Ranking Detroit Lions' First-Round Draft Board

One of these five players will likely be selected by the Lions with the No. 3 overall pick in this year's NFL Draft

As the NFL world descends on Indianapolis this week for the 2020 NFL combine, Detroit will be among the teams sending its entire staff to evaluate draft prospects invited to participate. 

Lions general manager Bob Quinn said last week, "Normally, in the formal interview setting, we get to interview 60 prospects. This year -- with the new format -- it is going to be 45. We actually get a couple more minutes with each prospect. Usually, it is a 15-minute interview. This year, it is going to be 18 minutes."

Quinn & Co. will be tasked with thoroughly evaluating draft prospects in order to create a solid draft board.

Currently, here are the top players that Detroit should have on its draft board prior to the combine.

1.) DE Chase Young, Ohio State

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Not only is Young an elite pass rusher, but his strength and agility also make running towards his side very difficult.

He has elite range and a closing burst that is very difficult to get around -- even for running backs with top-flight speed.

Young has the potential to be a player that opponents have to specifically gameplan around.

Honestly, the Lions could probably line him up just about anywhere in their defense, and he would still create havoc.

All in all, Young is largely considered a "generational talent." 

2.) CB Jeff Okudah, Ohio State

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Okudah wouldn't be the most awe-inspiring pick, but would fill a position of need in Detroit's secondary.

This past season, the secondary was torched on a consistent basis, allowing a league-worst 284.4 passing yards per game.

Okudah, meanwhile, "allowed just 3.1 yards per target in press coverage" this past season -- over 3.5 yards below the FBS average, according to Pro Football Focus.

Per PFF, he also produced a better coverage grade in his final collegiate season than Jalen Ramsey did in his final season at Florida State in 2015. 

3.) DT Derrick Brown, Auburn

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One thing that Brown can do that the Lions struggle with is rushing the passer. 

Brown could instantly provide interior pressure.

He has a variety of pass-rush moves, including a devastating bull rush.

Playing in the SEC, Brown has lined up against plenty of future NFL linemen, and still has managed to stand out from both a power and quickness perspective.

4.) LB Isaiah Simmons, Clemson 

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Simmons checks all the boxes for the strong safety role, or hang defender in Patricia's hybrid scheme.

Patricia's base defense is a 3-3-5, with the third safety essentially a starter.

Simmons, who is listed at 230 pounds, isn't an exact scheme fit as a middle linebacker -- solely because of his weight.

Most importantly, though, he would be able to help cover today's ultra-athletic tight ends.

He can move like a defensive back that is 30 pounds lighter. That's what makes him a special player.

5.) QB Tua Tagovailoa 

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If Tagovailoa is medically cleared and displays the level of ability that he did in college, Detroit should 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.

Many believe Tagovailoa could sit out for a season behind Stafford and learn the position.

Sound similar?

It's what Patrick Mahomes was able to do with the Kansas City Chiefs. 

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