Tag: D’Andre Swift

#OnePride Q/A: Fan reactions to the Lions’ 2020 draft class

We asked #OnePride nation how they felt of the Detroit Lions’ 2020 draft class ranging from favorite player to biggest reach

With the 2020 draft in the books, we are inching closer to the training camps and getting to see the drafted players in action.

Many analysts and fans gave the Detroit Lions glowing reviews on their draft haul, as they addressed many of their most significant weaknesses, but to get an even deep look at fan’s perspectives, we at Lions Wire gauged the #OnePride fanbase’s thoughts on the Lions’ draft class via Twitter polls.

Favorite pick?

Zack’s take: I omitted Jeff Okudah because I wanted to get thoughts outside of the first round.

This was tight back-and-forth between D’Andre Swift and Julian Okwara, but eventually Swift ran away with it. This result really shouldn’t be overly surprising as many fans were begging for a running back early and even general manager Bob Quinn was excited Swift was still on the board in the second round.

Swift will look to be a compliment with Kerryon Johnson in the backfield and give Matthew Stafford a new dynamic weapon. I was surprised the Lions took a running back this early, but after seeing what they did later in the draft, the more this pick made sense.

Least favorite pick?

Zack’s take: After the Lions drafted Jonah Jackson and Logan Stenberg at guard along with Swift earlier, the Lions focus on improving the running game was evident. Most thought they were finished, but Quinn doubled down on running back in the fifth round by selecting Jason Huntley.

Adding Huntley did feel like a luxury pick but Quinn is always looking for competition amongst the roster and Huntley will likely compete with Ty Johnson at running back and possibly Jamal Agnew on returns.

Best value?

Zack’s take: After rarely addressing the pass rush in previous drafts, Quinn tagged EDGE Julian Okwara in the third round. If it wasn’t for Okwara breaking his leg last season, expectations were he would have gone significantly sooner. Luckily for the Lions, he dropped, making Quinn a happy man.

Okwara was PFF’s No. 28 overall player, and the Lions were able to land him with the 67th overall pick, nabbing one of the better value picks in the draft.

Fun fact: Using PFF’s big board, the best value pick for the Lions wasn’t Okwara, it was John Penisini, who was their 104th overall player, and the Lions selected him at pick 197.

Biggest reach?

Zack’s take: It was challenging to nitpick the Lions draft class. Up and down, the Lions seemed to nail value with position needs with their selections. Some would’ve preferred to wait on running back, but as the draft progressed, running backs quickly became a hot commodity on Day 2. Doubling up on guard was a head-scratcher at first, but with a focus on the running game, the Lions needed maulers. As I mentioned before, as the draft progressed, it was clear Quinn had a plan in mind and executed it almost flawlessly.

The player that got a few mentions as a possible reach was Huntley for the same reasons that were mentioned above. Beyond that, the majority agreed the Lions got players who fit perfectly into the plan both Quinn and coach Matt Patricia were looking to execute.

Keep your eyes open for future questions. We would love to hear your thoughts. If you have any questions, you’d like to see answered, send a message, or leave a comment with your question. Thank you to all Lions fans and the #OnePride nation.