Sleeper target if Detroit Lions trade down in first round

The Detroit Lions aren’t expected to use their first-round selection on an offensive playmaker. Yet, they may be making plans to do so if they trade down.

The Detroit Lions own the third overall selection in the 2020 NFL Draft, which will kick off it’s first-round virtually on Thursday night. The Lions are expected to help fortify their defense with that premier pick.

The name most connected to the Lions has been Ohio State cornerback Jeffery Okudah. Clemson hybrid linebacker Isaiah Simmons and Auburn defensive tackle Derrick Brown are also believed to be in consideration.

But the possibility that the Lions might trade down from the third overall pick has been floating around as well. And Detroit general manager Bob Quinn confirmed as much during a recent virtual press conference, indicating that he didn’t believe they’d ideally be willing to trade back too far, after the 10th or 11th pick.

Yet, according to Alabama wide receiver Henry Ruggs III, that didn’t stop the Lions from contacting him. Detroit was one of the teams Ruggs mentioned specifically during an interview with Pro Football Talk on Tuesday that had reached out to him. Although he indicated the franchises he’s heard from the most are the Denver Broncos, the Las Vegas Raiders, and the San Francisco 49ers.

It’s certainly not unusual for NFL teams to reach out to numerous prospects in the name of due diligence. But the fact Ruggs is projected to be selected outside the top ten, but certainly in the teens to early 20s, has to a little intriguing for fans.

Selecting third overall, and likely not wanted to drop outside of the top ten, the Lions contacting Ruggs seems a bit peculiar. And the fact he mentioned them by name could indicate it was a more memorable call.

Clocking a blazing 4.27 second-forty along with a 42.0-inch vertical leap at the NFL Scouting Combine, Ruggs appears to be the perfect blend of speedster and receiver. NFL.com analyst Lance Zierlein believes his amazing speed would help both the running and passing games for an NFL team because his mere presence will force opposing safeties into more passive positions.

A vertical threat the Lions could desperately use to stretch the field, the reasons behind Detroit possibly wanting to add someone like him to their wide receiver corps are clear. Ruggs recorded 40 receptions for 746 yards and seven touchdowns in 12 games while averaging 18.7 yards per catch last season for Alabama. He also rushed the ball twice, racking up 75 yards and a score.

Again, this could just be the Detroit Lions simply doing their due diligence as the unexpected can happen in the NFL draft. And if a player like Henry Ruggs somehow falls to the second round, where the Lions own the 35th overall pick, the team clearly wants to be prepared. But the fact Ruggs is currently being mocked in the middle of the first round could mean he might be a sleeper target for the Lions if they decide to trade down further than expected.