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Could Detroit Lions have two shutdown cornerbacks in 2020?

By Justin Ochsner

ANN ARBOR, MI - NOVEMBER 30: Jeff Okudah #1 of the Ohio State Buckeyes celebrates a fourth down strop during the fourth quarter of the game against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium on November 30, 2019 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Ohio State defeated Michigan 56-27. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images)
ANN ARBOR, MI - NOVEMBER 30: Jeff Okudah #1 of the Ohio State Buckeyes celebrates a fourth down strop during the fourth quarter of the game against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium on November 30, 2019 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Ohio State defeated Michigan 56-27. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images) /
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After the NFL draft comes and goes in 2020, could the Detroit Lions find themselves in the rare position of having two shutdown cornerbacks on their roster?

The Detroit Lions have one of the best cornerbacks on their roster in Pro-Bowler Darius Slay. But after the NFL draft takes place in April, could they find themselves with a  shut-down corner starting opposite Slay when the 2020 season kicks off?

Many people, including NFL.com’s Bucky Brooks, believe the Lions will have that opportunity if they decide to select Ohio State cornerback Jeff Okudah with the third overall pick. Brooks has the Lions drafting Okudah with their first pick, without a trade. But really, would anyone be surprised if this team picked him after trading down a few spots?

There have been scenarios unveiled where the Miami Dolphins make a trade with the Lions to swap the third and fifth overall picks. In this scenario, Detroit still nabs Okudah along with more draft capital and a slightly lower salary.

It’s a guessing game in which many like to participate and see if their educated guesses become a reality. But without projecting the Lions to pick Okudah, think about their defensive situation if they did. Slay on one side of the field, Okudah on the other. Opposing offenses’ number one and two receivers are going to have a tough day.

What many might not think of is how this will positively affect the pass rush – where Detroit has struggled in the past. Well, folks, it’s called a coverage sack. Giving pass rusher Trey Flowers more time to get to the quarterback is only going to help.

Last year, this Lions team tried to do things the other way around. They spent money on the pass rush to get to the quarterback and disrupt the play. This year, they could flip the script and focus on the back end of the defense not letting anyone get open to give more time to the pass rush.

While it might not be the most popular option, it might be what this Detroit Lions front office tries to do as their last effort to bring a winning season to the Motor City. It would force more throws underneath where the team could put cornerback Justin Coleman back in the position where he shined when with the Seattle Seahawks. And the bright, upcoming sophomore cornerback Amani Oruwariye adds solid rotation and depth to this unit.

Next. The Detroit Lions 2010s All-Decade team on defense. dark

The Detroit Lions cornerback position could be the strongest area of the team heading into the 2020 season if the team decided Jeff Okudah is their guy. And the team could even add some additional talent in a nice trade down scenario.

What do you think, would this be a solid move during this year’s NFL draft for the Lions? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below.

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