Kiper Has Lions Drafting a Quarterback in Latest Mock Draft

Kiper has the Lions selecting a quarterback in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft

In his first released mock draft for 2020, ESPN's Mel Kiper had the Lions selecting cornerback Jeff Okudah from Ohio State. 

On Tuesday morning, Kiper released his latest mock draft. 

In it, Detroit is selecting former Alabama quarterback Tua Tagovailoa with the No. 3 overall pick. 

As Kiper writes, "This pick also seems like the perfect spot for a team to trade up to get a quarterback, whether that's Tagovailoa, Justin Herbert or someone else. Could the Chargers or Raiders or Jaguars move up to jump the Dolphins at No. 5 and get their guy? Everything is in play here, and since I'm not going to project trades, I'll stick with Tagovailoa at No. 3."

In many previously released mock drafts, the Lions have selected an impact player on defense in the first round.

Defense is the primary area of need for Detroit, and must be addressed in the higher rounds of this year's draft.

Although many believe that Detroit should only draft a defensive player with the No. 3 pick, there is a very real chance Detroit veers away from what the majority feels is best for the organization. 

Despite a large portion of the fanbase presently supporting Matthew Stafford, there will come a time when he is no longer the signal-caller in Detroit.

If Tagovailoa is medically cleared and displays the level of ability that he did in college, Detroit could seriously consider selecting him.

Stafford has been a staple in Detroit for over a decade. And despite not being completely to blame for the organization's struggles, he does not appear to be the solution, either.

If selected, Tagovailoa could sit out for a season behind Stafford and learn the position.

Sound familiar?

It's what 2018 NFL MVP Patrick Mahomes was able to do with the Kansas City Chiefs during his rookie season.

It worked out for him, as he led the Chiefs to a Super Bowl title in just his third year in the league.   

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