Round 1 of the 2020 NFL Draft went as expected for the Detroit Lions. The team landed Ohio State standout CB Jeff Okudah at No. 3 overall. Now comes Friday night and Rounds 2 and 3 and the Lions’ next three selections.
There are a number of different paths the Lions and GM Bob Quinn can follow. There is no path that isn’t without risk and reward, but like the classic old Choose Your Own Adventure book, some outcomes are better than others.
Path 1
35 – Josh Uche, EDGE, Michigan
67 – Van Jefferson, WR, Florida
85 – Zack Moss, RB, Utah
Path 1 features an emphasis on upgrading the pass rush with Uche, a Senior Bowl standout. Jefferson and Moss are NFL-ready contributors at the thin offensive skill positions as high-floor/lower ceiling players.
Path 2
35 – Denzel Mims, WR, Baylor
67 – Justin Madubuike, DT, Texas A&M
85 – Prince Tega Wanogho, OT, Auburn
Mims could very well be gone in the first two picks before the Lions get on the board, but his style of play is a perfect fit for what GM Bob Quinn covets in a receiver. Madubuike and Tega Wanogho bolster the lines with long-term potential but some flameout risk.
Path 3
35 – A.J. Epenesa, EDGE, Iowa
67 – Tee Higgins, WR, Clemson
85 – Robert Hunt, OL Louisiana
Epenesa would join Trey Flowers as a versatile, power-oriented pass rusher and high-end run defender. Higgins is a similar player to Kenny Golladay but not quite as athletic, while Hunt can play both right tackle and right guard and brings power and snarl to either spot.
Path 4
35 – Jonathan Taylor, RB, Wisconsin
67 – Julian Okwara, EDGE, Notre Dame
85 – Donovan Peoples-Jones, WR, Michigan
Taylor would likely become the lead back in Darrell Bevell’s committee approach at running back. Julian Okwara is more dynamic and violent than his brother, Romeo, the current Lions starter at one DE spot. Peoples-Jones brings potential sizzle outside at WR as well as return specialist ability.
Path 5
35 – Terrell Lewis, EDGE, Alabama
67 – Cam Akers, RB, Florida State
85 – Bryan Edwards, WR, South Carolina
Lewis would have been a top-15 prospect if not for injuries. Akers is a nifty sledgehammer at halfback. Edwards brings size, speed and strength but inconsistent play and durability issues.
Path 6
35 – Yetur Gross-Matos, EDGE, Penn State
67 – Antonio Gibson, RB/WR, Memphis
85 – Davon Hamilton, DT, Ohio State
Gross-Matos is surprisingly still available, a near-consensus first-round talent as a pass rusher off the edge. Gibson brings versatility and speed to the offense. Hamilton was dominant at times (ask Michigan) but works best as a complementary piece.
Just as in Choose Your Own Adventure books, you can mix and match results from all different paths. Make your own path from one player each from the 35, 67 and 85 options above. Sometimes it leads you to the buried Mayan treasure, other times you wind being jaguar food, but getting to either destination is half the fun.