The 2020 NFL Draft is less than a week away. Anticipation is mounting, and the rumor mill is spinning because writers, analysts, and experts have been hanging on every bit of news pertaining to the event for months. Each time, they take to the web and roll out their latest mock draft. With that in mind, here’s the latest stab at what a Lions mock draft could look like.
On Friday, Lions General Manager Bob Quinn conducted his annual pre-draft press conference. During the hour-long virtual telecast, he suggested the team was open to trading the third overall pick and has had some discussions with other teams about a potential deal throughout the entire process. The team still has some voids to fill on defense despite a nice showing in free agency. Also, Detroit needs to display a renewed focus on protecting Quarterback Matthew Stafford, as well as surrounding him with talented playmakers that are capable of shouldering some of the offensive load. Acquiring talent and depth is key for this squad if they hope to contend in a competitive NFC North Division title race this season.
The Miami Dolphins are rumored to be looking at offensive lineman early, which leads to a scenario in this mock where Quinn is trading down from the third spot, in order to acquire three picks for Detroit to utilize throughout the first two rounds of the draft. In exchange for the pick, the Lions move down and receive two Miami first-rounders (18th and 26th), along with pick 56 in the second round.
Detroit Lions 2020 Seven Round NFL Mock Draft w/Trades
#18 – Kristian Fulton (CB/LSU) *selection acquired in a swap with Miami
Trading down is extremely risky. Especially for Detroit who is in dire need of a corner. No worries here, Quinn fills a major void by drafting Fulton. The former five-star recruit was one of the best defenders in the country at the catch point while playing one of the most difficult schedules in college football history. The two-year starter has serious talent and is extremely “sticky” when covering receivers. Quarterbacks don’t test him often. It’s no surprise that he dominated the SEC.
Kristian Fulton NFL Draft Profile
#26 – A.J. Epenesa (EDGE/Iowa) *selection acquired in a swap with Miami
NFL comparison is T. Flowers. No wonder teams like New England have their eye on him. Not “sexy” in terms of the eye-test, but maintains consistent production and possesses an elite skill-set. Listed at 6’5’’ and weighing in at 275 lbs., he is a true power-end not seen in quite some time. Wreaks havoc in the backfield (23 sacks and 57 hurries last two seasons). Lacks the burst to remain on the edge long-term, but his combination length and strength will allow for a move inside eventually. Violent hands while taking on lineman, a position he often “rag-dolled” in college.
A.J. Epenesa NFL Draft Profile
#35 – Austin Jackson (T/USC)
At just 20 years old, Jackson has room for growth and development as an NFL tackle. Played LT his entire career at USC, but didn’t improve much from Sophomore to Junior season. He as the length, strength, and lateral quicks to make a good pro. Needs to find a mean streak and play with attitude. Might be in line for a position-flip to the right side (void the Lions need to fill), as he was carved up by pro-caliber edge defenders. Very long arms, which impressively repped out 225 pounds a total of 27 times at the combine.
#56 – Jonathan Taylor (RB/Wisc.) *selection acquired in a swap with Miami
Taylor is the type of workhorse back the Lions have been missing since Barry Sanders retired in 1999. Blends size, strength, speed and cutting ability that allowed for him to pile up over 6,159 yards and 50 rushing touchdowns in college. Makes defenders miss often, but has ball-security issues (17 fumbles over three seasons). Capable of making big plays with his breakaway speed. Had one of the best combine performances for a back in NFL history, and may prove to be the best runner in the 2020 Draft when it’s all said and done.
Jonathan Taylor NFL Draft Profile
#67 – Jacob Eason (QB/ Wash.)
Stafford isn’t getting any younger, and amid growing long-term injury concerns it makes sense for the Lions to begin grooming his successor. Eason is equipped with incredible arm talent but needs to focus on improving his play under pressure, and his presence in the pocket. A developmental project with the potential to become a home run. Prototypical NFL size. Throws with anticipation and isn’t afraid to go over the middle.
#85 – Malik Harrison (LB/OSU) *selection acquired in D. Slay trade w/ Philadelphia
Excellent run-defender but needs to improve his effectiveness in pass coverage situations. Better suited blitzing (38 pressures last two seasons) on third down. Otherwise, he might have to come off the field. He has shown steady improvement with Buckeyes throughout his three seasons in Columbus. Strong enough to take on NFL lineman, and one of the biggest linebackers in this class.
Malik Harrison 2020 NFL Draft Profile
#109- Devin Duvernay (WR/Texas)
Profiles as a sure-handed slot option in the pro ball. Only 5 drops on 180 catchable targets in his collegiate career. Strong hands and physical at the catch point. Will make the biggest impact on screens, quick routes, and routes out of the backfield. A weapon if utilized properly, and a bust if you expect him to line up outside as a vertical threat. Built like a running-back that makes him difficult to bring down after the catch.
Devin Duvernay NFL Draft Profile
#149- Larrell Murchison (DL/NC State)
Development project with the potential to evolve into a reliable defender in the rotation. Possesses a motor that doesn’t stop charging into the backfield. He has excellent strength, but needs to improve his initial first-step and become more explosive. Consistent against both the run and pass. Has proper technique that allows him to be competitive against double teams.
Larrell Murchison NFL Draft Profile
#166 PHI Antonio Gibson (RB/Memphis)
Special player despite playing a limited amount of snaps in college. This season at Memphis he broke 16 tackles on 36 rushing attempts, while also breaking 17 tackles on 38 catches. A dual-threat player capable of moving back-and-forth between the backfield and the slot. Low mileage on his body. Very elusive and bounces in-and-out of cuts at top speed. Initially, the speedster may make an impact on special teams as a returner before finding a bigger role. Elite speed (40 Yard Dash/4.39) for a back standing 6’3’’ and weighing 228 lbs.
Antonio Gibson NFL Draft Profile
#182- A.J. Green (CB/Ok.State)
Major questions in man coverage. Gets burned far too often to be a reliable NFL corner. Shows promise in breaking up passes by getting hands on the ball often. His 32 forced incompletions over the past two seasons tied for the most in college football. His 40-yard dash (4.62) suggests his future may be at safety…if he has any future at the pro level at all.
#235 NE- Malcolm Roach (DI/Texas)
Profiles best as an interior defender. Wasn’t utilized properly during his time at Texas, with his best seasons coming as a freshman and senior playing on the edge. Has played all across the defensive line, and spent time as a linebacker. Size and stiffness limit him to a role as a 3-technique. He has shown flashes of brilliance in every game that allows for the idea he could become a difference-maker. Needs to put it all together and be consistent. Dominates the line of scrimmage when he keeps his pads low.
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