2020 NFL Draft: Detroit Lions Final 7-Round Mock Draft

With the third overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, the Detroit Lions catch a break and are able to select the best prospect in the class. Ohio State’s Chase Young is a terror along the defensive line and would fill one of the biggest needs on the Detroit roster. If the Lions can snag Young in the first round it would immediately turn the draft into a win, no matter what happens on days two and three.

It’s unlikely that Young is sitting there for Lions’ taking if the Washington Redskins don’t trade away the pick. However, should they trade back like recent reports are suggesting they could do, then Young may very well slip to Detroit with the third overall pick.

Young is so good because he does everything at an elite or close-to-elite level. He can win off the snap with a quick first step, overpower offensive linemen with a bull rush, and finesse his way around those offensive linemen using an array of pass-rush moves. While he is best known for his elite ability to get after opposing quarterbacks, Young brings more to the table than just his pass-rushing ability.

He can also help a defense successfully stop the run. Young’s outstanding upper-body power allows him to stand-up offensive tackles and set the edge when the play comes his way. He also provides adequate back-side support, not taking himself out of the play even if the offense runs the opposite direction of Young.

Young isn’t perfect but comes close. The biggest thing he needs to work on fixing is his pad level. Because he possesses so much natural power, he does not always stay as low as he needs to and that could cause the occasional problem in the NFL when he goes up against offensive tackles who can match his power.

Overall, Young is the best prospect in this class and one of the best prospects going back five to 10 years. He is easily worthy of the third overall pick here and Detroit would be lucky to grab him here.