2020 NFL Draft grades for every team: Cowboys ace test, Packers falter
By Randy Gurzi
Detroit Lions
The selection of D’Andre Swift was unexpected but it gives the Detroit Lions the best running back since the days of Barry Sanders. Not saying he’s in the same class as the Hall of Famer, but Swift should end a long stretch of mediocrity at the position. It could be easy to say this pick was an indictment of Kerryon Johson but it surely was more about how good Swift is.
Even as good as he is, Swift likely won’t be the top rookie for Detroit either. Instead, that will surely go to Jeff Okudah, the Ohio State cornerback who they took at No. 3 overall. Okudah replaces Darius Slay and will give them a shutdown corner who will take away half the field.
Okudah was incredibly efficient for the Buckeyes and his confidence is through the roof. His play will rub off on those around him, which often happens with an Alpha Male defensive back.
They also had some great value picks with Julian Okwara at No. 67, who joins his brother Romeo on the Lions defensive line. Two guards followed with Jonah Jackson and Logan Stenberg, who each have the talent to develop into starters.
It was hard to find anything bad about this draft for the Lions as they had a solid plan and executed it well.
Grade: A