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Detroit Lions 2020 NFL Draft Full 7-round mock: Defensive focus early

By Jeremy Friedrichs

SALT LAKE CITY, UT - NOVEMBER 30: Bradlee Anae #6 of the Utah Utes tackles K.D. Nixon #3 of the Colorado Buffaloes during the second half of their game at Rice-Eccles Stadium on November 30, 2019 in Salt Lake City, Utah. (Photo by Chris Gardner/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, UT - NOVEMBER 30: Bradlee Anae #6 of the Utah Utes tackles K.D. Nixon #3 of the Colorado Buffaloes during the second half of their game at Rice-Eccles Stadium on November 30, 2019 in Salt Lake City, Utah. (Photo by Chris Gardner/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images)
(Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images) /

2020 NFL Draft: 4th Round, 109th Overall

The Detroit Lions select…

Name: Michael Onwenu
Position: Offensive Line
School: Michigan
Height/Weight: 6-3 / 344
2019 Stats: 13 games, 13 starts
Draft Round Projection: 4-6

Pick Analysis: In round four, the Lions satisfy two cohorts of fans, selecting a guard to help replace the departed Graham Glasgow, as well as picking a Michigan alum for the first time since 2016. Detroit’s guard situation is currently surrounded by question marks and they take a step towards answering some of those questions with this choice.

The hulking Onwenu, a Detroit native, had a solid run in Ann Arbor, but will likely need to shed some pounds to become an effective interior lineman at the pro level. He does boast impressive strength and has the ability to withstand his share of bull rushes from opposing defenders.

His lack of athleticism and mobility could put him at a disadvantage against speedier pass rushers and he may struggle to connect on blocks at the second level. This isn’t as much of an issue for the Lions as they prefer to set up deep downfield shots with solid pass protection.

The Lions never hand starting positions to rookies right away, and Onwenu may need at least a year to be ready to compete for a significant role. The Lions have shown they are unwilling to invest too much money in the guard position, so any production that they can get from a young player on a rookie contract would be a plus, hence this selection.

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