Detroit Lions 7-round 2020 NFL mock draft: Revitalizing the defense

In 2019, defensive back could’ve been the worst unit on an already mediocre defense for the Detroit Lions. The group never got clicking and the Lions finished with the league’s worst passing defense, allowing an average of two touchdowns and 284 yards per game.

You’d expect more from a group with star cornerback Darius Slay and Justin Coleman, one of the NFL’s top nickel corners. Speaking of Slay, reports have surfaced that he will demand a trade if the Detroit Lions are unable to offer him an adequate contract.

His relationship with the team seems to be degrading as he skipped voluntary workouts and then displayed his dissatisfaction with the mid-season Quandre Diggs trade. Overall, his status for next season with the Detroit Lions is unknown.

Even if Slay was to stay put, the Detroit Lions should still consider taking the best defensive back in the entire 2020 NFL Draft, Jeffrey Okudah. Okudah is an elite prospect with all the necessary traits to become a top corner in the modern NFL.

He excels in man coverage and press with the ability to shadow opponents number one receivers for the duration of games. Okudah is also great in zone and has a knack for precisely breaking on balls. He possesses tremendous ball skills and awareness, quick hips and feet to change directions with the best of them.

Okudah’s closing speed is extremely noteworthy and he obtains the upside to become a true lockdown corner. In his last 27 games at Ohio State, Okudah didn’t allow over 50 yards in any game. Now that’s a feat.