What will the Detroit Lions 2020 draft be remembered for?
While many are trying to predict how the Detroit Lions new draft class will impact this season, we attempt to view it from a much longer lens.
The Detroit Lions‘ 2020 NFL Draft is now in the books. And fans are debating the results. But the experts say never judge a draft class until at least three years out.
Still, we can’t help but wonder how this draft class will be viewed several years from now? What one aspect or player will it be remembered for? Here are our three best guesses …
When Detroit landed a Hall of Famer
Going into this draft, all eyes were on the Lions’ top selection, third overall in the first round. That’s the highest the Motor City has picked since 2010. As expected, Detroit made Ohio State cornerback Jeff Okudah the pick.
The last time a cornerback was chosen third overall or higher in the NFL draft was 1997. Ironically, it was another former Buckeye defensive back in Shawn Springs. So if you are going to use the highest selection made on a cornerback in 24 years, he should be a generational-type player.
So, when it’s all said and one, we will look back at the 2020 NFL Draft as the one that landed Motown another Hall of Famer in Okudah?
The Swift misstep
When the Lions drafted running back D’Andre Swift at the top of the second round, it was a bit of a shocker. And that decision could ultimately be what this draft is remembered for.
The selection of a running back certainly makes sense considering the injury history of starter Kerryon Johnson. Yet, there were several other big names available at the time. Will we look back on this class as just the latest example where Detroit made yet another draft misstep?
A late-round gem
Recently, we’ve seen the Lions land some great late-round gems. Players like Pro Bowl wide receiver Kenny Golladay in the third round or All-Pro special teams returner Jamal Agnew in the fifth.
Could we look back at this draft class as the one where the Lions landed another one? Could someone like third-round pass rusher Julian Okwara emerge as the real steal of this draft, even eclipsing the impact of both Okudah and Swift?
Next. Grading the Detroit Lions 2020 NFL Draft pick by pick. dark
Okwara is likely the best candidate to have a breakout professional career. Before suffering a broken left fibula as a senior, the Notre Dame project was believed to be a possible first-round selection. He was even still being mocked to do so by some draft experts after the injury.
Being drafted 67th overall in the third round means Julian Okwara was a great value for the Detroit Lions. And he has the potential to be the highlight of this class.