Editor Erik Schlitt’s is taking the helm for Lions Wire’s final Detroit Lions 7-round mock draft of the offseason.
Draft day trades are common but wildly unpredictable, therefore, this exercise focuses only on picking prospects in the draft slots the Lions currently hold.
Round 1, pick 3, Jeff Okudah, CB, OSU
6-1, 205, 32.63″ arm length, burst rate: 137.2 (#1 for CB in class)
It’s been my opinion all offseason that the Lions want to walk out of Day 1 with either Chase Young or Okudah. With Young likely being selected at pick No. 2 overall, the Lions will surely listen to trade offers for the No. 3 pick, but at the end of the day, they’ll be happy to land their guy.
2.35, A.J. Epenesa, EDGE, Iowa
6-5, 275, 34.5″ arm length, can play DDE and 3T
Epenesa’s stock has been falling since the Combine, but as far as the Lions are concerned, he’s still likely a Top-10 player on their draft board. Epenesa is a perfect scheme fit, can rotate with Trey Flowers and Romeo Okwara at down defensive end, as well as inside at the 3-technique with Da’Shawn Hand and Nick Williams — giving the entire defensive line an immediate boost.
3.67, Robert Hunt, RT/G, Louisiana
6-5, 323, 33.5″ arm length, 28 starts at RT, 22 at LG, 2 at LT
A true road grader who was a featured blocker in the Cajuns run-heavy scheme, Hunt has the ability to step in at either tackle of guard — though he is projected to have more success inside. Putting him next to Hal Vaitai would give the Lions a pair of 6-5, 320+ pound position flexible offensive lineman who excel at run blocking, regardless of who plays where on the right side.
3.85, McTelvin Agim, IDL, Arkansas
6-3, 309, 33.5″ arm length, 1-year starter at 3T, 3-year starter at DE
Agim has been my sleeper for a while now and nothing has changed my mind to move him off this spot. An experienced 2-gapper who excels against the run, possesses several pass-rushing moves, is aggressive with his hands, understands how to create leverage with his length, was a team captain, and comes from the Arkansas’ defensive line pipeline.
4.109, Van Jefferson, WR, Florida
6-1.5, 200, 32.75″ arm length, elite route technician
The son of former Lions’ wide receiver and wide receiver’s coach Shawn Jefferson, Van Jefferson learned the nuances of running routes at a young age. Capable of lining up as a WR-X (Marvin Jones Jr.’s spot) and inside as a Big Slot receiver, Jefferson could be the Lions WR4 in year one and take over a starting role in 2021.
5.149, Braden Mann, P, TAMU
6-0, 198, 48.9 yards per punt average, Ray Guy award winner
As I mentioned in my 10 things Lions fans need to brace for in the 2020 NFL Draft, this is the sweet spot to grab the best specialist on the board. Mann has a powerful leg, can handle punts and kickoffs, understands how to control his power by alternating between kicking for distance, angling directions, and putting air under the ball so he doesn’t outkick his coverage. His ability to drop punts inside the 20 is a thing of beauty.
5.166, Anfernee Jennings, JACK, Alabama
6-2, 256, 32.88″ arm length, double-digit TFL each of last 2 seasons
Jennings has a quality first step, but his pass rush will struggle if he doesn’t win early. He understands how to properly use his hands, routinely locates/attacks the ball, is an elite run defender, and sets the edge with consistency/power. His 26.5 tackles for loss and 15.5 sacks over the last two seasons speaks to his ability to get into the backfield and make plays.
6.182, Geno Stone, S, Iowa
5-10.5, 203, 29.25″ arm length, can play single-high and in the slot
Stone is s a bit undersized and falls short of the Lions’ preferred level of athleticism, but he is intelligent, highly instinctive, positionally versatile, and rarely makes mistakes. Stone has the potential to be a regular contributor on special teams and a top-end reserve at safety, likely earning a role as a fourth or fifth safety as a rookie.
7.235, Michael Warren, RB, Cincinnati
5-9, 226, physical runner who will thrive in an inside-zone scheme
Warren hasn’t got a lot of attention in the Lions draft community but he is a terrific fit for the Lions scheme as he is a physical runner who can also contribute in the passing game. On film, Warren lacks the explosive traits of the Lions other backs — and he didn’t test at the Combine — but he has terrific contact balance, is decisive in the hole, wins in short-yardage situations, and churns out yards with toughness. His success in the NFL will likely come as part of a running back by committee approach and would fit in as a fourth running back on the Lions roster.
