Detroit Lions: 5 Targets in 2020 NFL Draft to put them on the right track
The Detroit Lions have missed the mark thus far under Matt Patricia but can get right on track by targeting these players in the 2020 NFL Draft.
A hot start gave hope to the Detroit Lions in the 2019 season but it ended in misery with a 3-12-1 record. There are clear reasons for their downfall; Matthew Stafford and a few players got injured, which was a primary cause, as was a lack of structure. However, there’s a silver lining. The Lions hold the No. 3 pick in the 2020 NFL Draft which gives them more than a few options.
For one, the No. 3 spot is enticing for other teams looking to move up, so a trade down is possible and warranted. Secondly, the Lions were one of two teams that benefited from coaching players at the 2020 Reese’s Senior Bowl. Why does that matter? The rest of the draft season activities were canceled. The Lions, however, got a close-up view of the best senior prospects available.
Head coach Matt Patricia and general manager Bob Quinn need an immediate turnaround. So drafting a bunch of senior prospects could very well be on their agenda. After all, if their offseason moves proved anything, it’s that Patricia wants players he is familiar with.
On offense, they needed help along the offensive line. Detroit signed former Eagles offensive tackle, Halapoulivaati Vaitai to a five-year deal who could line-up at right tackle for them. After losing offensive guard, Graham Glasgow to the Broncos, they could look to add a plug-and-play rookie to replace him. With rumors circling of a potential draft-day trade with Stafford being on the block, the most important position becomes their biggest need in that case.
Despite their defensive overhaul, the Lions have holes they need to fill in the secondary. Even before trading Darius Slay to the Philadelphia Eagles they needed additional help. Desmond Trufant replaced Slay but is he enough? Amani Oruwariye showed promise as a rookie but he’s still developing. There’s a hole at safety with Tavon Wilson still unsigned and former New England Patriot Duron Harmon being brought with on a year left on his contract.
They filled their linebacker void by signing Jamie Collins and Reggie Ragland. Unfortunately, they don’t have a defensive end worth mentioning after their putrid performance. Things could change with the help of some talented players ready to play.
Taking all of this into account, the Lions would do well to target one or all of these five players in the 2020 NFL Draft.