Detroit Lions trade back twice in 7-round 2020 mock draft

Trading Quandre Diggs before the deadline in 2019 left a big hole at safety for the Detroit Lions, one that many might address earlier than Round 4. However, with the four selections prior to the No. 99 pick and with Jeremy Chinn out of Southern Illinois falling to them at this point, Matt Patricia’s group has to be happy with the way things played out.

While he’s not an elite coverage safety, particularly in man coverage deep down the field, he is a fantastic athlete that can be effective coming down and covering in the short and intermediate levels in addition to being a plus run defender. He would come in and have an immediate impact on Detroit’s defense.

As the 2020 NFL Draft process has gone along, Tyler Johnson‘s stock has continued to decline. He’s not doing himself any favors right now either as he’s choosing not to test or work out at the NFL Combine. Having said that, to add depth to the Lions wide receiver group, they could do a lot worse in Round 5.

Johnson didn’t play wide receiver until college but took to the position quickly as an athletic player with natural instincts attacking the ball. He needs development with nuances as a route-runner and with his footwork but the upside is obvious for him to potentially replace Danny Amendola, who was just extended, in the slot.

Considering that many people don’t consider EDGE a primary need for the Lions after signing Trey Flowers last offseason, double-dipping at the position might not be in the forefront of many people’s minds. However, with the versatility of Epenesa, adding Anfernee Jennings to the fray makes sense. He’s not an explosive athlete but he’s a polished edge rusher from a technical perspective and plays with outstanding strength. That fits the Lions mold and should lead to him seeing the field early.