Detroit Lions: Top pass rushing options each day of 2020 draft
Day Two Pass-Rushing Options:
JACK Linebacker- Joshua Uche, Michigan
If the Detroit Lions fill the need to address other needs in the first two rounds, then using one of their third-round picks on Michigan edge rusher Joshua Uche would make a ton of sense. Uche isn’t quite as far along as the aforementioned Baun and doesn’t have the upside of Chaisson, but he would give the Lions a steady, dependable presence off the edge from the JACK position.
Uche is great in coverage, able to stick with almost anyone that crosses his zone and he has the necessary athletic ability to not get beat in man coverage like most other Lions linebackers. What he is so good at doing is getting low to the ground and dipping past offensive tackles before they know what hit them. He can be neutralized if his first, quick step doesn’t get him to the quarterback, but overall his effort level and quickness make him an enticing option when the third round rolls around.
Defensive End- A.J. Epenesa, Iowa
Once thought to be a top-ten pick, Iowa defensive lineman A.J. Epenesa has seen his draft stock tumble all the way to the second round. Epenesa wouldn’t be a flashy pick, but he is built for head coach Matt Patricia’s scheme. He is a big defender who can line up on the outside shoulder of an offensive tackle, or even slide inside half-man on a guard. He is quite similar to current defensive lineman Trey Flowers.
Epenesa will mainly win with his power, as he just isn’t all that quick or flashy off the edge. He will be a great edge setter against the edge, but an inconsistent pass rusher off the edge. Overall, Epenesa fits the Lions’ scheme almost to a ‘T’ and if he is still there when Detroit picks in the second round, expect to hear Epenesa’s name announced by the commissioner.
Interior Defensive Lineman- Justin Madubuike, Texas A&M
This Texas A&M product will be extremely difficult to pass up if he is still on the board when the Detroit Lions pick at 67 and is a must-have if he’s there at 85. Madubuike isn’t perfect but he is very controlled and impressive on the inside.
Madubuike wouldn’t be a starter right away but with time could grow into a very nice interior lineman for the Lions. He has the power to stand up the interior offensive lineman, just not quite the athleticism of earlier guys like Kinlaw. Given time he could be a quality starter who provides ample interior pressure.