Detroit Lions 2020 NFL Draft: Pinpointing five logical first-round targets

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We all know that Lions head coach Matt Patricia loves big, run-stuffing linebackers. Patricia is not going to want to take a guy like Clemson’s Isaiah Simmons, but if he can just put his ego to the side for a moment, he would be able to see that Simmons is the kind of prospect that could immediately take the Lions’ defense to the next level.

A guy like Patricia may be scared off by Simmons because he will look at him as a guy who does not have a specific position. In reality, Patricia just doesn’t know how to use a guy like this. Instead of looking at his “tweener” status as a negative, the Lions should consider taking Simmons and using his versatility and overall defensive playmaking ability as a positive.

Simmons is an incredibly athletic “linebacker” prospect who is a true jack-of-all-trades on the defensive side of the ball. Clemson did an incredible job of making the most out of what Simmons can do, lining him up all over the field and simply allowing him to make plays.

Simmons has an incredible combination of speed, quickness and physicality that will make him a huge weapon at the next level. He is a tremendous run defender who works through traffic well and legitimately defends from sideline-to-sideline. Simmons is also a ferocious pass rusher who shows an incredible combination of upfield burst and power that allows him to create pressure from anywhere on the field.

Last, but not least, Simmons is a top-tier player in coverage who can legitimately shut down most running backs, tight ends and even slot receivers in man coverage and also shine in zone coverage. Simmons shows tremendous natural instincts in zone coverage and has the range to shine as a deep safety if needed.

Basically, this guy can do it all and needs to be considered one of the very best players in the 2020 NFL draft class. Simmons does not feel like a guy who Patricia is going to want, but if the front office is smart, they will overrule him and at least consider Simmons as an option early in the first round.