Handing Out Grades for the Detroit Lions’ 2020 NFL Draft Class
#67: Julian Okwara, EDGE Rusher, Notre Dame University
After never once having drafted a pass rusher before day three in his history as general manager of the Detroit Lions, Bob Quinn finally breaks his streak by drafting edge rusher Julian Okwara. Okwara is a speed rusher, using his quick burst to beat offensive lineman off the snap on the first step. He has some good secondary pass-rush moves as well, using a nice blend to keep offensive tackles off-balance.
He had his share of border-line first-round grades but most expected him to come off the board sometime in the middle of the second round, which gave Detroit good value getting him at 67th overall. Had he not broken his fibula last season, causing him to miss a chunk of the season and not being able to provide teams with agility numbers, he would have been drafted in the second round for sure, while possibly slipping into the end of the first round.
Grade: A
#75: Jonah Jackson, Offensive Guard, Ohio State University
The Lions selected Ohio State guard Jonah Jackson after trading up 10 spots. Jackson is a mauler who will help the Lions in their mission to run the ball better. But perhaps the best thing about Jackson is his pass protection. In over 1,000 career pass protection snaps Jackson gave up just one sack.
Whether trading up was necessary for drafting Jackson was the right move or whether they could have gotten him at their original pick, 85th overall is up for debate. But the Detroit Lions had him as the best remaining guard on the board and didn’t want to risk missing out on him so they made sure they didn’t miss out on him. Overall, Jackson has the ability to step in and play at a starting level and should have every chance to be a starting guard in week one.