Detroit Lions top 2020 draft pick: Offensive line or cornerback?

With the Detroit Lions game-less for this weekend, it’s time to take a glimpse into the future. All the way to the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft.

Last season, it was obvious which position group was the Detroit Lions‘ weakest. With a depth chart consisting of Luke Willson, Michael Roberts, and Levine Toilolo, none of whom are even on the roster anymore, the Lions’ tight end unit was the worst in the NFL.

So when it was time to guess which position the Lions might address with the eighth overall selection in the 2019 NFL Draft, Iowa tight end T.J. Hockenson shot to the top of every mock draft.

This past offseason, the Lions totally revamped their tight end position. Besides Hockenson, who appears to be as good as advertised four games into his rookie campaign, Detroit also added veterans Jesse James and Logan Thomas to the depth chart. And this talented trio has been making plays for the Pride, helping to lead the Pride to a 2-1-1 record going into their bye week.

But with it being a weekend without football, the mind wonders about next year’s draft. What possible position could the Lions look to add to with their top selection next year?

According to Spotrac.com, the Lions have 17 players scheduled to hit free agency in 2020. The bigger names include defensive tackle Mike Daniels, wide receiver Danny Amendola, strong safety Tavon Wilson, punter Sam Martin, linebacker Christian Jones, cornerback Rashaan Melvin, defensive tackle A’Shawn Robinson, and guard Graham Glasgow.

Defensive tackle seems like a realistic option here, although the Lions already have Damon Harrison and the versatile Da’Shawn Hand. Re-signing Glasgow should be a priority. Still, the offensive line could be in need once again despite the fact Detroit opted to pick up left tackle Taylor Decker‘s fifth-year option of his rookie contract for 2020.

Finally, cornerback seems to be a flashing red light in Motown. Two-time Pro Bowler Darius Slay sat out OTAs and minicamp in pursuit of a new deal. Slay still hasn’t received one. And Melvin only signed a one-year deal in Detroit this offseason. According to NBC Sports, their projected 2020 first-round pick for Detroit is Alabama cornerback Trevon Diggs

Just five weeks into the NFL regular season, here’s what reporter Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press had to say about possible first-round guesses for the Lions in the 2020 NFL Draft.

"” … if I had to guess, I’d put a small wager on him drafting a first-round offensive lineman for the third time in five years … The Lions have neglected the cornerback position in the draft under Quinn, so it might be time to roll the dice on a high pick there – unless, going full circle, they can pull off a [Jalen] Ramsey trade.”"

There is plenty to be determined between now and April 23, 2019, when the first round of 2020 NFL Draft will kick off in Paradise, Nevada. But I wouldn’t put it past the current Detroit Lions’ regime to select yet another first-round offensive lineman (which would be their third since 2016) in an attempt to keep their 11-year veteran quarterback upright and healthy for many more seasons to come.