Quotes from the Lions’ beat: Praise for rookies during early days of training camp

During the first few days of Detroit Lions’ 2020 training camp, local beat writers have had lots of praise for the team’s rookies.

With no Spring camp, no preseason, and limited practices, rookies across the NFL were expected to be playing behind the eight-ball entering training camp.

“A lot of the rookies we’re trying to take it slow with,” Detroit Lions coach Matt Patricia said after Monday’s practice. “There’s a lot of information that they have to learn and certainly from a standpoint of being on the field for the first time in an NFL practice with pads on, there’s definitely just a lot coming at those guys from different directions.”

Despite the accelerated learning curve, and the Lions taking a slow approach, several Lions’ rookies have looked ahead of schedule during the early portions of training camp.

Lions Wire has yet to be out to Lions training camp this offseason — our turn in the rotation begins on Friday — but for now, let’s take a look at what the rest of the Lions beat writers have had to say through the first two practices.

Jonah Jackson starting at RG

Third-round pick Jonah Jackson was starting at right guard on Day 1 of padded practices and his consistent play earned positive remarks from all the Lions beat.

At his post-practice press conference, Patricia made sure to acknowledge that the guards have been rotating in training camp. “Really, Oday (Aboushi) and Kenny (Wiggins) and those guys have been working through there previous to getting out there today, so it’s kind of just a rotational thing that wound up being the first day of pads.”

But went he Lions took the field for the second day of practice, Jackson was once again holding down the starting position at right guard.

Quotes from the beat: “Rookie guard Jonah Jackson has gotten a lot of run with the first-team offense the first two days of padded practice at right guard. During an offense vs. defense run drill the rookie showed off his athleticism and power when he pulled left and pancaked Ragland right on his butt in one rep. It’s early, but Jackson has shown some good things through the first two days.” — Tim Twentyman, Detroit Lions senior writer’s Tuesday observations.

“The Lions didn’t trade up for Jackson in the third round for nothing.” — Kyle Meinke of MLive.

Jeff Okudah with the second team … for now

Expectations are that third overall pick Jeff Okudah will be one of the Lions starting cornerbacks when they open the regular season, but for now, he is having to earn that spot and is playing with the reserves.

Of note, Kenny Golladay mentioned that both he and Marvin Jones made a point of having Okudah skip the line in one-on-ones so they could match up against him because that’s the level “of competition (Okudah will) be seeing come Sunday.”

Quote from the beat: “As for Okudah, the expectation for most is he’ll be a Week 1 starter. But Patricia is going to make the rookie earn the job and he likes the way the competition is shaping up in the back end of the defense.” — Justin Rogers of the Detroit News.

D’Andre Swift catching on quickly

Second-round rookie running back D’Andre Swift is quickly living up to expectations — most notable because of his route running and pass-catching chops.

Swift mentioned that he feels really comfortable on the field already, and while he is still working to absorb the playbook as quickly as possible to earn the coaches’ trust, he has turned to veterans like Matthew Stafford, Kerryon Johnson, and Ty Johnson for advice.

Quote from the beat: “You’ve probably already seen every Lions beat guy Tweet about how rookie D’Andre Swift looked absolutely uncoverable as a receiver on Tuesday, and they’re all correct.” — Jeremy Reisman of pride of Detroit wrote after his Tuesday Observations.

Julian Okwara taking it slow

Julian Owara is a tremendous athlete and his attributes will likely be featured in situational pass-rushing roles early in the season. But, for Okwara to justify a spot on the roster he will need to expand his game more and that means contributing in other phases of the game.

Quote from the beat: “During individual drills, Okwara was mostly repping with special teams and not the linebackers. He got a fair amount of second and/or third-team jack linebacker reps, but it appears the Lions are trying to get him ready for a special teams role first and will rotate him into the regular defense later.” — Reisman’s observations from Tuesday.

Logan Stenberg competiting

For now, Logan Stenberg has been taking reps at third-string left guard behind starter Joe Dahl and veteran Oday Aboushi, as well as rotating through snaps at reserve center.

Quote from the beat: “Stenberg still has some bad habits to break. He’s still playing too tall out of his stance. He competes, but it’s not as clean (as Jackson) right now.” — Nick Baumgardner of the Athletic (subscription).

Quintez Cephus looks like he belongs

Fifth-round wide receiver has also gotten a handful of “he looks like he belongs” quotes from the beat and he is a player that appears on track for a contributing role early in the season.

Quote from the beat: “Back during the NFL Combine, Jeff Okudah said that the best receiver he went up against in college was Quintez Cephus. Well, Cephus proved him right on Tuesday, beating Okudah on back-to-back reps during one-on-ones.” Reisman’s observations.

Jashon Cornell suffers “pretty severe” injury

Seventh-round defensive lineman Jashon Cornell went down in practice on Tuesday and the early reports were bad. Things appeared worse when Patrica called his injury “pretty severe” in his post-practice presser, and took a final turn for worse when the Free Press’ Dave Birkett reported that it was an Achilles injury. If it’s a tear, he’s done for the season.

Quote from the beat: “Cornell, a seventh-round pick out of Ohio State, injured his left Achilles tendon during a one-on-one pass-rushing drill near the end of practice. He screamed in pain as he fell to the ground while making a move on guard Kenny Wiggins.” — Dave Birkett of the Free Press.

No quotes for these rookies yet

Jason Huntley, John Penisini, Hunter Bryant, Jalen Elliott, Bobby Price, Luke Sellers, Arryn Siposs, and Steve Wirtel have all flown a but under the radar early in camp but it’s still early.

Hunter Bryant labeled as UDFA most likely to make Lions 53-man roster

Bleacher Report’s Chris Roling named eight undrafted players likely to make an NFL team in 2020 and Lions tight end
Hunter Bryant topped the list.

Bleacher Report’s Chris Roling named eight undrafted rookies likely to make an NFL team in 2020 and Lions tight end Hunter Bryant topped the list.

“Hunter Bryant’s fall out of the draft was one of the more perplexing elements of the event’s third day,” Roling said. “A 6’2″ target with an Evan Engram-like (a first-round pick in 2017) skill set, Bryant posted 825 yards and three scores over 12 games in his farewell college season. His per-catch average at Washington never dipped below 15 yards over three years, and that 825 yards led the team in receiving for an attack that hardly got past the 3,000-yard mark.”

Most of the NFL Draft community would stand in agreement with Roling, as Bryant was almost universally considered the best player to go undrafted in this cycle and was considered the 98th best player on Arif Hasan’s (The Athletic) consensus 2020 NFL Draft board — a compiled list of draft boards from more than 50 NFL draft analysts and outlets, including Lions Wire’s own Jeff Risdon.

Pro Football Focus tabbed Bryant as the best tight end after the catch in this draft class, saying he was “head-and-shoulders above the rest” of the draft class and noting that “he broke 18 tackles on only 85 career catches and turned into a hulked-up wide receiver with the ball in his hands”.

The accolades for Bryant go on and on, and he offers the Lions a unique enough skill set that I also had him initially making the Lions roster in my Establishing the 53 series earlier this offseason.

But there are some obstacles in Bryant’s way that could hinder his ability to make the team. Will the team keep four tight ends? Can he pass Isaac Nauta on the depth chart? Will the influx of offensive skill players — including three drafted players and Jamal Agnew switching side of the ball — make his window of opportunity too small? And finally, Lions’ UDFA contract guarantees/bonuses point to others potentially being ahead of him on the Lions wish list.

Contractual guarantees and bonuses aren’t the final words in a player’s potential to make a roster, but they do point to how the team values them. Bryant was given $60,000 from the Lions to sign in Detroit, but defensive backs Jalen Elliot ($100,000) and Jeremiah Dinson ($80,000)  each received more money.

At the same time, Bryant’s guarantees/bonuses are more than the Lions typically give out — with only Elliot, Dinson, Beau Benschawel ($80,000), and Ryan Pope ($165,000) receiving more money over the last three seasons — indicating he’s still someone the Lions believe in.

At the end of the day, how Bryant performs in training camp will be the ultimate deciding factor in whether he makes the Lions roster and as Roling concluded, “his game is just different enough — he can be used out of the backfield and not just as a big-catch artist — that he might create a niche the coaches want to keep in town… The booming potential sure doesn’t hurt either.”

Exploring how Jamal Agnew’s position switch to WR impacts the Lions roster

Exploring how Jamal Agnew’s position switch from defensive back to wide receiver impacts the Detroit Lions 2020 roster.

Speculation about Detroit Lions Jamal Agnew possibly making a position switch came to the surface in a Pro Football Talk’s Peter King report on Monday. And now today, Dave Birkett of the Free Press is reporting that Agnew is indeed making a position switch from defensive back to wide receiver.

“Agnew has been attending virtual meetings with both the wide receivers and cornerbacks this spring,” Birkett said, “but the Lions plan to transition him exclusively to offense when they return to the field this summer.”

While Agnew is primarily known for his special teams return ability — he was the only player in the NFL to have a punt and kick return for a touchdown in 2019 — he has been featured on offense as a gadget player a handful of times (32 total) over his three-year career.

Last season Agnew saw 16 snaps on offense — 10 in the final week of the regular season — and all at wide receiver. The Lions apparently liked what they saw because according to Birkett, “the Lions approached him about making the conversion full time this spring.”

Agnew has shown the ability to be a weapon on special teams, but with the league moving away from special teams in the name of player safety, Agnew needed to show he can do more to get on the field.

If he can also perform as a reliable gadget option — as well as an emergency defensive back — he will make himself very valuable to a team who prioritizes versatility.

So how does Agnew’s switch impact the roster?

The first name that jumps to mind is fifth-round pick Jason Huntly, as he and Agnew are capable of being gadget players in the backfield, as well as slot options at wide receiver. But there are three things that cause me to pause in saying these two are in a pure head to head matchup. First, they play different positions, second, the Lions are desperate for speed on offense, and third, they planned on switching Agnew in the spring and still drafted Huntley, indicating they may have a plan for both.

The next name that comes to mind is the Lions other fifth-round pick wide receiver Quintez Cephus. While Agnew and Cephus play the same position, they are very different players and win in different ways — there’s also point three from above that still remains true.

But if Agnew is going to make the Lions 53-man roster on offense, it’ll be an offensive player that will have to be squeezed out.

In my latest 53-man roster projection, I examined the benefits of keeping a sixth wide receiver versus a fourth tight end and came away with undrafted rookie Hunter Bryant as my winner — based on the fact that he was an offensive weapon in the slot.

If Agnew can also prove to be an offensive weapon in the slot, while also contributing on special teams, he would push ahead of Bryant in my eyes.

With Bryant off my projection and Agnew switching sides of the ball, that creates a slot on defense — and this is an easy choice for me — as it now opens the door for safety/gunner C.J. Moore to jump back in the 53.

The opportunity is there for Agnew to expand his role and solidify a spot on the 53-man roster — now he just has to execute the plan.

Jamal Agnew sitting in on WR virtual meetings, per Peter King

Detroit Lions cornerback and returner Jamal Agnew may be expanding — or switching — positions per a Pro Football Talk’s Peter King report.

Detroit Lions cornerback and returner Jamal Agnew may be expanding — or switching — positions per a Pro Football Talk’s Peter King report.

The Lions are currently in Phase 2 of their Spring offseason program, which means teams can begin installing the playbook and handing out assignments to players. Wide receiver’s coach Robert Prince is trying to make the most of his two-hour “virtual classroom” sessions by explaining the nuances of route concepts in the Lions playbook.

King was allowed access to (at least) one of these meetings and a picture of a meeting was taken, which he published in his piece:

Photo credit to Peter King and Pro Football Talk.

Prince can be seen in the highlighted yellow box, as are all 11 of the Lions wide receivers, with Agnew (second row, far right) also in attendance.

The Lions including Agnew in this meeting isn’t overly unusual as they have used him as an offensive gadget player since he was drafted in 2017, including last year when he saw an additional 16 offensive snaps all coming at wide receiver.

But what stood out in the King piece was that he identified Agnew as “converted DB” — suggesting he was switching to the offensive side of the ball on a more permanent basis.

Now this could just be speculation by King, or maybe he is privy to some behind-the-scenes information of Agnew indeed making a position switch, but unfortunately, we likely won’t get a clear answer until fall training camp.

Regardless of his position title, Agnew’s inclusion in this meeting is notable as it points to the Lions — and Agnew — looking to find ways he can contribute this season.

Establishing the 53: Keeping a 6th WR vs a 4th TE

Examining the Detroit Lions pass-catching options and debating the value of keeping a sixth wide receiver versus a fourth tight end.

We are a long way from NFL training camps and even further from the regular season, but it’s never too early to examine and speculate about the Detroit Lions roster. Currently, the Lions have 90-players on their roster, and come September, there will likely be some difficult decisions to make when determining their final 53-players.

Previously, in this series of articles at Lions Wire, we rounded out the running backs group, declared a winner in the fullback versus H-back competition, and in this piece, we will explore the value of keeping a sixth wide receiver versus a fourth tight end.

Returning WR and TE starters

The Lions return all three wide receiver starters — Kenny Golladay, Marvin Jones, and Danny Amendola — and all three are expected to keep there starting spots.

At tight end, Jesse James technically started last season but T.J. Hockenson saw more snaps in 2019, despite missing the final five games of the season. Both return as the Lions top two tight ends, regardless of who starts.

Erik’s prediction: Based on contracts, roles, and talent, all five easily make the 53-man roster.

Key role players

He only played 127 snaps over nine games, but Marvin Hall was the vertical speed option the Lions offense had been searching for all last offseason. The Lions didn’t add another player with a skill set similar to Hall this offseason, indicating he is likely to return to his WR4/5 role.

Like Hall, the Lions don’t have another player like fifth-round pick Quintez Cephus on their roster. An inside-out option who will likely find success in the NFL as a big slot, there was a reason he was targeted in last month’s draft.

In a previous Establishing the 53 article, I laid out my reasoning for keeping Isaac Nauta as a third tight end/H-back option over Nick Bawden, citing positional versatility and health as difference makers.

Erik’s prediction: Hall, Cephus, and Nauta push the Lions pass-catching count to five wide receivers and three tight ends on the 53. Likely leaving, at most, one more skill player that could be added.

In the mix at WR6

With five receivers already locked in, the Lions final six rostered receivers — Geronimo Allison, Chris Lacy, Travis Fulgham, Tom Kennedy, Victor Bolden, and Geremy Davis — will be competing for the sixth wide receiver role. At this point in the offseason, you can probably cut these options in half, leaving the top-3 as realistic competitors.

Lacy and Fulgham battled all camp for a final spot on the roster with Lacy winning out, but only lasting two games on the active roster. He would join Fulgham on the practice squad for the majority of the year, but eventually, both were promoted to the active roster late in the season.

Allison was the Lions’ most notable free-agent wide receiver added this offseason, and like Cephus, he has inside-out potential, but they win in very different ways. His four years of NFL experience gives him a massive edge over Lacy and Fulgham.

Erik’s prediction: Allison is in the lead for the WR6 role but I am not ready to place him on the 53 just yet.

The wild card

A tight end in name only, Hunter Bryant (6-2, 240 pounds) is basically an oversized wide receiver who is a YAC (yards-after-catch) monster in the slot. Defenses will struggle to match up with him and Bryant has the potential to be a true wildcard in this offense.

Bryant gets knocked for his blocking — and rightfully so — but there is a foundation there, and with proper coaching, he should be able to improve his technique.

Erik’s prediction: If Bryant can prove his worth on special teams, he could lock up this final skill player spot early in training camp.

Conclusion

If the Lions are able to keep a WR6 or TE4, in my mind it will likely come down to Allison versus Bryant. Allison’s experience, ability to line up at multiple spots on the field, and contribute on special teams will be very appealing to the Lions, but Bryant’s upside may be too good to pass up.

At this point on the roster, the Lions are looking at a player who would likely see five to eight snaps a game, and would ideally someone who can give them an advantage every time they see the field.

Erik’s prediction: I’ll take the matchup nightmare, give me Bryant on the 53.

Breaking down the Lions 2020 UDFA contract guarantees and bonuses

Examining the Detroit Lions 2020 undrafted free agents’ contract guarantees/bonuses, and projecting how that impacts their roster status.

The Detroit Lions have signed all seven players from their 2020 undrafted free agent class and now their contract numbers, including guaranteed money and signing bonuses, are being released (via Overthecap.com).

The guaranteed money involved in UDFA contracts speaks to how much the team values a player but it doesn’t always guarantee them a spot on the 53-man roster or practice squad.

Looking back at 2019 and 2018 UDFA contracts

If we look at the last two years of Lions UDFA classes we can see players who receive the most money have a better shot at sticking around in some form, but if they are outperformed in training camp, the Lions have no issues moving on from them. Likewise, a player who wasn’t guaranteed a significant amount of money can also find themselves on the roster if they stand out in camp.

2019 roster/practice squad Total Guaranteed 2019 UDFA rank 2018 roster/practice squad Total Guaranteed 2018 UDFA rank
Beau Benzschawel (roster) $80,000 2nd Brandon Powell (roster) $44,000 1st
C.J. Moore (roster) $27,000 5th Mike Ford (PS/roster) $27,500 3rd
Matt Nelson (PS) $15,000 7th
Jon Duhart (PS) $10,000 8th
Kevin Strong (roster) $6,000 9th
Tom Kennedy (PS/roster) $0 11th

Last year, the Lions gave offensive tackle Ryan Pope a hefty $165,000 in guaranteed money but he was dominated in camp and to no one’s surprise, he was released before the regular season. Meanwhile, Beau Benschawel turned around his training camp, developing quickly down the stretch, and earned a spot on the active roster. Kevin Strong was the surprise camp darling last fall, significantly outperforming his guaranteed money, but the biggest winner was Tom Kennedy, who didn’t initially receive a UDFA contract — he had to earn one via a try out — and thus had zero guarantees in his deal.

2020 UDFA contracts

Despite having a smaller UDFA class this cycle, the Lions stayed relatively consistent with how they distributed their money, investing in four key players at the top, while handing out smaller bonuses to players who could surprise.

Total Guaranteed Salary Roster bonus 2020 Cap Hit
Jalen Elliott $100,000 $85,000 $15,000 $615,000
Jeremiah Dinson $80,000 $50,000 $30,000 $620,000
Arryn Siposs $65,000 $50,000 $15,000 $615,000
Hunter Bryant $60,000 $40,000 $20,000 $616,666
Steve Wirtel $22,000 $15,000 $7,000 $612,333
Luke Sellers $10,000 $5,000 $5,000 $611,666
Bobby Price $0 $0 $0 $610,000

It’s worth noting that Elliott received more guaranteed money than Benschawel, Dinson the same amount, while Siposs and Bryant earned more than any other UDFA in 2019 and every UDFA in 2018. Looking solely at the money, it’s fair to say the Lions are hoping those four play well enough to challenge for a roster spot.

Beyond the money, it’s fair to say those four also have the best chance among the UDFAs of earning a roster spot. Eliott and Dinson will challenge last year’s UDFA special teams ace C.J. Moore, while Siposs is in a two-man competition with Jack Fox for the punter job, and Bryant’s skillset may require him to beat out last year’s seventh-round tight end Isaac Nauta or a sixth wide receiver.

When the Lions head into training camp, based on the guaranteed money and opportunities available, Eliott, Dinson, Siposs, and Bryant are the names to watch.

QIB study of Lions draft class points to an expansion in offensive philosophy

When using Quinn Influenced Benchmarks (QIB) to examine the Detroit Lions 2020 draft class, there appears to be a shift happening on offense.

Quinn Influenced Benchmarks (QIB) — the study of Detroit Lions general manager Bob Quinn’s draft tendencies — has been a staple of Lions Wire draft coverage for the last few seasons, but with the COVID pandemic canceling Pro Days, the process and available data took a massive hit.

As the world adjusts to the changing environment, so does QIB.

Here, we take a slightly modified look at the athletic markers produced by the offensive players in Lions 2020 Draft/UDFA class and apply practical reasoning to predict any changes in the Lions approach to player acquisition or scheme changes for the upcoming season.

Lions add speed to an explosive backfield

D’Andre Swift (2nd) and Jason Huntley (5th)

Explosivity (Burst rate) has always been a targeted trait at running back but in a trend that started last year with Ty Johnson, Quinn has begun adding a speed element (40-yard-dash) into the equation.

Note: NFL Top-30 RB 40 y/d average is 4.54, while a burst score of 120 is above-average and 130 is elite.

Height Weight 40 Burst rate
Kerryon Johnson 5114 213 4.52 131.00
D’Andre Swift 5082 212 4.48 120.85
Bo Scarbrough 6013 228 4.52 132.50
Ty Johnson 5106 213 4.4 120.15
Jason Huntley 5084 182 4.4 132.65
Wes Hills 6005 209 N/A N/A

QIB has previously factored in running backs agility scores (3-cone and short shuttle) but only K. Johnson and Huntly tested in this area, and their scores were just average, which indicates a decreased level of importance on the QIB scale.

Athletically, the Lions were already above average at the position, but with the six backs on the roster, the Lions have two with every-down potential (K. Johnson and Swift), two speed/kick returner options (T. Johnson and Huntley), and two power-based runners (Scarbrough and Hills). Add in the fact that K. Johnson, Swift, and Huntley are above-average pass-catchers, and the Lions have a variety of backs who can play in multiple situations.

While the Lions recent run scheme has focused on inside zone runs, both rookie backs have the speed to get to the edge, and home-run potential, which should open up the types of blocking schemes available to offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell.

Exploring the Lions 2020 Draft class via PFF superlatives

Exploring the Detroit Lions 2020 Draft class via Pro Football Focus’ Pre-draft superlatives lists.

It’s no secret the Detroit Lions drafted a lot of Pro Football Focus’ favorites in this draft class — they gave the Lions an “A” grade overall — so it also shouldn’t be overly surprising that several of the Lions’ rookies also landed on a handful of PFF’s pre-draft articles.

One collection of articles that featured several Lions, was PFF’s 2020 NFL Draft superlatives series. These articles are always solid reads ahead of the draft, but it’s also fun to review them to better understand some of the Lions’ new players.

Note: keep in mind the questions below were asked and answered by PFF and cover the entire 2020 NFL Draft class.

Best CB in man coverage: Jeff Okudah

“Okudah’s combination of physicality at the line of scrimmage and makeup-burst out of his cuts is second to none in the draft class,” PFF’s Michael Renner said. “He’s so darn consistent snap-to-snap that it’s difficult to see him ‘busting’ in the NFL.”

The Lions feature a ton of man coverage in their scheme and landing the top player in this skill set has to make Lions fans feel warm inside.

Okudah also landed honorable mentions in several other PFF superlatives categories including, “Best CB in zone coverage”, “Best CB in press coverage”, and “Most fun to watch”.

Best receiving RB: D’Andre Swift

“Swift is the modern do-it-all running back,” Renner said. “His ability to torch linebackers one-on-one as a route-runner is what we here at PFF covet more than any other skill at the position. Over the course of his Georgia career, he hauled in 73 passes for 666 yards and five scores while breaking 19 tackles and dropping three targets.”

Best pass setting OL: Jonah Jackson

“This is a hotly contested superlative and quite easily the one you want to win on this list,” Renner said. “. At the end of the day, though, Jackson’s consistency takes the cake. The Ohio State guard uses his hands exceptionally well already and gets on guys immediately at the snap with his short sets. Of his 10 pressures allowed this past season, only one came one-on-one in pass protection. The rest were on stunts, miscommunications or pulling. That secures him the top spot for us.”

Most fun EDGE rusher to watch: Julian Okwara (honorable mention)

Chase Young won this category for PFF but Okwara was number two on the list. With Okwara’s recognition here, each of the Lions’ first four draft picks were highlighted by PFF pre-draft. But it wasn’t just drafted Lions’ players who were recognized, some undrafted players also made superlatives lists.

Best TE after the catch: Hunter Bryant

“This is where the Washington tight end is head-and-shoulders above the rest,” Renner said. “He broke 18 tackles on only 85 career catches and turned into a hulked-up wide receiver with the ball in his hands. He can not only pinball off would-be tacklers, but also shake defenders in the open field.”

Best tackling DB: Jeremiah Dinson (Honorable mention)

Dinson’s addition has flown a bit under the radar as the Lions appear loaded at safety, but if he is going to make the 53-man roster, his elite tackling ability could be his ticket.

Every Lions Wire article about the Lions’ 2020 draft class

A comprehensive collection of every Lions Wire article about the Detroit Lions’ 2020 draft class, including undrafted free agents.

During the 2020 NFL Draft, the Detroit Lions drafted nine players and signed seven undrafted free agents. Articles were produced at a rapid pace and it’s possible some fans may have missed some of Lions Wire’s coverage.

So in order to make sure we’ve got you covered, here is every article we wrote about all 16 players acquired by the Lions both during and after the draft.

1st round, pick 3: Jeff Okudah

Lions select CB Jeff Okudah

Instant analysis

Grading the Lions selection

Where he fits on the Lions depth chart

5 things to know

Draft guide evaluations

National grades

Career highlights on and off the field

Lions players welcome Okudah

Detroit Lions Breakdown Podcast: Jeff Okudah

2nd round, pick 35: D’Andre Swift

Lions select RB D’Andre Swift

Instant analysis

Grading the Lions selection

Where he fits on the Lions depth chart

5 things to know

Draft guide evaluations

Career highlights

D’Andre Swift has 2nd-best odds to win Offensive Rookie of the Year

Swift selection shows Lions’ shifting priorities away from the “Patriot Way”

D’Andre Swift’s dad is absolutely jacked

3rd round, pick 67: Julian Okwara

Lions select EDGE Julian Okwara

Instant analysis

Grading the Lions selection

Where he fits on the Lions depth chart

5 things to know

Draft guide evaluations

Career highlights

Bob Quinn on Julian Okwara: ‘an easy send-in-the-pick’ choice

Meet Julian Okwara, Notre Dame’s dominant pass-rushing prospect

Watch: Julian Okwara to older brother Romeo, “We about to be roommates”

Julian Okwara ‘excited to get to work’ with brother Romeo in Detroit

3rd round, pick 75: Jonah Jackson

Lions trade up, select IOL Jonah Jackson

Instant analysis

Grading the Lions selection

Where he fits on the Lions depth chart

5 things to know

Draft guide evaluations

Career highlights

4th round, pick 121: Logan Stenberg

Lions select OG Logan Stenberg

Instant analysis

Grading the Lions selection

5 things to know

Draft guide evaluations

Meet Logan Stenberg, Kentucky’s mauler of an OL prospect

5th round, pick 166: Quintez Cephus

Lions select WR Quintez Cephus

Instant analysis

Grading the Lions selection

Where he fits on the Lions depth chart

Draft guide evaluations

Breaking down Lions WR Quintez Cephus with Wisconsin insider Owen Riese

Watch: Matt Waldman breaks down WR Quintez Cephus game film

Meet Quintez Cephus, Wisconsin’s big-play WR prospect

5th round, pick 172: Jason Huntley

Lions select RB/KR Jason Huntley

Instant analysis

Grading the Lions selection

Jason Huntley, Ty Johnson competing for the same role in crowded Lions backfield

5 things to know

6th round, pick 197: John Penisini

Lions select John Penisini

Instant analysis

Grading the Lions selection

Where he fits on the Lions depth chart

5 things to know

Draft guide evaluations

Penisini is one of the top low-risk, high-reward prospects in draft class, per PFF

7th round, pick 235: Jashon Cornell

Lions select Jashon Cornell

Grading the Lions selection

5 things to know

Undrafted free agents

2020 Lions UDFA tracker

Lions agree to terms with 7 UDFAs to 2020 roster

Hunter Bryant was the top-rated UDFA based on consensus draft boards

Hunter Bryant evaluations from 2020 NFL Draft guides

Jalen Elliott evaluations from 2020 NFL Draft guides

Meet Jalen Elliott, the vocal leader of the Notre Dame defense

Jeremiah Dinson evaluations from 2020 NFL Draft guides and path to the roster projection

WATCH: Lions UDFA punter Arryn Siposs has an amazing Australian highlight

Trade market

Schefter: Lions did not receive a trade offer for the No. 3 pick

Bob Quinn explains why no worthwhile trade offers came to the Lions

Bob Quinn on draft smokescreens: ‘much easier said than done’

Bob Quinn refutes report of backing out of Day 2 trade with the Texans

Lions trade No. 109 pick to the Raiders for two picks

Entire 2020 draft class

Presenting the Detroit Lions 2020 draft class

National media hand out several ‘A’ grades for Lions 2020 draft class

Evaluating the Relative Athletic Score for the Lions 2020 draft class

Detroit Lions Breakdown podcast, Episode 149: Draft class review

4 things I learned about the Lions from the 2020 NFL Draft

Breaking down the Lions’ Ohio State draft picks with Eleven Warriors’ Dan Hope

Recapping the Lions draft return from the Darius Slay trade

Hunter Bryant was the top-rated UDFA based on consensus draft boards

New Lions TE Hunter Bryant was the top-rated UDFA based on consensus draft boards

The Detroit Lions scored the top-rated undrafted free agent from the 2020 class in tight end Hunter Bryant. The Washington TE wound up with the highest average ranking from draft analysts for any player not selected in last weekend’s draft.

Arif Hasan of The Athletic compiled a meaty list of draft boards from more than 50 NFL draft analysts and outlets (disclaimer: my own board was included). Bryant finished as the No. 98 overall player on those boards. Yet he went unselected after the 255 picks.

Bryant wasn’t the only prominent tight end who went undrafted. Second on the list was LSU’s Thaddeus (son of Randy) Moss. His Huskies teammate Trey Adams, an offensive tackle, is fifth on the list. Bryant was the only Lions signee to crack the top 25 in the consensus rankings.

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