#OnePride 2020 Lions Fan Mock Draft 5.0

This is the fifth edition of Lions Wire’s facilitated #OnePride 2020 Lions Fan Mock Draft, where we present the options and fans vote the pick.

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.

Vikings draft 3 WRs in The Athletic mock draft

After trading Stefon Diggs to the Buffalo Bills, the Vikings are in desperate need of depth at the wide receiver position.

In the latest mock draft from The Athletic, the Vikings take three receivers in the draft, although none with their two first-round picks.

With their second-round pick (58th overall), the Vikings take Arizona State wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk. Aiyuk had a breakout 2019 season, catching 65 catches for 1,192 yards and eight touchdowns. He also has the ability to return kicks and punts, which would be a plus for the Vikings.

With their first sixth-round pick (201st overall), the Vikings draft Wisconsin wide receiver Quintez Cephus. Cephus is coming off a 59-catch, 901-yard, seven-touchdown season with the Badgers.

And finally, with their second seventh-round pick (249th overall), the Vikings draft Rhode Island wide receiver Aaron Parker. Parker had 1,224 receiving yards and nine touchdowns as a senior.

After Adam Thielen, the Vikings don’t have a lot of depth at receiver. There’s Tajae Sharpe and Bisi Johnson. Whoever is taken in the draft at receiver by the Vikings will get every opportunity to succeed.

Scouting breakdown: The 11 best receivers in the 2020 NFL draft

A star-studded crop of wide receivers look to crash the NFL. Where do CeeDee Lamb, Jerry Jeudy and the rest stack up for the 2020 NFL Draft?

Every year, narratives emerge around the NFL Draft. Often, they can be position-related. For example, I’m old enough to remember when the 2017 quarterback class was considered fool’s gold, and that the 2018 quarterback group was the one to get excited for. Well, someone forgot to tell Deshaun Watson and Patrick Mahomes that…

But sometimes the narratives are reasonable. Ask anyone about this year’s draft and the first thing that usually comes up is how talented and deep this wide receiver group is. That narrative is spot on. This is an incredibly talented group. Look at any “Top 50” list and count the number of wideouts. Of these next 11 prospects, you could make a case any of the first ten players to be a first-round selection. This group is just that good.

Now as a result, it can be hard to rank them. In some cases it might just come down to a matter of personal preference. There is almost no way to incorrectly rank these players, given just how talented they are. Furthermore, drop any of these prospects into a different draft class and whether they are at the top of this list or near the bottom, they are likely pushing for the top spot in another class.

Again, this group is that good.

In fact, it was tough limiting this list to just 11 players. Some who did not make this cut are also fantastic prospects, who could be drafted late on Day Two or even early on Day Three and be immediate contributors. If I wanted to, I could probably put together a list of 25 good-to-great prospects at the WR position from this draft class.

Now that I think about it, I could not.

(I don’t believe that, I just don’t want my editors to get any ideas…)

Editor’s Note: Eyes on the prize, bud.

On to the rankings.

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Touchdown Wire’s 2020 NFL Draft rankings: Top 25 offensive players

LSU quarterback Joe Burrow leads the way in this year’s draft class, followed by an abundance of impact wide receivers and linemen.

2020 NFL Draft: The 6 best wide receivers the Jets should target

Jets Wire takes a look at six of the top wide receivers in the 2020 NFL draft that the Jets should target with picks No. 11 or No. 48.

The wide receiver position has been the talk of the draft thus far.

Even though it’s increasingly likely that there will be no wideouts taken within the top 10 picks, the group of receivers is the deepest position in this draft class. Everyone has a favorite to pick, but fortunately for Gang Green’s sake, there are many receiving threats to be had. It’s likely that there could be over 20 receivers gone by the time Day 2 of the draft is completed.

So, which top wide receivers should the Jets target between picks Nos. 11 and 48? Let’s take a look at the best players to keep an eye on.

CeeDee Lamb, Oklahoma

CeeDee Lamb played in a fast-pace offense at Oklahoma that allowed him to light the college football world on fire. In 2019, Lamb was named a first-team Associated Press All-American and a Biletnikoff Award finalist. He also earned first-team All-Big 12 honors. In 13 starts, he led the Sooners with 62 receptions for 1,327 yards and 14 touchdowns.

A playmaker, Lamb’s ball skills and explosiveness after the catch should enable him to become a dominant No. 1 option at wide receiver for years to come.

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Touchdown Wire’s 2020 NFL Draft rankings: Top 25 offensive players

LSU quarterback Joe Burrow leads the way in this year’s draft class, followed by an abundance of impact wide receivers and linemen.

With the 2020 NFL Draft fast approaching, it is time to start finalizing draft boards. Not just for NFL teams, but for the team here at Touchdown Wire. Here is Touchdown Wire’s list of the top 25 offensive prospects in the 2020 draft class.

1. Joe Burrow, QB, LSU

The list begins with the player expected to be the first pick off the board when the 2020 NFL Draft begins. Joe Burrow led LSU to a national championship last season and rewrote record books along the way. But the reasons he is the top offensive player — in addition to positional value — are the traits he brings to the table as a prospect.

Competitive toughness. Accuracy. Pocket management. Plus the ability to do all the little things that matter at the position, such as manipulating defenders with his eyes and throwing with anticipation. The Cincinnati Bengals are this close to finally having their quarterback … unless a team breaks the bank to trade up to the first spot.

2. CeeDee Lamb, WR, Oklahoma

In a talented and deep wide receiver class, the players clustered near the top might just be a matter of personal preference. Lamb, Jerry Jeudy and Henry Ruggs III are all potential game-changers at WR. Lamb edges out the rest due to his combination of explosiveness, catch radius, route-running and ability after the catch. Some might knock him for a lack of elite speed, but with his route-running, ability after the catch and how he sets up defenders on his cuts and breaks, the little things he has mastered make up for the lack of 4.4 speed.

3. Jerry Jeudy, WR, Alabama

Football is a game of angles. Listen to Bill Belichick talk about angles in the blocking part of the game, and you will understand. That also matters for a wide receiver, how you set up and then break away from cornerbacks, how you exploit their leverage advantages, and how you attack their alignment off the line. Jeudy is a master at that part of playing wide receiver. He also brings great deep speed, elite hands and an ability to turn any play into a touchdown regardless of route. He was used predominantly as a slot receiver last season, but he has the short-area quickness and explosiveness to beat press when he transitions to the NFL.

4. Tua Tagovailoa, QB, Alabama

Obviously the medical picture might cloud Tagovailoa’s outlook in the draft, but based on what he can do on the field, the Alabama passer has to be considered one of the top offensive players in the draft. He possesses a lightning-quick release with a compact throwing motion, drawing comparisons to Jimmy Garoppolo in that regard. He also has the athleticism to extend plays outside of the pocket and keep a defense honest with what he can do as a runner. Tagovailoa is an accurate passer in the short and intermediate areas of the field, ideal for most NFL offenses. There are things he needs to clean up, such as his vision in the post-snap phase of the play, but if the medicals check out, he is a solid prospect at the game’s most important position.

5. Jedrick Wills Jr., OT, Alabama

Similar to the wide receiver position, the offensive tackle group has great talent at the top, so ranking the “Big Four” tackles might come down to a matter of scheme fit or team needs. We can start with Wills, the Alabama right tackle who has been a mainstay on their offensive line the past two seasons. He gave up a single sack and just five quarterback hits during his career with the Crimson Tide. Wills is also a dominant player in the run game, and he has the power to handle gap/man assignments but also the footwork and agility to function well in a zone blocking scheme. What might hurt him in the eyes of some is that he has spent his career at right tackle, and teams looking for a LT might look at someone with more experience at that spot.

6. Andrew Thomas, OT, Georgia

If an NFL team is looking for that “plug and play” starter at left tackle, Thomas is likely their man. He was a focal part of the Bulldogs’ offensive line for the past three seasons and made the switch to left tackle prior to the 2018 campaign. Last year, his second at LT, he gave up just one sack and eight quarterback hurries, and did not allow a single QB hit. Thomas is also a force in the ground game. The Georgia offense did give him help, running a lot of play-action, and he often worked with a tight end aligned around him, but his traits and execution translate well to the pro game.

7. Henry Ruggs III, WR, Alabama

“Speed kills.” “You can’t teach speed.” Whatever your favorite sports cliche about speed is, dust it off and bring it to your evaluation of Ruggs. The Alabama wideout has speed to burn and showed that both on film and at the Scouting Combine, where he posted a blazing 4.24 40-yard dash. Ruggs has more than just the jets in his toolkit; he is a solid route-runner, tracks the ball well in the vertical game and is unafraid to work over the middle. But when you have the potential to take a simple slant route to the house on any given snap, you’re going to be coveted in the NFL.

8. Tristan Wirfs, OT, Iowa

The Iowa product is another dominant force at right tackle. Wirfs turned heads at the combine when he posted a 4.85 40-yard dash after weighing in at 6-5 and 320 pounds. For reference, that is a faster 40-yard dash than quarterback Jake Fromm, who ran a 5.01 40. Wirfs is another plug-and-play type of offensive lineman, coming from an offense at Iowa that ran a variety of rushing concepts and tasked him with a lot from a pass protection standpoint. He also has the chance to play both right and left tackle, having seen 161 snaps at LT last season. With his athleticism and strength, Wirfs could be a mainstay at tackle for the next 10 years for the team that drafts him.

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Colts’ 7-round mock draft 3.0

Entering the month of April, here’s a full mock draft.

The Indianapolis Colts have entered the month of April, which means the 2020 NFL draft is right around the corner—and a new crop of rookies is set to arrive in Indy.

While we still don’t have a true idea of how the Colts will go about their draft, some of the moves in free agency point toward a certain approach when they are on the clock on Day 2.

After heavily addressing the defense in free agency, here’s a look at a mock draft for the Colts entering the month of April using The Draft Network’s mock draft simulator:

No. 34 | Ezra Cleveland | OT | Boise State

Cleveland already has ties to the Colts in the pre-draft process. He’s had contact with the Colts even though meetings are prohibited in person. Even with Anthony Castonzo returning, Cleveland would be the perfect eventual successor on the left side.

What intrigues Cleveland the most in going to the Colts is his technique on the outside. He’s very proficient in run blocking and has that aggressive, mauler attitude that the Colts love in their offensive linemen.

Couple in the fact that he’s an excellent athlete and he seems like the perfect offensive line prospect in the draft for Indy.

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Ravens find value filling needs in Draft Wire’s 4-round mock draft

In Draft Wire’s latest mock draft, the Ravens fill their biggest needs and get solid value in the middle rounds of the 2020 NFL Draft

We’re past the first big wave of NFL free agency for 2020. Big trades have been pulled off, signings have been made and the league has announced the compensatory picks for the 2020 NFL Draft. All that’s left now is what will happen on draft day.

With all the comp picks in place and free agency changing major needs for most teams, Luke Easterling of Draft Wire put together a four-round mock draft. Easterling has the Ravens filling their major needs and getting some solid value along the way.

Here’s who he has the Ravens taking with those seven picks in the 2020 NFL Draft.

1st round (No. 28): RB Jonathan Taylor, Wisconsin

While I still don’t buy that the Ravens will grab a running back this early, Easterling’s reasoning is pretty sound for grabbing Taylor here. For one, Taylor is a much better player than his late first-round draft status would indicate, making him a solid value. Secondly, it does fill one of Baltimore’s eventual needs with Mark Ingram now over 30 years old and Edwards on a one-year ERFA deal.

With bigger needs for the Ravens at wide receiver, linebacker and pass rusher still remaining, Baltimore might be better going after guys like Yetur Gross-Matos, Justin Jefferson or Patrick Queen, who were all still on the board at No. 28.

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Brandon Aiyuk’s possible draft slide might be Bengals’ gain

Brandon Aiyuk might be a name to keep in mind for the Bengals on draft day.

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It’s never a positive thing when a player begins to slide during the NFL’s pre-draft process. The draft is the fulfillment of life long dreams for these kids, and as human beings, we want to see as many people attain their goals as possible. HOWEVER, draft slides are an unfortunate reality of this enterprise, and astute teams do attain value when players fall from exalted perches (think the Eric Steinbach fall or perhaps more immediately clarifying, Chad Johnson’s fall after his poor workout in 2001). In my inaugural piece for Bengals Wire I pegged Brandon Aiyuk for the Bengals’ third-round pick, but included this qualifier:

“I don’t know if I expect a fall of this magnitude from Aiyuk come the 24^th, but if he does slide and the Bengals haven’t taken a WR in the second round, you’d have to think that he’d be a strong consideration at 65.

According to Matt Miller from the Bleacher Report, a fall of that magnitude could be more possible than originally expected. Miller had this to say about Aiyuk in his most recent Scouting Notebook.

“Brandon Aiyuk’s draft stock could be falling in comparison with where most media evaluators have him. One NFL head coach asked me this week if Aiyuk could be had in Round 3. Another lead scout, when asked where they expected Aiyuk to be drafted, also replied with a “late 2, early 3” grade.”

If the league concurs with that assessment and Aiyuk is available at the top of the third round, the Bengals might be primed to add to the talent of their receiver room without having to expend either of their top two picks in the 2020 draft, a boon for a team that could stand to add an offensive lineman or a versatile player like Zack Baun at pick No. 33.

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Colts stock up on offense in CBS Sports mock draft

A look at CBS Sports’ latest mock draft.

With some additions made to the defensive side of the ball, the Indianapolis Colts are likely looking at some offensive pieces in the upcoming 2020 NFL draft.

With needs at wide receiver, tight end and depth along the offensive line, there is a chance that the Colts take advantage of some of these positions with some of their Day 2 picks.

In the latest three-round mock draft from Ryan Wilson of CBS Sports, that’s exactly what the Colts did. Here’s a look at what the haul was:

34. Brandon Aiyuk | WR | Arizona State

“After trading their first-rounder for DeForest Buckner, the Colts circle back at the top of the second round to get one of the most explosive wideouts in this draft. Aiyuk is a four-down player who is only going to get better with experience.” – Ryan Wilson

Aiyuk would be a great fit for the Colts offense. He could work both in the slot and on the outside while giving them an explosive and vertical threat for Philip Rivers. There are concerns about beating press coverage, but the Colts could use his skill set from Day 1.

44. Robert Hunt | OL | Louisiana-Lafayette

“The Colts offense is strong up front, but the depth behind the starting unit is suspect. That’s where Hunt comes in.” – Ryan Wilson

The Colts have their starting five on the front line, but depth is needed. Hunt has areas to develop and it isn’t clear where he would primarily work in terms of on the edge or the interior, but there are plenty of traits to intrigue the Colts.

75. Cole Kmet | TE | Notre Dame

“The Colts said goodbye to Eric Ebron, but they’ll have options to fill that void on Day 2 or possibly later. Here, they pick up arguably the top tight end in the class.” – Ryan Wilson

Kmet has the size and speed to be a mismatch for the Colts. He can work best as a receiving tight end while his blocking develops—hopefully with some help from Jack Doyle. The Colts love to use tight ends and there is a chance they look to invest in the position on Day 2, though most would likely expect Chris Ballard to wait.