Niner Noise
FanSided

2020 NFL Draft: 32-team Round 1 mock after Week 4

By Peter Panacy

(Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
(Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /
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EAST LANSING, MI – NOVEMBER 18: Lorenzo Harrison III #2 of the Maryland Terrapins scores a second half touchdown past the tackle of Kenny Willekes #48 of the Michigan State Spartans at Spartan Stadium on November 18, 2017 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
EAST LANSING, MI – NOVEMBER 18: Lorenzo Harrison III #2 of the Maryland Terrapins scores a second half touchdown past the tackle of Kenny Willekes #48 of the Michigan State Spartans at Spartan Stadium on November 18, 2017 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

The Detroit Lions have been one of the league’s budding surprises this season, and perhaps many experts were premature in writing off head coach Matt Patricia’s squad as the worst in the NFC North.

A big reason why is Patricia is starting to get his defense clicking into place so far through 2019. Over the first four weeks, Detroit has allowed 95 points on the year — good for 12th best in the league.

What’s missing, though, is an excellent pass rush. Sure, the Lions have gotten by without a quality, regular pass-rusher in the mix, especially with now-Seattle Seahawks EDGE Ezekiel Ansah regularly hurt during his Detroit tenure.

Still, it’s hard to overlook the Lions’ nine sacks on the year are tied for 12th fewest in the league. Imagine what Patricia’s defense could be with a solid rusher to pair with EDGE Trey Flowers.

Michigan State’s Kenny Willekes is the pick here.