We made it! The closest thing to actual sports other than Bleacher Report GOAT Sims, re-airing classic rivalries, and “The Last Dance” Michael Jordan documentary is finally here. The 2020 Virtual NFL Draft. While the most highly anticipated Television event of 2020 won’t feature the usual over-the-top suits or Goodell boo sessions, the amount off-color Brady Bunch zoom analysis will more than make up for it.
Similar to how the NFL is adapting due to the current circumstances, I have also altered my usual in-depth 7-round Detroit Lions mock draft this year. I will outline three different directions the Lion’s could go this week including one mock draft with no trades, one trading out of our number 3 pick, and a double trade scenario in the first round (due to limited choices at the traded spot). Let’s quickly revisit the teams’ needs and our additions/subtractions this offseason:
Team Draft Needs: (In Order of Importance): CB, IDL, EDGE, IOL, S, WR, LB, QB, RB, OT
Key Departures:
CB Darius Slay, OG Graham Glasgow, OT Rick Wagner, LB Devon Kennard, DT A ‘Shawn Robinson, DT Damon Harrison
Key Additions:
CB Desmond Trufant, OT Halapoulivaati Vaitai, LB Jamie Collins Sr., DT Danny Shelton, DT Nick Williams, QB Chase Daniels, S Duron Harmon
DRAFT #1: NO TRADES
Round 1, 3 overall
Jeffery Okudah, CB, Ohio State
- Best CB in Draft and fills an immediate need
- Blue-chip physical traits with a huge burst
- Can guard big receivers as well as deep threats
Round 2, 35 overall
K’Lavon Chaisson, EDGE, LSU
- Great length, athletic qualities, and an arsenal of pass rush moves
- Great IQ and ability to get to the QB
Round 3, 67 overall
Jonah Jackson, OG, Ohio State
- Offers interior line flexibility with continued improvement throughout the years
Round 3, 85 overall
Raekwon Davis, DL, Alabama
- Massive Alabama d-linemen that can impose his will
- Can make an impact in an odd or even front defense
Round 4, 109 overall
Cam Akers, RB, Florida State
- Three down back option that excelled with poor run blocking
- A strong runner who finishes his runs through contact
Round 5, 149 overall
Brandon Jones, S, Texas
- Flexibility across all three safety roles
- Speed/range with the ability to close in on runners quickly
Round 5, 166 overall
Isaiah Coulter, WR, Rhode Island
- Great combination of height and speed from a small school
- Limited route tree with high upside
Round 6, 182 overall
Thaddeus Moss, TE, LSU
- Great run blocker with reliable catching
- Randy Moss’ son, enough said…
Round 7, 235 overall
Harrison Hand, CB, Temple
- Good size with experience in a variety of different coverages.
DRAFT #2: TRADE BACK FOR MORE
Trade Details:
DET receives 5, 18, 70, 141
MIA receives 3
Round 1, 5 overall
Chase Young, EDGE, Ohio State
- Arguably the best player in the draft
- Elite size with d-line flexibility
Round 1, 18 overall
Kristian Fulton, CB, LSU
- Press corner with a solid frame and athleticism
- Allowed 40% completion rate since 2018
Round 2, 35 overall
Ross Blacklock, DL, TCU
- Relentless pass rusher with snappy initial quickness
- Fast hands and great motor for a big boy
Round 3, 67 overall
Chase Claypool, WR, Notre Dame
- Receiver with great size and speed with the ability to block downfield
- Additional value as special teams ace
Round 3, 70 overall
J.K. Dobbins, RB Ohio State
- Never missed a game in his college career (we need stability)
- Low, strong, shifty runner who can shed tackles for additional yardage
Round 3, 85 overall
Jordan Brooks, LB, Texas Tech
- Great football IQ with impressive solo tackle numbers
- Well built and quick to diagnose the run
Round 4, 109 overall
John Simpson, OG, Clemson
- High upside with starting guard potential
Round 5, 141 overall
Jack Driscoll, T, Auburn
- Developmental Guard with Tackle value in a pinch
Round 5, 149 overall
Julian Blackmon, S, Utah
- Rugged demeanor with knack for creating turnovers
Round 6, 166 overall
Leki Fotu, DL, Utah
- One of the best nose tackle options in the draft
Round 6, 182 overall
James Proche, WR, SMU
- Has potential in both outside or slot with potential in special teams
Round 7, 235 overall
Eno Benjamin, RB, Arizona State
- With injury concerns and a limited backfield a hard-nosed third down back is a great 7-round snag
DRAFT #3: DOUBLE TRADE BACK
Trade #1 Details:
DET receives 5, 18, 70, 141
MIA receives 3
Trade # 2 Details:
DET receives 23, 172
NE receives 18
Round 1, 5 overall
Jeffrey Okudah, CB, Ohio State (Repeat)
Round 1, 23 overall
Laviska Shenault Jr., WR, Colorado
- His nickname is “2-live”
- Position flexibility with speed, strength, and impressive physicality
Round 2, 35 overall
Ceasar Ruiz, OG, Michigan
- Great motor with guard/center flexibility
Round 3, 67 overall
J.K. Dobbins, RB, Ohio State (Repeat)
Round 3, 70 overall
Jordan Brooks, LB, Texas Tech (Repeat)
Round 3, 85 overall
Raekwon Davis, DL, Alabama (Repeat)
Round 4, 109 overall
Khalid Kareem, EDGE, Notre Dame
- Power-based edge defender with great size and toughness
- Limited speed, but could provide much-needed depth on the outside
Round 5, 141 overall
Leki Fotu, DL, Utah (Repeat)
Round 5, 149 overall
Tyre Phillips, OT, Mississippi State
- Big body mover with o-line position flexibility
Round 6, 166 overall
Quintez Cephus, WR, Wisconsin
- Solid possession receiver with the ability to line up in the slot
Round 6, 172 overall
Lavert Hill, CB
- Undersized Detroit native corner with good instinct’s and ball skills
- Limited speed and downhill coverage drop him into the 6th round
Round 6, 182 overall
Eno Benjamin, RB, Arizona State (Repeat)
Round 7, 235 overall
Braden Mann, P
- The loss of Sam Martin gives way to a new punter. Meet Braden.
While the best outcome for the Lions could involve trade backs and trade-ups, they need to find a way to fill numerous holes early in a new “virtual” draft environment. Comment below with your thoughts, concerns, or favorites from the different options above and let’s cross our fingers Patricia’s experience at the senior bowl gives him a leg up on the competition!
Stay casual until next Tuesday!
EVB
Here are the links to my past mock drafts: 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2021
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