterfootball.com/nfldraftgrades6.php

Lionswire (Lions get a B):  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2020/04/25/grading-the-lions-drafting-utah-dt-john-penisini-in-the-6th-round/

Freep Carlos Monarrez (Lions get a C):  https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2020/04/25/john-penisini-detroit-lions-nfl-draft-2020/3026246001/

Day 2 Grades:

Day 2 quick-snap draft grades: Eagles excellent (Day 2 grade and analysis: A-.  I thought the Lions might be looking for defensive help early in Round 2, but they selected Swift. It's tough to fault them for picking the running back, though, given his explosiveness. Kerryon Johnson has also struggled with injuries in his first two years. Finding Okwara in the third round was an amazing value. I believe he would have been a first-round pick if not for the broken fibula he suffered last season. Julian and his brother, Romeo -- a fifth-year defensive end for the Lions -- will be a strong combination on the outside. Jackson is a strong pick in the third round because he is strong, durable, tough and can play multiple positions up front.):  http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001111377/article/2020-nfl-draft-day-2-quicksnap-grades-for-all-32-teams

Draft Wire (Detroit Lions - The Lions filled their biggest need with one of the best players in the draft when they took Ohio State cornerback Jeff Okudah at No. 3 overall, getting them off to a strong start.  Georgia running back D’Andre Swift was a surprise pick at No. 35 overall, but he’s a first-round talent who should have been off the board much earlier. He gives the Lions another dynamic runner for all three downs to pair with Kerryon Johnson.  They got help on the edge in the third round with another great value pick in Notre Dame’s Julian Okwara, and then traded up to land one of this year’s better interior offensive linemen in Ohio State’s Jonah Jackson. A solid haul so far.  GRADE: B+):  https://draftwire.usatoday.com/2020/04/25/2020-nfl-draft-full-team-grades-3-rounds/11/

Touchdown Wire's grades for night two of the NFL Draft (Detroit Lions - Despite the recent drumbeat for Derrick Brown to be the pick for the Detroit Lions at the third spot, Matt Patricia and Bob Quinn went in a different direction. Perhaps when a trade down failed to materialize, they selected Ohio State cornerback Jeff Okudah, largely viewed as the top coverage player on the board.  Quinn and company addressed the offense at the start of the third round, adding Georgia running back D’Andre Swift. Swift is a dual threat RB, with the ability to impact the game between the tackles but also the skills to flex outside and run a complete route tree. Then at the top of the third round they added Julian Okwara, an EDGE defender from Notre Dame. The Lions had just 28 sacks a season ago, so helping their pass rush is a major need. Okwara is a bit of a projection, but has the length, athleticism and speed to at least contribution as he puts together the rest of his bag of pass rushing moves.  Then in the third round the Lions added Jonah Jackson, a solid offensive guard and in fact Touchdown Wire’s second-ranked interior offensive lineman. Jackson can be a bear in the run game but is an experienced pass blocker who can handle the pass rushing responsibilities as well. His selection bumped up what was a lower grade after the second round.  Grade: B-):  https://touchdownwire.usatoday.com/2020/04/25/touchdown-wires-grades-for-night-two-of-the-nfl-draft/2/

Cornell Grades:

Walterfootball (Detroit Lions: Jashon Cornell, DT, Ohio State - A Grade.  It's unclear why more attention wasn't paid to Jashon Cornell, as he may have suffered from not being able to show off at his pro day because of the pandemic. Cornell was a disruptive player last year who was able to generate a pass rush. He's a bit undersized, but he should've been chosen earlier.):  https://walterfootball.com/nfldraftgrades7.php

Freep Carlos Monarrez (Lions get a B):  https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2020/04/25/jashon-cornell-detroit-lions-nfl-draft-grade-reaction/3026247001/

Lionswire (Lions get a B):  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2020/04/25/grading-the-detroit-lions-selection-of-jashon-cornell/

CBS (235. Lions: DT Jashon Cornell, Ohio State - Grade: C+. Cornell has a unique frame which allows him to line up anywhere up front and flashes some hand-work to beat blockers at the point of attack. Just a lower-level athlete and never truly dominated.):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/2020-nfl-draft-grades-and-analysis-for-every-seventh-round-selection/