With the NFL draft inching closer and with the latest news of a “virtual” draft on the horizon, experts are trying to make their final predictions as to what teams might do come draft day. The latest mock draft comes from our brother site Draftwire, where editor Luke Easterling projects a 3-round mock for each team.
Easterling selected Okudah for the Lions in his last mock draft and decided the fit is too good to change it up. Okudah has been a popular selection for the Lions even before the Darius Slay trade. He is barred none the best cornerback prospect in this draft class and isn’t even close. He will significantly help a Lions secondary who desperately needs someone opposite Desmond Trufant. Okudah’s skill set matches precisely what the Lions are looking for in the cornerbacks and would be a welcomed addition and bring fresh blood into the cornerback room.
Without any trades in this mock, TCU’s defensive lineman Ross Blacklock was tagged as the Lions’ second-round selection. Blacklock is a versatile lineman who can play at the 1 and 3 techs and offers more as a pass rusher than a run stuffer. For a 300 pound behemoth, his athleticism is top-notch, allowing him to bully guards and wreak havoc in the backfield, but may over pursuit from time to time. With the Lions’ potential switch to even man fronts, Blacklock could slide right in a defensive lineup who desperately needs lineman.
Another defensive lineman, the Lions could look to grab who was still available, is Justin Madubuike, who would fit perfectly if the Lions go towards a defensive scheme change.
With their first third selection, fan-favorite, and Senior Bowl standout, Josh Uche was the choice. Uche opened a lot of eyes at the Senior Bowl, especially with Lions, as they got a first-hand look at the versatile defender. He has a rare blend of a sharp bend and twitch, plus with his freakishly long arms, he was able to win on 28.2% of his generated pressures — good for second-best in the FBS.
Spoken to teams caught up on Josh Uche’s low snap % at Michigan. Smart GMs won’t over-think this. Many teams did same thing with Alvin Kamara because he didn’t start at Tennessee. Sometimes colleges just don’t know what they have. @_Uche35 is the most versatile LB in this draft. pic.twitter.com/NkOGw3db8T
— Jim Nagy (@JimNagy_SB) March 30, 2020
He is a more athletic version of Devon Kennard but would play more in the WILL position than the JACK because of his strong coverage ability. With how the Lions love players who bring multiple attributes, Uche will be a substantial force for a team that is in a desperate need for an EDGE presence.
The pick the Lions acquired in the Slay trade was used on wide receiver Donovan Peoples-Jones, their first and only offensive player in this mock. Peoples-Jones production was lacking at his time in Michigan, but the questionable quarterback play did not help him at all. He processes all the athletic traits you are looking for in a receiver, and versatile enough to play at any receiver spot, but probably best as a big slot. Given the Lions need at receiver, this was the best option available this late in the draft.
Easterling does a great job of not only finding players in areas of need, but scheme fits as well for the Lions, especially on the defensive side of the ball. The only area I would’ve addressed earlier is the receiver position. Brandon Aiyuk and K.J. Hamler were available in the second, and Bryan Edwards was there for the Lions’ at the top of the third. I would have no qualms if the Lions tagged one of these receivers in lieu of the other selections.
