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2020 NFL mock draft first round and fantasy impacts

By Raju Byfield

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 27: Former NFL quarterback Chad Pennington stands alongside quarterbacks Justin Herbert of Oregon, Joe Burrow of LSU and Jacob Eason of Washington during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 27, 2020 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 27: Former NFL quarterback Chad Pennington stands alongside quarterbacks Justin Herbert of Oregon, Joe Burrow of LSU and Jacob Eason of Washington during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 27, 2020 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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2020 NFL Mock Draft
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – DECEMBER 07: Jeff Okudah #01 of the Ohio State Buckeyes on the post game stage after winning the Big Ten Championship game over the Wisconsin Badgers at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 07, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images) /

3rd Overall: Detroit Lions – Jeffrey Okudah (CB – Ohio State)

Team Needs
Cornerback, Edge Rusher, Linebacker, Safety, Wide Receiver, Running Back depth, Quarterback depth

Picks: 3 (1st), 35 (2nd), 67 (3rd), 109 (4th), 150 (5th), 173 (5th), 182 (6th)

A true lockdown corner, Jeffrey Okudah is the best cornerback prospect since Jalen Ramsey. The Lions may very well find themselves priced out of the Darius Slay extension market this offseason, and may choose to ship him for a first or second round pick. The more ideal scenario would be for the Lions to draft Okudah before deciding on Slay next offseason, but the Lions will definitely be listening to offers. Speaking of offers, the Lions are a prime candidate to trade down. They are certain to already be fielding offers from teams looking to trade up for a quarterback like Tua Tagovailoa or the top offensive tackle on their board. If the Lions keep this pick however, Okudah is their most likely selection. Derrick Brown and Isaiah Simmons will get obvious consideration, but with Chase Young off the board, passing on Okudah’s lockdown corner upside will be too tempting to pass up for Matt Patricia. He has done a good job of identifying and adding talent to the defensive front, but now needs to solidify the back end.

Team Impact

As mentioned above, Darius Slay’s days in Detroit are likely numbered. Okudah would likely be the number one corner even with Slay on the field, and as such the Lions should not suffer much of a drop off if Slay leaves Detroit this offseason. If Slay ends up staying for one more year, the Lions will suddenly have one of the most talented cornerback duos in all of football. The Detroit Lions drafted a talented corner named Amani Oruwariye in the fifth round of last year’s draft, a player who should be able to start outside beside Okudah by 2021.

Fantasy Impact

Okudah is the top corner in this draft class, but will not be the top fantasy asset at his position. Okudah projects to quickly become one of the very best cornerbacks in the league, but that means he may not be tested very often in coverage. This will result in a decreased opportunity for tackles, interceptions, and pass breakup opportunities. Okudah should only be an option in interceptions heavy leagues, or in leagues with four or more CB starting spots.

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