2020 NFL Draft mock: Preparing the Detroit Lions for contention
By Walker Kelly
An early look at some potential options for the Detroit Lions to target in the 2020 NFL Draft, utilizing team needs and scheme to determine selections.
The Detroit Lions are nearing the end of a brutally bad season. As a Lions fan myself, it has been hard to watch for two full months now. Detroit sits at a dismal record of 3-9-1 and the team has not won a game since Week 7 against the lowly New York Giants. Injuries, underperforming players, and questionable coaching have combined to create what can only be described as an unacceptable season. The 2020 NFL Draft is, however, right around the corner.
Matt Patricia’s second season at the helm was supposed to be a building block toward perennial contention. Instead, the team has only gone backward, especially on the defensive side of the ball where Patricia is purportedly an expert.
There are many holes on Detroit’s roster as it currently stands. This has been illustrated by the way the team’s performance has gradually gotten worse as the team has sustained injuries.
The Lions can’t reasonably be expected to make the playoffs while Matthew Stafford is injured, but even while he was healthy the defense was letting him down. All three phases of the defense could use reinforcements during the offseason.
The offense isn’t without flaws either. Depth on the offensive line and in the backfield remains a concern, and the team lacks a consistent deep threat. Fortunately, draft season is right around the corner to get our hopes up once again! Here’s a look at some potential prospects Detroit should be looking at come 2020.