Round 2 and Round 3 options for the Lions ( 2020 )

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The Detroit Lions have to address their pass rush on Day 2 of the NFL draft. Have to.

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This new thread relates to the following thread and all the thread links listed in the opening message of that thread:

Round 1: CB Jeff Okudah ( Ohio St. ) : Pick # 3 ( 2020 )

detroit-lions-forum.proboards.com/thread/663/round-jeff-okudah-ohio-pick

I expressed the following in the Jeff Okudah thread I listed above:

The opportunities with pick # 35 in Round 2 because of the Lions decision to draft Jeff Okudah with pick # 3:

At least from my point of view, I'm very happy about the players still available in the draft after Round 1 ended. The Lions pick 3rd in Round 2, barring the Lions trading pick # 35. The following non-CBs are still available that I would more than welcome with pick # 35:

1. DE Yetur Gross-Matos ( Penn St. )
2. DT. Ross Blacklock ( TCU )
3. T Joshua Jones ( Houston )
4. WR Denzel Mims ( Baylor )

Other players that I would be comfortable with pick # 35 ( there might be more )

1. DE A.J. Epenesa ( Iowa )
2. RB D'Andre Swift ( Georgia )
3. RB J.K. Dobbins ( Ohio St. )


The reason why I didn't include A.J. Epenesa in the category with my top 4 remaining players available going Round 2 is because he might have too many similarities to Trey Flowers in terms of skill set. Which isn't necessarily a negative. It's more of a question whether Bob Quinn and Matt Patricia prefer more of a complimentary dimension, especially when factoring in the Defensive players already on the Lions roster.

Both the RBs I listed would provide pick # 35 value. The reason I didn't list them in the category with my top 4 remaining players available is I believe there will be a good enough RB option with pick # 67 in the beginning of Round 3. The drop-off at DE, DT, T, and WR, compared to the 4 players I listed, is more pronounced. Especially, when combining the need and/ or value factors.

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NFL mock drafts, Day 2: Lions likely to target defensive lineman
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Marlon Davidson would be a high quality Run Defense addition for the Lions and has great intangibles. The key question for me is whether he offers enough as a pass rusher to take him as high as pick # 35? Some people projected Davidson to be drafted in the later part of Round 1. I had him going to the LA Rams with pick # 52, in Round 2. If Davidson doesn't get taken in the # 52 spot, I think there's a better chance he would have been taken already, compared to still being available. I'm not counting Davidson being available at pick # 67 in Round 3, a spot of the draft he would be a bargain for the Lions.

Because Morris Henry, the Lions new Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach was in that role with Auburn during the last 4 seasons, his insight on Marlon Davidson and all Auburn Draft prospects could prove invaluable. If the Lions draft Davidson at # 35, I will support the decision.

The fumbling history and the wear and tear factor is why I prefer the Lions not to take Johnathan Taylor at # 35. Especially, with the other options, including at RB, available. If the Lions trade down, which I would be happy with if the trade compensation is good enough, Davidson and Taylor would appeal more than at # 35.

I have Curtis Weaver going to Seattle with pick # 64, the final pick of Round 2. He would be a good Round 3 option for the Lions if edge rusher isn't addressed prior. Though there could be better options.

Grant Delpit is my projection for Cleveland, with pick # 41. He would be a very good value selection with pick # 67, early in Round 3. To the point that even though the Lions can go to training camp with the current DBs, Delpit might be too good to pass up at that point of the draft.

I expressed the following regarding Lynn Bowden Jr. yesterday:

NFL Draft Preview: Wide Receivers ( 2020 )

detroit-lions-forum.proboards.com/thread/596/draft-preview-wide-receivers-2020

Lynn Bowden Jr., another player I didn't include in my Mock Draft, probably will be taken somewhere in Round 3 through 5. He's a project at WR but he could potentially be used as a gadget player as he develops at WR. Darrell Bevell likely is intrigued by the ways he can use Bowden. The 5th Round would be a good value spot for Bowden.

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Saints may trade a 2021 pick for a high pick tonight

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The Saints shape up as a Prime Super Bowl contender. Hence, the Lions certainly shouldn't trade pick # 35 for the Saints 1st Round Pick in 2021. Even if the Saints included pick # 88, in Round 3, that might not be enough to satisfy me because the Lions have to substantially improve in the standings or their probably will be a regime change. Unless Bob Quinn and Matt Patricia believe the Lions added enough value for trade purposes in the 2020 Draft, the Lions should say no to the Saints. A possible exception is if a trade for RG Larry Warford, with him restructuring his contract, is part of the deal.

[D6]

Report: Ross Blacklock, Denzel Mims on Bengals radar to open second round

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This news certainly isn't surprising.

From a Lions fan perspective, I hope the Lions don't trade up from pick # 35 to pick # 33, because there will be at least 2 very good options at # 35. If the Lions do trade up and draft one of these players, giving up more than a 6th Round pick would be a high price to pay, based on perceived opportunity costs.

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2020 NFL draft: The 15 best fits for Detroit Lions still on the board to start Day 2

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I'm putting my Mock Draft projections here because it will be easier to access the information, if you would like to do so:

Mock Draft ( 2020 ) - DLF Members

detroit-lions-forum.proboards.com/thread/655/mock-draft-2020-dlf-members

Regarding Yetur Gross-Matos, there's risk associated with him based on his inconsistent performances with Penn St. However, experience, pro coaching, and time in an NFL Strength program could realistically be the differences in him developing into a Pro Bowl caliber DE. He's a long term type player, who could still make some impact plays as a rookie. Major growing pains are likely.

Jordan Elliott will more likely than not be taken between the second half of Round 2 and the first half of Round 3. I view him as an option for the Lions to consider, beginning somewhere in the 2nd half of Round 2. Probably around pick # 55.

The drug test situation and the size factor remain concerns regarding Zack Baun. I hope he's taken by another team in Round 2 and expect him to be.

Justin Madubuike probably will be taken in Round 2. The Lions probably should wait until early Round 3 to consider taking him, if available.

Robert Hunt would likely be a good option with Pick # 85, in Round 3. He more likely than not goes somewhere in Round 3.

I would prefer the Lions to pass on Logan Wilson, if available in Round 3 ( I have him projected going to Baltimore with pick # 60, late in Round 2 ), because of his physical movement limitations. Especially, in man to man pass coverage.

I'm not sold on Ezra Cleveland as a good fit for the Lions because he has short arms for a Tackle and he's not physical enough in his playing style. Cleveland probably will go in the upper part of Round 2.

Michael Pittman Jr. could go as early as the early part of Round 2 or he could last to Round 3 ( my MocK Draft projection, though it won't surprise me if he went far earlier than my pick # 88 to New Orleans projection for him. I would be comfortable with him for the Lions under many scenarios as early as the beginning of Round 3. But I'm concerned that he will have difficulty with separation against NFL CBs.

Antoine Winfield Jr. likely goes somewhere in Round 2. He would be a good value selection for the Lions in Round 3, even though the Secondary is in good shape, compared to many other parts of the roster.

I had Chase Claypool going to the LA Chargers in my Mock Draft at pick # 37. The Patriots now have that pick. I still believe Claypool has a pretty good chance of going in the upper half of Round 2. If the Lions trade down at least a few spots from pick # 35, I think it likely would be a good value outcome.

[D6]

Detroit Lions' Day 2 NFL draft targets: Here's who's in play in Rounds 2-3

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Leki Fotu ( I have him going to Denver with pick # 95, in Round 3, is worth considering by the Lions higher in the Round. I think there's a better chance he goes before pick # 95 than after pick # 95. ). The size/ athletic combo is intriguing. It wouldn't even surprise me if Fotu went in the latter half of Round 2.

Josh Uche has long arms for his size. I would likely be comfortable if the Lions traded down at least a few spots from pick # 35 and drafted Uche. His versatility, intangibles, and production are positives.

Tee Higgins likely goes somewhere in Round 2. If the Lions select him, hopefully it will be far lower than pick # 35. I prefer Denzel Mims and Chase Claypool over Higgins.

Xavier McKinney fits my earlier thoughts in this thread about Grant Delpit and Antoine Winfield Jr. The same also regarding Cal Safety Ashtyn Davis, who also adds the Special Teams Return Dimension.

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Second round NFL mock draft 2020: Detroit Lions have elite players to choose from

Ross Blacklock remains my Mock Draft projection for the Lions with pick # 35. My projections for pick # 67 ( RB Cam Akers ), pick # 85 ( G John Simpson ), and pick # 109 ( WR Isaiah Coulter ) remain my projections for the Lions.

Here are my remaining projections for the Lions, barring trades:

Round 5a: Pick # 149. Anthony Gordon QB Washington St.
Round 5b: Pick # 166. James Smith-Williams DE North Carolina St.
Round 6: Pick # 182.. Kyle Markway, TE South Carolina.
Round 7: Pick # 235. Kamel Martin, LB, Minnesota.

Gordon could go realistically go anywhere from the latter half of Round 2 through Round 5. He would ideally be on the Game Day Inactive List in all games as a rookie.
Smith-Williams is an edge rush prospect.
Markway could be the blocking TE the Lions can use.
Martin is a high quality Special Teams Prospect, who can provide additional depth at LB.

[D6]

A dozen players who could make sense for Detroit Lions on Day 2 of the NFL Draft

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Between temper issues that have led to ejections and not having a consistent enough motor, I don't think Darrell Taylor Jr. has the intangible elements that Bob Quinn and Matt Patricia prefer. It's possible the Lions will roll the dice with Taylor as early as the top part of the 3rd Round because of his huge upside potential. Taylor could go as early as the first half of Round 2 because of his high upside potential. If given the choice, the Lions shouldn't consider him until Round 4.

Experience / expose/ repetition should help Cam Akers in blitz protection. He has potential and the willingness. In the early part of Round 3, I think he's worth taking even with ball security issues. He needs to learn not to try to do too much.

Jonathan Greenard more likely than not is taken in Round 3. Bob Quinn likes University of Florida players. I view Greenard more of a fall back possible option.

Jeremy Chinn's huge upside potential is to the point that I would be comfort under most scenarios if the Lions selected him with pick # 67.

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The top 4 in order of preference for the Lions with pick # 35 or somewhere in Round 2:

1 DT. Ross Blacklock ( TCU )
2. DE Yetur Gross-Matos ( Penn St. )
3. T Joshua Jones ( Houston )
4. WR Denzel Mims ( Baylor )



One player not mentioned in the Day 2 options for the Lions by 3 Lions beat writers that I provided their articles, is Colorado WR Laviska Shenault Jr. He's someone who I would be comfortable with, especially a few spots down.

I'm planning on providing thoughts and information about the Lions remaining draft selections starting Saturday Night or early Sunday Morning.