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Detroit Lions: Do’s and Don’ts for the 2020 NFL Draft

By Fayez AliAhmad

PASADENA, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 01: Jonathan Taylor #23 of the Wisconsin Badgers runs for a 10 yard gain during the second quarter of the game against the Oregon Ducks at the Rose Bowl on January 01, 2020 in Pasadena, California. The Oregon Ducks topped the Wisconsin Badgers, 28-27. (Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images)
PASADENA, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 01: Jonathan Taylor #23 of the Wisconsin Badgers runs for a 10 yard gain during the second quarter of the game against the Oregon Ducks at the Rose Bowl on January 01, 2020 in Pasadena, California. The Oregon Ducks topped the Wisconsin Badgers, 28-27. (Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images) /
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Amani Oruwariye, Detroit Lions
Amani Oruwariye #24 of the Detroit Lions. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /

Don’t: Draft a Cornerback That Isn’t Named Jeffery Okudah

Whether the Lions decided to draft Ohio State cornerback Jeffery Okudah or not, they shouldn’t consider any other top cornerback prospects. If Detroit wants to find success next season, they need to put faith into some of their younger players.

Cornerback Amani Oruwariye is heading into his sophomore season after an impressive rookie outing. By starting him across from newly acquired defensive back Desmond Trufant, it frees up them up to focus on other position groups at the top of the draft.

Darryl Roberts, Mike Ford, and Oruwariye might compel the Lions to stay away from bringing in another right side cornerback. Selecting Okudah in the first round would be drafting for a once in a decade player, rather than drafting for a team need.

Do: Find a Productive Edge Rusher

Coverage is king in the NFL, no one can deny that, especially in a prominent passing league. However, a secondary’s best friend is a productive pass rush. Detroit has to make life easier on their cornerbacks and safeties.

Last season, head coach Matt Patricia had a defense that allowed roughly 3.0 seconds per play for opposing quarterbacks to throw the ball. That ranked dead last amongst all 32 teams in the NFL. It’s a hard task to be efficient in coverage when opposing quarterbacks have a clean pocket all game.

To take the next steps in improving this defense is finding a productive edge rusher. One who will not only achieve a sack every once in a while but provide consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks.

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