2020 Detroit Lions Re-Draft

Detroit Lions target quarterback in first round in latest 2020 re-draft.

The NFL Draft is a puzzling time for sports fans. 

The months leading up to the event are littered with mock drafts and hypothetical scenarios. Teams formulate their plans only to see them thrown astray when the craziness of draft night unfolds. 

The 2020 NFL Draft was the last for the Detroit Lions' regime led by general manager Bob Quinn and coach Matt Patricia. It featured a top-10 pick and several players who have struggled to make impactful contributions since entering the league. 

With the 2023 edition of the draft fast approaching, it's time to revisit the selections made by Quinn, and hypothetically right some wrongs committed. 

Here's a full seven-round re-draft of the Detroit Lions' 2020 draft class. 

Round 1: Pick 3

Original pick: CB Jeff Okudah

Pick: QB Justin Herbert

Few knew at the time, but the 2020 season was Matt Stafford's final as the quarterback of the Lions. Hindsight truly is 20/20, but Herbert has to be the pick here, with the benefit of knowing how the season ended. 

Drafted sixth overall to the Chargers, he's had a solid start to his career. By drafting him here, the Lions would allow him one season to grow under Stafford, before cutting ties with the veteran. 

Then there's what actually happened at this pick. Okudah provided good moments, and had a solid stretch of performance in 2022. But ultimately, he'll be viewed as a bust. He was traded to Atlanta for a fifth-round pick, ending his time in Detroit. 

Round 2: Pick 35

Original pick: RB D'Andre Swift

Pick: CB Trevon Diggs

The Lions entered this draft wanting a shutdown, play-making cornerback. They'd get that in Diggs, who was selected 51st overall by the Dallas Cowboys. 

Swift has had a good career in Detroit when healthy. But, durability is a clear issue, as he enters the final season of his rookie contract. There's plenty of running back value still on the board, and the Lions would benefit from adding the defensive standout at this spot. 

Round 3: Pick 67

Original pick: LB Julian Okwara

Pick: LB Alex Highsmith

Originally taken at the end of the third round, Highsmith is a bonafide defensive star who has excelled with the Pittsburgh Steelers. 

He enjoyed a career year this past season, notching 14.5 sacks. In Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn's scheme, he'd likely pair with Aidan Hutchinson, and wreak havoc on opposing signal-callers. 

Okwara has been serviceable when healthy for the Lions, but he hasn't provided nearly the same impact that Highsmith has through their respective three years in the league.

Round 3: Pick 75

Original pick: G Jonah Jackson

Pick: Jackson

Jackson has been steady since entering the league, so there's no reason to veer off course here. He's brought good value as a third-round selection, and when he's healthy, he's a mainstay in the Lions' starting lineup. 

Round 4: Pick 121

Original pick: G Logan Stenberg

Pick: WR Gabe Davis

The Lions originally picked a wide receiver with their next selection, but Davis is too good to pass on here. After playing a modest role in his first two seasons, he exploded on to the scene in 2022, to the tune of 836 receiving yards. 

Stenberg has yet to make a sizable impact in his tenure with the Lions, starting just four games in his three years. 

Round 5: Pick 166

Original pick: WR Quintez Cephus

Pick: DE Mike Danna

Though Cephus has been reliable when given extended opportunities, his injury history makes it tough to re-draft him in this slot. With Davis already in tow, the Lions can look to other areas. 

Danna, who started his college career at Central Michigan before transferring to Michigan, has been solid with the Kansas City Chiefs. He has 10.5 sacks in his career, and has seen his role increase every year since being drafted. 

Round 5: Pick 172

Original pick: RB Jason Huntley

Pick: G Michael Onwenu

Huntley never saw action with the Lions, as he was waived prior to the start of the regular season. The team originally doubled up on guard, so Onwenu offers Detroit the chance to do so again. 

He's started 41 games since entering the league, and provided the Patriots with a solid presence. With Stenberg not panning out, Onwenu would be a better fit on the offensive interior, next to Jackson and center Frank Ragnow. 

Round 6: Pick 197

Original pick: DT John Penisini

Pick: S Geno Stone

The Lions could add another starter-level talent in the sixth round by swapping Penisini for Baltimore Ravens safety Geno Stone. 

The original choice here played just two seasons before announcing his retirement. However, just last week, he signed with the Carolina Panthers to play with defensive line coach Todd Wash. 

Stone, the Lions' new pick, has played a versatile role in the Ravens' defense. He's played in 34 games, holding spots both on defense and special teams. 

Round 7: Pick 235

Original pick: DT Jashon Cornell

Pick: LB Tae Crowder

Cornell has played just one game as a pro, spending a majority of his time on the Lions' practice squad. While there's little value still available in the seventh round, linebacker Tae Crowder could provide some thunder for Detroit's defense. 

Originally the draft's "Mr. Irrelevant" selection, Crowder has started 31 of 41 games played for the New York Giants over three years. He surpassed 100 tackles in 2021, and has two career interceptions.