Morning Lions Links for Saturday 4-25-20

Articles:

The Detroit Lions had a very good Day 2 in the NFL draft:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2020/04/the-detroit-lions-had-a-very-good-day-2-in-the-nfl-draft.html

GM Bob Quinn: Lions never backed out of a trade with Houston, no idea why Bill O’Brien’s so mad:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2020/04/gm-bob-quinn-lions-never-backed-out-of-a-trade-with-houston-no-idea-why-bill-obriens-so-mad.html

NFC North on Day 2: Bears grab draft’s top TE Cole Kmet, Packers surprise again with RB pick:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2020/04/nfc-north-on-day-2-bears-grab-drafts-top-te-cole-kmet-packers-surprise-again-with-rb-pick.html

By taking D'Andre Swift, Lions did what Super Bowl contenders do: Draft studs:  https://www.freep.com/story/sports/columnists/shawn-windsor/2020/04/24/dandre-swift-detroit-lions-2020-nfl-draft/3024777001/

Jonah Jackson:

Lions trade up, draft guard Jonah Jackson:  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/detroit-lions-trade-up-draft-guard-jonah-jackson

A CLOSER LOOK: Guard Jonah Jackson:  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/a-closer-look-guard-jonah-jackson

4 things to know about Jonah Jackson, new Lions’ o-lineman:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2020/04/4-things-to-know-about-jonah-jackson-new-lions-o-lineman.html

How Senior Bowl connection helped Lions land OSU's Jonah Jackson:  https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2020/04/25/jonah-jackson-detroit-lions-nfl-draft/3025565001/

Detroit Lions trade up to draft guard Jonah Jackson in third round:  https://lionslowdown.com/2020/04/25/detroit-lions-trade-up-to-draft-guard-jonah-jackson-in-third-round/

Instant analysis of the Lions selecting OG Jonah Jackson:  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2020/04/24/instant-analysis-of-the-lions-selecting-og-jonah-jackson/

5 things to know about offensive lineman Jonah Jackson:  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2020/04/24/5-things-to-know-about-offensive-lineman-jonah-jackson/

Lions Move Up in Third Round to Select Guard Jonah Jackson:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/detroit-lions-draft-jonah-jackson

Julian Okwara:

Lions draft defensive end Julian Okwara:  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/detroit-lions-draft-defensive-end-julian-okwara

New Lions EDGE Julian Okwara blown away by ‘dream come true’ to play with older brother Romeo:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2020/04/new-lions-edge-julian-okwara-blown-away-by-dream-come-true-to-play-with-older-brother-romeo.html

Meet Julian Okwara, Notre Dame's dominant pass-rushing prospect:  https://draftwire.usatoday.com/2020/01/22/2020-nfl-draft-prospects-julian-okwara-notre-dame-interview/

Lions Bolster Defense, Draft DE Julian Okwara:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/julian-okwara-detroit-lions-draft-third-round-nfl-draft

D'Andre Swift:

Niyo: Lions' Swift move may be quick fix for run game:  https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/columnists/john-niyo/2020/04/25/niyo-lions-swift-move-may-quick-fix-run-game/3019106001/

Frelund: 5 best value draft picks from Rounds 2-3 (3.  D'Andre Swift, RB, Detroit Lions (Drafted No. 35 overall (Round 2).):  My model has Swift rated as the No. 1 RB in the 2020 draft. The Georgia back's college tape showed exceptional production that forecasts for a short learning curve in his transition to the NFL. No running back in this class was able to help his team stay ahead of the chains when contacted on rushing downs more than Swift (7 percent more than the next-closest back, per my computer vision tracking); considering the number of inside rushes he attempted, this stat is especially impressive. His computer-vision-tracked route running (second-best in my model) and receiving efficiency (just 3 drops on 76 targets, per PFF) add high-probability versatility to the Lions' offense -- a unit that ranked 27th in rushing first down percentage (20.1 percent) and was not a source, or threat, of big plays in 2019. Take a deep breath, Lions fans, there's legit reason for hope in the run game.):  http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001111326/article/2020-nfl-draft-dandre-swift-among-day-2s-top-value-picks

Quinn Believes D'Andre Swift Complements Kerryon Johnson 'Very Well':  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/dandre-swift-complements-detroit-lions-kerryon-johnson

D'Andre Swift's Favorite Running Back Is Barry Sanders:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/dandre-swift-says-barry-sanders-is-favorite-running-back

What Analysts Said about Lions Drafting D'Andre Swift:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/what-analysts-said-about-dandre-swift

2020 NFL Draft: Biggest steals, reaches of Day 2 (Steal | Georgia RB D’Andre Swift to Detroit Lions, No. 35 overall - If you told me before the draft that the Lions would get a chance to select Swift in the second round, I would have called you crazy. Swift was widely considered the best running back in this draft, so the value here is excellent.  A human highlight reel, watching Swift run all over SEC defenses over the last few years has been an absolute pleasure. A physical runner with excellent burst, Swift’s ability to make defenses look foolish by running right through them or by leaving them in the dust with a nasty jump-cut makes him an exciting prospect to watch going forward.  With the likes of Matthew Stafford, Kenny Golladay, T.J. Hockenson and Kerryon Johnson on offense, they found another dangerous game-breaker in Swift.):  https://draftwire.usatoday.com/2020/04/25/2020-nfl-draft-day-2-steals-reaches-jonathan-taylor-grant-delpit/

Jackson Grades:

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/

Okwara Grades:

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/

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/

Trade Grades;

Walterfootball (Lions acquire Nos. 75 (Jonah Jackson), 197 from Colts for Nos. 85 (Julian Blackmon), 149, 182 - I don't understand why the Lions thought they had to move up 10 spots for Jonah Jackson. I'm not even sure Jackson belonged in the third round to begin with, so Detroit may have been able to obtain him at No. 85. Fortunately, the Lions essentially gave up just a fifth-rounder to make the move, so it wasn't a very expensive trade.  I'd say the Colts won this deal. I don't like Julian Blackmon very much either, but at least Indianapolis picked up a fifth-round choice in the process.  Grade for Lions - C-.  Grade for Colts - B.):  https://walterfootball.com/draft2020tradegrades.php

Analysis:

Lions' Bob Quinn was dreaming about adding D'Andre Swift, plus more analysis:  https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2020/04/25/detroit-lions-nfl-draft-bob-quinn-dandre-swift/3025718001/

Day 2 winners and losers: Rodgers down (again) (Losers - Kerryon Johnson: The Lions couldn't wait around for Johnson to stay healthy. By adding dynamic running back D'Andre Swift near the top of Round 2, the Lions relegated Johnson to backup status. Swift looks like a star, with a complete skill set that adds much-needed juice to the Lions' offense. He's the type of explosive running back who would have been taken in the top 15 picks if this draft took place in 2005.):  http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001111371/article/2020-nfl-draft-day-2-winners-losers-rams-colts-get-boost

Day 3 2020 NFL Draft:

Detroit Lions eyeing WR help on Day 3 of 2020 NFL draft: 10 players to watch:  https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2020/04/25/detroit-lions-nfl-draft-day-3-targets/3019249001/

A look at 15 prospect fits for Lions on Day 3 of NFL Draft:  https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2020/04/25/15-prospect-fits-detroit-lions-day-3-nfl-draft/3025621001/

Day 3 NFL Draft Targets for the Lions:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/detroit-lions-day-3-draft-targets

Pick-Six: Most intriguing players left after Day 2 of draft:  https://www.foxsports.com/nfl/story/pick-six-most-intriguing-players-left-after-day-2-of-draft-042520

Best available for Day 3:  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2020-nfl-draft-best-players-available-on-day-3-include-jacob-eason-curtis-weaver-and-several-interior-ol/

NFL Draft picks 2020: Who are the best players still available on Day 3?:  https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/news/nfl-draft-picks-2020-best-players-still-available/1lk9iwk4odri5zt8zj0kabzd7

Who Are the Top Players Still Left for the 2020 NFL Draft?:  https://www.si.com/nfl/2020/04/25/best-prospects-still-available-day-3-2020-nfl-draft

The best players left after the first three rounds of the 2020 NFL draft:  https://touchdownwire.usatoday.com/2020/04/25/the-best-players-left-after-the-first-three-rounds-of-the-2020-nfl-draft/

NFL draft's best available players: Big-name QBs wait:  https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/draft/2020/04/25/nfl-draft-best-available-players-round-4-jake-fromm-eason/3025789001/

2020 NFL Draft: Best available players for Day 3:  https://draftwire.usatoday.com/gallery/2020-nfl-draft-best-available-players-day-3-jacob-eason-jake-fromm/

THOR'S BEST AVAILABLE: DAY 3:  https://www.rotoworld.com/article/rankings/thors-best-available-day-3

NORRIS: BEST AVAILABLE FOR DAY 3:  https://www.rotoworld.com/article/nfl-draft-preview/norris-best-available-day-3

Video:

Quinn on Day 2 of 2020 NFL Draft:  https://www.detroitlions.com/video/quinn-on-day-2-of-2020-nfl-draft

1 on 1 with Jonah Jackson:  https://www.detroitlions.com/video/1-on-1-with-jonah-jackson

Jonah Jackson Highlights:  https://www.detroitlions.com/video/jonah-jackson-highlights

1 on 1 with Julian Okwara:  https://www.detroitlions.com/video/1-on-1-with-julian-okwara

Julian Okwara Highlights:  https://www.detroitlions.com/video/julian-okwara-highlights

Lions make three picks on Day 2 of 2020 NFL draft:  https://www.freep.com/videos/sports/nfl/lions/2020/04/25/detroit-lions-make-three-picks-day-2-2020-nfl-draft/3025672001/