Draft Preview: Detroit Lions

When the Detroit Lions started the season with a record of 2-0-1 it looked like they would have a good season. In the 1st 3 games quarterback, Matthew Stafford threw for 831 yards along with 6 touchdowns. The undefeated start and impressive play by Stafford had many fans in hopes of making the playoffs for the first time since 2016.

Stafford would miss his first game-ending his streak of 136 consecutive regular-season starts. Stafford would later be placed on injured reserve with a non-displaced fracture in his upper thoracic spine. After the 2-0-1 start, the Lions would finish with a record of 3-12-1 and be granted the 3rd overall pick. Here are some positions Detroit could look to address in the draft.

Cornerback

Detroit has been rumoured to be shopping 3x pro bowler Darius Slay. Although the Lions asking price for Slay is high there is a possibility he will not be on the 53 man roster for the 2020 season.

With the Lions wanting to head in a new direction for their secondary they have the opportunity to select top cornerback Jeff Okudah with the 3rd overall pick. Okudah is the top corner heading into this year’s draft and is considered to be the best man coverage player. Okudah recorded 3 interceptions, 9 pass deflections, and 2 forced fumbles. Okudah’s most impressive stat is he had 0 flags for holding or pass interference shows his level of discipline that you see from veteran cornerbacks in the NFL. The Lions are in a division where it plays top receivers such as Davonte Adams, Stefon Diggs and Adam Thielen twice a year and could look for Okudah who has great size and speed to guard them.

Guard

Detroit is preparing to let 4-year starter Graham Glasgow who will be in the looks for a big-time contract test free agency. Glasgow played 872 snaps last season and did not allow a single sack is considered to be one of the best players on Detroit’s o-line. The Lions cap space of $47 million might play a factor in if they are willing to pay big money to Glasgow. Detroit could look to go another route and draft a guard out of this year’s draft.

A prospect to keep an eye out for is guard Michael Jordan. Not the NBA legend Michael Jordan, but Michael Jordan who just had an incredible year at Ohio State. The special thing about Jordan isn’t his blocking ability, but his ability to play guard and center if needed. While playing at Ohio Jordan played one year as the starting center and played as if he’s always played that position. Jordan’s ability to play 2 positions on the o-line will add great value to the Lions.

Defensive Tackle

Mike Daniels, Damon Harrison, A’Shawn Robinson, and Darius Kilgo are all set to be free agents this off-season. Robinson is the starting defensive tackle for the Lions and there are questions if Detroit will bring him back. It’s clear the Lions are lacking depth when it comes to the defensive end position.

The Lions are out of luck as this year’s draft isn’t deep with talent at the defensive tackle position with the top 2 prospects Derrick Brown and Javon Kinlaw projected to be selected in the 1st round. Detroit still has hope as they can take a risk and pick up Justin Madubuike who decided to skip his 2019 season to focus on the draft. In 2018 Madubuike had an impressive 11.5 tackles for loss along with 5.5 sacks. Madubuike has the ability to take over games and completely dominate whoever he goes up against he can bring the tough attitude to a needed Detroit d-line.