2020 NFL Draft: Jerry Jeudy slides in this three-round NFL mock draft

The closer we get to the end of the season, the more I like Clemson’s Isaiah Simmons as a fit for the Detroit Lions in the 2020 NFL Draft. If Matt Patricia remains the head coach in Detroit, Simmons is not a likely selection. Patricia likes having big and powerful players at the linebacker position. However, if the Lions fire Patricia and hire a more open-minded head coach, Simmons feels like a perfect fit.

As the Lions continue to struggle, Patricia getting fired feels more and more likely. In this mock draft, I am going to predict that the Lions move on from Patricia, leading to the selection of Simmons with the sixth overall pick of the 2020 NFL Draft.

Simmons is a special defensive player who has massive upside at the next level. He is the most versatile defensive player that I have ever studied, playing linebacker, safety, edge rusher and slot cornerback for Clemson. Simmons is a truly unique player who could quickly become a big-time difference-maker at the next level.

His raw speed and athleticism immediately stand out on tape. Simmons is a true sideline-to-sideline defender who tackles well in space and is not afraid to come up and make plays against the run. He is also smooth in coverage, shining as both a man-to-man and zone coverage defender. Simmons has the skill-set to defend tight ends, running backs and even slot receivers at the next level.

No matter where Simmons ends up, he is going to be a playmaker at the next level. He is a special athlete who fits the modern game extremely well and could be the guy the Lions build their defense around going forward.