Detroit Lions: 3 trade-up targets in the 2020 NFL Draft

K’Lavon Chaisson, Edge Rusher, LSU

The Detroit Lions are as close to a sure thing as you can get in the 2020 NFL Draft to take Ohio State corner Jeffrey Okudah. While drafting Okudah is almost a foregone conclusion, Detroit also needs to add a JACK linebacker to the roster than can adequately cover pass-catchers and rush the quarterback at a high level.

LSU edge rusher K’Lavon Chaisson is that guy. Chaisson is a fast, quick, and explosive JACK linebacker who has shown his ability in coverage against some of the top pass-catchers in college football, while also lining up across from some of the top offensive tackles as well. Just naming a couple, Chaisson has lined up against Jedrick Wills and Andrew Thomas, two of the top offensive tackles available in this year’s draft.

Chaisson’s quick first step off the line of scrimmage, further boosted by his great athleticism, allows him to bend around the offensive tackle before said opponent can even get a handle on him. Not only that, but Chaisson can also win with secondary pass-rush moves including a nice spin that he recently developed.

In the event that Chaisson happens to start falling down the draft board on Thursday night, the Lions should definitely be on the phone with teams. While it would be unlikely that he falls past the Dallas Cowboys at 17 overall, if he does, then Detroit would need to make sure that he doesn’t make it to the New England Patriots’ pick at 23 overall.

To move up all the way from 35 to a pick in the range of 18-22 would cost the Lions a hefty price. Most likely, Detroit would need to move a package of picks like 35, 85, and a 2021 2nd round pick, maybe a 2021 3rd instead. Despite the steep price, it might very well be worth it to nab a falling edge rusher with the potential that Chaisson possesses.