Detroit Lions first-round draft pick: Jeffery Okudah or Isaiah Simmons?

The Detroit Lions could be choosing between two different potential defensive superstars with their first-round selection in the 2020 NFL Draft.

The intrigue of the upcoming virtual NFL draft will apparently kick off with the Motor City. The Detroit Lions own the third overall pick in the first round of next week’s college prospect selection event.

The Cincinnati Bengals, owners of the first pick, are expected to draft LSU quarterback Joe Burrow. The Washington Redskins are projected to select Ohio State edge rusher Chase Young with the second overall pick. Then, the Lions would be on the clock.

Many seem to believe that the third overall selection could be a spot where quarterback-needy franchises will look to leapfrog others in order to secure the most important position on any roster. And according to Lions general manager Bob Quinn, the team is opening to trading the selection, moving down, and have actually been talking with other teams about doing so since the NFL Scouting Combine in February.

The Miami Dolphins, the Los Angeles Chargers, the Jacksonville Jaguars, the Carolina Panthers, the Las Vegas Raiders, and the New England Patriots all own one or more first-round selections in next week’s draft. And they all have a perceived need at quarterback.

Yet, the Lions could easily stick with the third overall selection and try to land themselves a true difference-maker. And based on the Lions’ current roster needs, combined with the playoff expectations expressed by owner Martha Firestone Ford for this upcoming season, it seems likely Detroit’s top selection will address the team’s defensive needs.

If the Lions do indeed draft third overall, the choice could be between two potential defensive superstars. Those prospects being Ohio State cornerback Jeffery Okudah or Clemson linebacker Isaiah Simmons.

Okudah is a name that’s been attached to the Lions for quite some time. The talented defensive back has been deemed the top cornerback prospect in this draft class (and possibly the best in years). His potential to become an elite defender would certainly benefit a Detroit defense that just traded away their three-time Pro Bowl corner in Darius Slay. It’s easy to envision Okudah in Honolulu blue and silver.

But the wildcard is Simmons. The versatile defender has the ability to fill several gaps along this Lions’ defense. From linebacker, edge rusher, cornerback, and safety; Simmons is the ultimate Swiss army knife. And one that head coach Matt Patricia might actually covet more in his multiple defense. ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. believes Simmons is the most so-called NFL-ready player.

Although Jeffery Okudah seems to fill the more obvious need for the Detroit Lions, don’t discount Isaiah Simmons and his versatility as a deciding factor in his selection. If the Lions opt to trade down from the third overall pick, this choice between these two would likely be made for them as both talented defenders could easily be top-five selections.