Chicago Bears: Ranking NFC North drafts through first three rounds
Detroit Lions
The Detroit Lions found themselves picking third overall in the 2020 NFL Draft. They were a lock to get one of the most talented players in the draft class and the team did not screw it up. With reports prior to the draft that the Lions were shopping the third overall pick, one wondered what type of return the team would see. Instead, the Lions did not move down and took a top-tier talent.
Pick No. 3 – Jeff Okudah, CB – Ohio State
Going into Thursday night I had only three players in my top tier of draft prospects. Chase Young and the two top quarterbacks in Joe Burrow and Tua Tagovailoa. Jeff Okudah was my fourth overall draft grade and was very, very close to being in that same top tier.
As a Bears fan, I was hoping the Lions would trade down because having to face Okudah twice a year will not be fun for whoever is throwing the rock for the Chicago Bears. Even if that person was Aaron Rodgers. Okudah is going to make Matt Patricia a very happy coach. He is easily the best corner in the draft and will slot in as a day one starter.
Pick No. 35 – D’Andre Swift, RB – Georgia
This screams picking the best player available, yet I would have preferred the pick if it was another receiver to pair up with Kenny Golladay. Oh well, always good when other NFC North teams make poor choices. D’Andre Swift is a great player and I think he will do well with the Lions, but the team already had Kerryon Johnson who has shown to be a talented back when healthy. Maybe health concerns are why Swift is now on the team. This pick almost put them behind the Bears.
Pick No. 67 – Julian Okwara, EDGE – Notre Dame
This is another great pick by the Lions. Julian Okwara was one of the best EDGE rushers left on the board. In three years, Okwara had 15.5 sacks and 24 tackles for loss. He will be a force in the NFC North and the combination of Okwara with Okudah is why the Lions barely edged out the Bears as the second-best NFC North draft through the first three rounds.
Pick No. 75 – Jonah Jackson, IOL – Ohio State
Wow. The Lions are having one Hell of a draft. Jonah Jackson is not a top-tier talent but has great value being selected here in the third round. Not to mention the Lions moved back in the third by swapping picks with the Colts and acquired a mid-sixth-round pick. Thank goodness the Lions find ways to be the Lions and will still be last in the division.