Did the Detroit Lions draft bring hope to their desperate fans?

NFL draft 2020 day 2

Day two of the draft and already I’m running low on snacks. I knew I should have packed that second box of nachos. But a good Friday night will make up for running low on supplies.

The Lions were on the clock with the third pick in the second round before I knew it and they wasted little time solidifying their offensive backfield, selecting Georgia running back D’Andre Swift. Despite the Lions’ needs on defense, it’s hard not to see the value of getting what is widely considered the best running back in the draft.

Now here’s hoping the third round is kind to the Lions.

Detroit use’s their first pick in the third round to select Notre Dame linebacker Julian Okwara. If the name sounds familiar, it’s because his brother Romeo was a nice pick up for the 2018 season leading the Lions in sacks before he went missing in action this past year.

Perhaps a little sibling rivalry could elevate the play of the brothers Okwara. Julian did miss much of this past season due to a broken fibula, but he is a promising pass-rushing prospect and the Lions need anyone who can rush the passer.

Whoa, the Lions just traded up to the 75th pick. What player could have intrigued Bob Quinn to make this move? Ohio State guard Jonah Jackson?

Now to be fair, Jackson isn’t a bad pick and certainly has enough ability to win the starting job at right guard, but I’m not sure the Lions needed to move up to get him. Between the selection at pick number 75 and the Lions original pick at number 85, there were two offensive linemen drafted, both centers.

Maybe the Lions were concerned that either the Falcons or Broncos were interested in Jackson. Once again, this will be interesting to see what Bob Quinn has to say.

Bob Quinn didn’t clarify any concerns about a particular team he thought might have been targeting Jackson but did say he thought the trade was fair. The Lions sent their second third-round choice, a fifth-round selection, and their sixth-round pick to the Colts in exchange for the pick Bob Quinn used on Jackson and an additional sixth-round selection.

If Jackson starts and plays like he’s capable, then it will vindicate this move.

Rats!! I spilled salsa on my shirt. Perhaps my wife was right and I should have packed a change of clothes. Oh well, I’m sure it’ll dry by the time the draft ends tomorrow.