Detroit Lions 7-round 2020 NFL mock draft: Time for a new era?

Round 3, 70th Overall: Alton Robinson, EDGE, Syracuse

The pass rush for the Detroit Lions has been an embarrassment this season. The addition of Trey Flowers has helped, but the Lions need to find a quality player who can rush the passer across him quickly. This is an area that could be addressed in free agency, but finding a more long-term solution through the draft certainly makes sense as well.

In the third round of this mock draft, the Lions swing for the fences with the selection of Syracuse defensive end Alton Robinson. Robinson shows an impressive combination of quickness and athleticism on the outside. He is explosive off of the snap and shows the ability to bend around the edge at ease.

However, his overall game needs some work. Robinson needs to learn how to develop a pass rush plan. Right now, he always tries to win with speed around the edge and does not have any effective counter moves. In order to reach his full upside at the next level, Robinson is going to have to find another move. If he can learn to develop more of a pass rush plan, the sky is the limit.

Round 4, 102nd Overall: Justin Jefferson, WR, LSU

Wide receiver may not seem like the most immediate need, but with both Kenny Golladay and Marvin Jones hitting free agency in the next couple of years, the Lions need to start planning ahead at the position. Here, they scoop up LSU wide receiver Justin Jefferson.

Jefferson has been incredible this season, hauling in 81 receptions for 1,092 yards and 13 touchdowns for the dominant LSU Tigers. He is a big and athletic target who goes up and gets the ball well. Jefferson also shows a solid combination of speed and quickness that allows him to shake defensive backs free at times.

Jefferson is getting pushed down the board a bit due to the extreme depth at wide receiver in the 2020 NFL Draft. That being said, he is an extremely talented player who could end up being a nice, mid-round steal for a team like the Lions.