With Day 1 of the 2020 NFL draft in the books, the Lions addressed their biggest weakness by landing shutdown corner Jeff Okudah, but they are still quite a few more holes that need to be filled.
With Day 2 just mere hours away, let’s examine the remaining needs the Lions need to focus on.
Even though cornerback was the glaring weakness on this defense, the defensive line wasn’t too far behind it. Likely for the Lions, there are quite a few players available either be at EDGE or the interior on Day 2.
EDGE rusher
The one player that sticks out like a sore thumb, but in the right way, would be A.J. Epenesa (EDGE, Iowa). Heading into the draft, the idea of landing both Okudah and Epenesa without trading back in the first was a complete pipe dream, but now the dream may come true. Other EDGE players to keep an eye on is Yetur Gross-Matos (Penn State) and Josh Uche (Michigan).
Interior defensive line
The Lions could inject more blood into the interior defensive line even though they signed multiple players this offseason. A few players that could interest in the Lions are Ross Blacklock (TCU), Jordan Elliot (Missouri), or Justin Madubuike (TAMU). The Lions covet tackles who can pass rush and run-stop, and each of them offers those particular skill sets.
Keep an eye on Melvin Agim (Arkansas) as a potential sleeper option for the Lions in the third round.
Offensive line
On the other side of the ball, the Lions could look to fill in the holes on the offensive line. With Hal Vaitai’s positional flexibility, the Lions can keep their options open at both tackle and guard. Tackles Josh Jones (Houston) and Ezra Cleveland (Boise State) could be selected and allow the Lions to push Vaitai inside if needed. If the Lions targets a center/guard Matt Hennessy (Temple) and Robert Hunt (Louisiana) would create a formidable one-two punch with Vaitai at tackle.
One sleeper name the Lions could look at is Jonah Jackson from Ohio State who they coached at the Senior Bowl and have been in contact with.
Wide receiver
With no receivers currently under contract after this season, the Lions could look to select a receiver on Day 2. The top available players the Lions could have their eyes on are Denzel Mims (Baylor), Michael Pittman Jr. (USC), and K.J Hamler (Penn State).
A sleeper option that could interest the Lions is Tyler Johnson (Minnesota) as he offers the same versatile skill sets as the aforementioned receivers.
Running back
One of the most debated questions this offseason has been: When should the Lions take a running back? With several top running backs still on the board — DeAndre Swift (Georgia), Jonathon Taylor (Wisconsin), and J.K. Dobbins (Ohio State) — the Lions could look in that direction early Day 2.
Day 2 for the Lions will be a busy one with three selections, but this will be the best time for them to shore some of the holes that may be plaguing this team.