Using the Draft Network‘s Mock Draft simulator, we at Lions Wire presented the #OnePride Twitter fan base four options in each round and allowed them to vote on who they would like the team to pick. After making their selection, the simulator picks for the other 31 teams and then the Lions’ fans are back on the clock for another selection.
For clarification, the four best players are selected by a Lions Wire staff editor/writer, but Lions Wire doesn’t vote — unless there is a tie — or influence the voting. Additionally, Lions Wire is not ranking the players where or when they are available — the simulator makes those decisions. We only offer up the best options.
Lions trade out of pick No. 3
With Joe Burrow (QB, LSU) and Chase Young (EDGE, OSU) being selected with the first two picks, Lions fans opted to trade out of the third spot and found a partner in the Los Angeles Chargers.
The Chargers selected Tua Tagovailova (QB, Alabama) with pick No. 3 and gave the Lions pick No. 6 overall, pick No. 37 in the second round, and pick No. 112 in the fourth round. There would likely also be a 2021 Day 2 pick added into the deal, but for the purposes of this exercise, which 2021 pick was not clarified.
Here’s what the Lions did with their picks in the 2020 draft.
Round 1, Pick 6: Jeff Okudah, Ohio State
With every day that passes the Lions and Okudah appear to be a match made in heaven. Fans took a gamble he would still be on the board at pick No. 6, but by trading down three spots and assuming two quarterbacks would be selected — which they were — they only needed for him to fall past the Giants.
Erik’s take: I believe the Lions would consider trading down to six, but not much further because Okudah is their target. I could also see them sit tight at three and take Okudah there — that’s how important he is to them.
Round 2, Pick 35: A.J. Epenesa, DL, Iowa
A top-15 talent entering the Combine, Epenesa’s underwhelming performance caused many draft evaluators to drop him down their boards. If he falls to pick No. 35, expect the Lions to run to the podium — metaphorically — as he is a perfect fit for their scheme and can play at down defensive end, as well as inside at the 3-technique. At 6-5, 271 pounds, he is a bigger version of Trey Flowers.
Erik’s take: This is a no brainer pick, as I believe he could be a Top-10 player on the Lions’ internal draft board.
Round 2, Pick 37: Jonathan Taylor, RB, Wisconsin
The Lions went to Wisconsin’s Pro Day — remember those — and running backs coach Kyle Caskey put Taylor through drills illustrating their interest in the 226-pound bruiser. Taylor put on an athletic show at the Combine and was one of three running backs in this draft class to check all the athletic boxes the Lions look for in a running back.
Erik’s take: The fit is excellent and he gives the Lions a legit durable option in the backfield — but I have a hard time justifying taking a running back in the second round. Again.
Round 3, Pick, 67: Brandon Aiyuk, WR, Arizona State
Terrific value at the top of the third round, Aiyuk can be an instant contributor in 2020 with a high enough ceiling to claim a starting role in 2021 — either replacing Marvin Jones on the outside or Danny Amendola in the slot.
Erik’s take: Love it.
Round 3, Pick, 85: Bradlee Anae, EDGE, Utah
While Epenesa fills a void at down defensive end and 3-technique, Anae would likely fill a role rotating between the JACK linebacker and down defensive end spot.
Erik’s take: I am a big fan of Anae, but this would’ve been the spot to snag a guard for me. I would have grabbed Ben Bartch here and gambled Anae was there 24 picks later.
Round 4, Pick 109: Tyler Biadasz, IOL, Wisconsin
Biadasz hs 41 games starting experience at center for the Badgers but the Lions would be hoping for him to make a Frank Ragnow-like transition to right guard in his first year. He’s not a plug-and-play option but he may be the best option they currently have on this roster.
Erik’s take: In the poll, I also included Washington’s Nick Harris who was with the Lions coaching staff at the senior bowl. I have both Harris and Biadasz in the same tier on my personal draft board, but Harris a tick higher and I would’ve preferred him here.
Round 4, Pick 112: Leki Fotu, NT, Utah
The Lions add their first pure defensive tackle here in the fourth. Fotu is a stout nose tackle who can also see reps at the 3-technique. He is a perfect scheme fit with the upside to develop into a steady contributor.
Erik’s take: Big fan of Fotu and this is the right spot to grab him, but I also would have been fine with the Lions’ fans drafting back-to-back guards and taking Harris, who was still on the board.
Round 5, Pick 149: Devin Duvernay, Slot, Texas
Duvernay is a 4.39 slot receiver who can go over the middle and stretch the field deep. Highly productive in college, his ability to play a variety of roles at the next level is very appealing for a fifth-rounder.
Erik’s take: Really like the upside of Duvernay here, but don’t be surprised if this is where the Lions draft a punter — this is the exact pick where the Seahawks selected Michael Dickson in 2018.
Round 5, Pick 166: Braden Mann, P, Texas A&M
17 picks later and the Lions land their punter of the future. Mann is a complete player who can hit it deep, put air under the ball, drop it inside the 20-yard line with consistency, and handle kickoff duties.
Erik’s take: A Mann-Lions marriage has been anticipated since the Senior Bowl.
Round 6, Pick 182: Raequan Williams, DT, Michigan State
At this point in the draft, Lions fans were looking for depth players who possess enough upside to potentially knock off a player at an already established position. Williams is someone the Lions have kept tabs on the past few years and would put John Atkins and Kevin Strong on notice.
Erik’s take: Boise State wide receiver John Hightower received the fewest votes in this round but he would’ve been my pick despite already drafting Aiyuk and Duvernay. A pure vertical threat, Hightower is a perfect player in Darrell Bevell’s scheme and I expect him to be drafted much sooner than this.
Round 7, Pick 235: Jon Runyan, T/G, Michigan
A two-year starter at left tackle for the Wolverines, Runyan’s future in the NFL has always been at guard. If he ends up on the Lions, expect him to get the Joe Dahl treatment — a swing player who learns multiple positions for the first three years in the league and is a potential starter in year four.
Erik’s take: An underrated athlete who has the upside and NFL bloodlines to get a shot late in the draft and find a home as a reserve early in his career.