Now that the 2020 NFL draft has concluded, we all can take a breath and reflect on the draft class. This is the time where we can further analyze each prospect and see what they can bring to the table. One particular method that is used to assess the athletic potential of prospects, and there is no better place to start than Kent Lee Platte’s Relative Athletic Score (RAS) measurements.
Taking a look at the #RAS of the #Lions 2020 draft class.
Their class averaged a RAS of 6.96.
They had 2 players score in elite range, over 8.00.
They had 1 players score below 5.00.
The rest fell inbetween. pic.twitter.com/4boeq8uY5x— Kent Lee Platte (@MathBomb) April 25, 2020
The draft class measured out as an overall good athletic class highlighted by first-round selection Jeff Okudah and fifth-round selection Jason Huntley, who measured as great athletes in their corresponding position.
Okudah’s speed didn’t measure well, but he makes up for it in size and explosion, giving him the tools to be an elite shutdown corner. Where Okudah missed on speed, Huntley has it for days. Even though he is tiny for a running back, his speed and explosion make him a hard target to tackle.
D’Andre Swift, Jonah Jackson, and Logan Stenberg measured out as good athletes in their respective positions. Swift size is in question, but he measured overall as a good athlete with no notable standouts outside of his 40 time.
The sore thumb on Jackson’s record his atrocious shuttle time, but his broad jump helped raise is explosion score, but overall he measures out as a good athlete. Stenberg has excellent size for a guard, and his speed and explosion doesn’t move the needle towards his athleticism, but coupled with his nasty streak could make a fine guard.
The lone draft pick that measured out as a mediocre athlete was wide receiver, Quitez Cephus. Cephus’ size and explosion athletics can help him win contested catch, but his speed is a significant concern. If it wasn’t for improvement with his 40 time at his pro day, he might not have been drafted.
With no pro day or combine numbers to measure, Julian Okwara, John Penisini, and Jashon Cornell did factor into the Lions’ overall athletic score.
The Lions might not have had the most athletic draft class out of the bunch, but they have intelligent players who will fit the scheme and look to make an impact where they are needed.