2. Lions Draft Jeff Okudah

The Lions entered the offseason needing some serious help in the secondary. They held the third overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. For the months leading up, Jeff Okudah seemed like the pick but there was some speculation that Detroit could go another way. Names like Isaiah Simmons and Derrick Brown were thrown around as well as the idea of a trade.

On draft night, the Lions put those rumors to bed. After Joe Burrow and Chase Young were selected, the Lions made Okudah the third pick in the draft. And it was the correct choice. Okudah was a top five prospect entering the draft and many had him in the top three. Coming out of Ohio State, he was the top cornerback in the draft by a long shot.

Okudah is a player that has the potential to shut down one side of the field. He has great size, strength, and length on the outside. As a Buckeye, Okudah played a lot of man coverage and played it well. He is a tough corner to beat off the line. In the NFL, he will see some tough assignments but he is a player that can score quarterbacks from throwing his way. The Lions could have taken Brown to solidify the pass rush or Okudah to strengthen the secondary. They opted for the corner and Okudah will not disappoint.

The Lions’ pass rush remains an issue but their secondary should be much improved with the addition of Harmon and Okudah. Stafford will be back under center, which will give the offense a boost and the defense will look to follow suit. Overall, they should be more competitive in the NFC North in 2020.