Lions mock draft roundup: Chase Young becoming a real possibility

Another week examining the most recent 2020 mock drafts and the same three prospects continue to be mocked to the Lions.

Another week examining the most recent 2020 mock drafts and while the majority of analysts are still connecting the Detroit Lions to Jeffrey Okudah, Derrick Brown, and Isaiah Simmons, a new name is showing up with more frequency — Chase Young.

Let’s take a closer look at what has changed this week.

EDGE Chase Young, OSU (6-5, 265)

Currently being mocked by Kyle Meinke (MLive) and Jeff Risdon (Lions Wire, Real GM), and Fansided Mock Draft Staff.

Meinke: “Nobody stands to benefit from a run on quarterbacks more than Detroit, which already has a franchise quarterback playing at a high level. Of course, it still lost 12 games last year because of a near-historically bad defense. There was no bigger reason for that than their pass rush, which was among the league’s worst. This defense won’t work without better performances up front, and Young just so happens to be the best pass rusher in this draft. Hell, he might be the best defensive prospect overall. As long as you have a quarterback in place, you don’t pass up the opportunity to lock in a playmaking pass rusher on a cost-controlled contract like this. Detroit won’t.”

CB Jeffrey Okudah, OSU (6-1, 200)

Currently being mocked by, Maurice Jones-Drew (NFL), 

Eric Edholm (Yahoo), John McClain and Aaron Wilson (Houston Chronicle), Jon Ledyard (Pewter Report), Clint Lamb (Roll Tide Wire), Will Brinson (CBS Sports), Joe Tansey (Bleacher Report), Zach Buckley (BR), Kristopher Knox (BR), Draft Tek Staff, among others, that you can find at NFL Mock Database

Edholm: “In our previous mock, we had Auburn DT Derrick Brown at this spot. Our estimation is that the Lions have three options right now: trade down (for a Tua team), or stay put and take either Okudah or Brown. And depending on how far they move down, the Lions might be able to have their cake and eat it, too. But in this scenario, the Lions nab the best cover man in the draft. With Darius Slay’s future in Detroit unclear, it would make a lot of sense.”

Ledyard: “I’m not doing trades in this mock draft, but even if I was, the Lions might want to stay put. The long-armed and rangy Okudah is exceptionally talented and fills a huge need for Detroit opposite Darius Slay. Moving back even two spots could mean missing out on this young, talented cornerback.”

DT Derrick Brown, Auburn (6-5, 325)

Currently being mocked by RJ White (CBS Sports), Matthew Tabeek (Atlanta Falcons), Charlie Campbell (Walter Football), Eddie Brown (San Diego Union-Tribune), and Brad Weiss (NFL Mock Draft)

White: “The Lions can use help at a lot of positions, and could even consider going QB here. But Brown gets the edge over Jeff Okudah due to the completeness of his game, and the Lions are losing a lot of snaps at DT to free agency.”

LB Isaiah Simmons, Clemson (6-3, 228)

Currently being mocked by A.J. Fagerlin (NFL Mocks)

Fagerlin: “Sure, the Lions could use another corner to pair with Darius Slay, but Simmons brings so much more to the table. Simmons fits extremely will in Patricia’s scheme as the extra safety/linebacker on the field in sort of a nickel role. He can play defensive end, MIKE linebacker, outside corner and everything in between. The versatility and proven production that Simmons offers are too much to pass up for a defensive head coach that is firmly on the hot seat heading into the season.”

Trades

Luke Easterling (Draft Wire): Lions trade pick No. 3 to the Miami Dolphins for picks No. 5 and No. 26 overall. The Lions selected Jeffrey Okudah, CB, OSU at five and Yetur Gross-Matos, EDGE, LSU at 26.

Dan Kadar (SB Nation): Lions trade pick No. 3 to the Miami Dolphins for picks No. 5 and No. 19 overall. The Lions selected Jeffrey Okudah, CB, OSU at five and K’Lavon Chaisson, EDGE, LSU at 19.

Ryan Wilson (CBS Sports): Lions trade pick No. 3 to the Miami Dolphins for picks No. 5 and No. 39 overall. Then they trade pick No. 5 to the Indianapolis Colts for picks No. 13 and No. 34. The Lions selected K’Lavon Chaisson, EDGE, LSU at 13 and enter Round 2 with picks 34, 35, and 39.

Chris Trapasso (CBS Sports): Lions trade pick No. 3 to the Miami Dolphins for picks No. 5 and undisclosed additional picks. The Lions selected Jeffrey Okudah, CB, OSU at pick No. 5.

Josh Edwards (CBS Sports): Lions trade pick No. 3 to the Miami Dolphins for picks No. 5 and undisclosed additional picks. The Lions selected Jeffrey Okudah, CB, OSU at pick No. 5.

Neal Driscoll (PFN): Lions trade pick No. 3 to the Miami Dolphins for picks No. 5 and No. 56 overall, as well as a 2021 2nd round pick. The Lions selected Jeffrey Okudah, CB, OSU at five and Julian Okwara, EDGE, Notre Dame at 56.

Ian Wharton (Sportsbook review): Lions trade pick No. 3 to the Miami Dolphins for picks No. 5 and “a second-rounder”. The Lions selected Derrick Brown, DT, Auburn at five.