Which unheralded Detroit Lions draft pick may get extended playing time?

The Detroit Lions 2020 draft class has been praised by many of the ‘experts’, but what little known selection may garner extended minutes early?

Detroit Lions General Manager Bob Quinn went out of his way to use the 2020 NFL Draft as a cure for the teams’ long-running problem with running the ball since Barry Sanders retired. And he just might have actually found the answer.

No one was overly surprised when the Lions used the number three pick in the draft to select Ohio State cornerback Jeff Okudah. It was overwhelmingly expected by fans, the media, and almost every mock draft in existence that Okudah would be scooped up by Bob Quinn.

However, from there on the Detroit Lions draft became a surprise journey. What everyone expected to be a defensive heavy class became a tribute to the ground game. Not that it wasn’t needed. It’s just that there were other needs as well.

So as we look forward to next season, the Lions offense is at center stage. With the return of a healthy Matthew Stafford, additions to the offensive line, and a deeper stable of running backs, this appears to be an offense that has an opportunity to be good. Maybe really good.

If everyone is able to get on the same page, then excitement should follow. The problem is that sooner or later the Lions offense will have to leave the field and allow the defense to take over. Which does not seem overly opportune.

While the offense played well last season, at least until Stafford’s injury, the defense was abysmal. Bob Quinn addressed the defense mainly in free agency and sparingly in the draft. Perhaps more sparingly than most of the media or fans would be comfortable with.

So as we while away our time waiting for training camp to hopefully open, the question should be posed; what unheralded draft pick may receive extended playing time next season?