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The Detroit Lions use the 20th pick in the 2018 NFL Draft to select …

By Robert Jones

CHICAGO, IL - APRIL 30: NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell announces that the Tennessee Titans chose Marcus Mariota of the Oregon Ducks #2 overall during the first round of the 2015 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University on April 30, 2015 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL - APRIL 30: NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell announces that the Tennessee Titans chose Marcus Mariota of the Oregon Ducks #2 overall during the first round of the 2015 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University on April 30, 2015 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /
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INDIANAPOLIS, IN – MARCH 01: Georgia offensive lineman Isaiah Wynn speaks to the media during NFL Combine press conferences at the Indiana Convention Center on March 1, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – MARCH 01: Georgia offensive lineman Isaiah Wynn speaks to the media during NFL Combine press conferences at the Indiana Convention Center on March 1, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

Let’s start with the disclaimer that there could be another direction the Lions will go outside of those top areas of need, but considering all the information we have heard, especially when cross referenced with value, the odds seem to be in favor of the Lions addressing one of those positions first.

The lone exception might be Alabama linebacker Rashaan Evans since Matt Patricia loves linebackers. This would certainly strengthen the linebacking corps, but after free agency, the position is in better shape than than either line or the running backs.

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I certainly think this scenario has as much possibility of happening as any other, but again, because of the value meeting up with other positions of higher need they may go one of those directions instead.

That being said, lets break down the positions of highest need and who could be available. Starting with the offensive line.

There will be some quality offensive tackles available, but if they go with the O-line, it will be a guard because tackle should be set and guards are the best value of what will be on the clock at number 20.

This means either Will Hernandez of Texas-El Paso or Georgia’s Isaiah Wynn.

Either pick is a day one starter. It’s just a matter of what the Lions prefer for their new style of ground game. Will it be a physical, punishing blocking scheme or a precision, finesse style of blocking?

Hernandez is a mauler. If the Lions want to overpower opposing defenses, he’s their man. The 6’3″ 330 lb monster is strength personified and has a good mean streak that brawling run blockers need. Clearly any Lions back would love to run behind him.

Meanwhile Wynn isn’t quite as big, but he also has a mean streak and great technique. He’s an above average pass blocker and still has the ability to pancake D-linemen on a regular basis.

Either one would not be a huge surprise and either one should solidify the offensive line. This is another position that Matt Patricia gravitates to since he played on the offensive line himself in college and has been an offensive line coach in college and when he started off with the Patriots.

I would say that one or the other would be a good possibility.

Next, let’s look at the running back position.

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