2020 NFL Mock Draft: Dolphins score Joe Burrow in all-trades chaos edition
8. 50. Scouting Report. LB. Clemson. Isaiah Simmons. player. Pick Analysis
Lions trade: No. 12, 19 and 67
Cardinals trade: No. 8 and CB Patrick Peterson
After trading down to No. 12 and 19 and, subsequently, missing out on Okudah, the Lions would theoretically be in a position to take a player like C.J. Henderson and also take one of the top safety prospects on the board. But where’s the fun in doing that?
There’s no question that Detroit needs to replace Darius Slay after trading him this offseason. And while it wouldn’t make a ton of sense to trade a proven veteran and not pay him to then trade for another veteran who is on the final year of his deal, the Cardinals sweeten the pot here as they let the Lions move up to No. 8 while giving them Peterson.
Peterson may not be the superstar he once was in this league but he can be a high-quality player for any defense. Moreover, he has the type of leadership and mentality that head coach Matt Patricia would seemingly love to have on his defense, more so than Slay. Just as important, they also land an elite talent in Isaiah Simmons.
The Clemson do-it-all defensive star can address the major issues at linebacker for the Lions while also being a chess piece capable of moving all over the field, lining up on the edge, at safety and even in the nickel in certain packages. Turning the No. 3 pick into Simmons and Patrick Peterson would have to be a net-win for Detroit.