Detroit Lions full 2020 NFL mock draft

This Detroit Lions mock that sees Matt Patricia load up on defense, beginning with the draft’s top corner with the No. 3 overall pick.

Last season the Detroit Lions were the bottom-feeders in the NFC North, posting a 3-12-1 record in a division with two playoff teams and the 8-8 Chicago Bears.

Detroit has its franchise quarterback in Matthew Stafford and they won’t be moving on from him any time soon. The offense could have been better and was undermined by injuries and an ineffective running game, but the defense is of graver concern.

Matt Patricia is squarely on the hot seat and could easily find himself fired before the 2020 season ends. After a poor free agency in which they traded away star cornerback Darius Slay, the Lions absolutely must have a strong 2020 NFL Draft.

Here’s how their draft could develop in our latest Lions mock draft.

Although Chase Young could be in play for the Detroit Lions at No. 3, Jeffrey Okudah is the clear best choice for the organization here; Washington could pluck Okudah’s edge-rushing teammate.

Okudah is the undoubted top cornerback in the 2020 class and can replace Darius Slay as the Lions top cornerback in 2020. Provided Desmond Trufant still has plenty left in the tank to be a high-end No. 2, he and Okudah could give Detroit a dangerous cornerback tandem to help a pass defense which was among the league’s worst in net yards per pass attempt allowed.

NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein gave Okudah a lofty comparison to Arizona Cardinals’ long-time superstar Patrick Peterson, and with his physical tools and pro-ready technique, the comparison certainly isn’t unwarranted.

Okudah can be a game-changer for Patricia and the Lions in ways most young cornerbacks aren’t. He can make sure the Lions get the most out of their No. 3 overall pick this year, because they surely don’t need a quarterback.