Niner Noise
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2020 NFL Draft: Grading the draft class from all 32 teams

By Jeremy Wohlfart

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - JANUARY 13: Joe Burrow #9 of the LSU Tigers reacts to a touchdown against Clemson Tigers during the third quarter in the College Football Playoff National Championship game at Mercedes Benz Superdome on January 13, 2020 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - JANUARY 13: Joe Burrow #9 of the LSU Tigers reacts to a touchdown against Clemson Tigers during the third quarter in the College Football Playoff National Championship game at Mercedes Benz Superdome on January 13, 2020 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images) /
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Ohio State Buckeyes
Jeff Okudah, Ohio State Buckeyes (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images) /

. . . DETROIT LIONS. B

Team needs

Quarterback Matt Stafford is banged up and doesn’t have long left in his career, so Detroit needed to find as much talent as possible both on offense and defense to give its quarterback one last run.

2020 NFL Draft class

  • No. 3: Jeff Okudah, Cornerback, Ohio State
  • No. 35: D’Andre Swift, Running Back, Georgia
  • No. 67: Julian Okwara, EDGE/Linebacker, Notre Dame
  • No. 75: Jonah Jackson, Guard, Ohio State
  • No. 120: Logan Stenberg, Guard, Kentucky
  • No. 166: Quintez Cephus, Wide Receiver, Wisconsin
  • No. 172: Jason Huntley, Running Back, New Mexico State
  • No. 197: John Penisini, Defensive Tackle, Utah
  • No. 235: Jashon Cornell, Defensive Tackle, Ohio State

Draft review

I like the mix Detroit got with its draft haul with a combo of defensive weapons, offensive weapons and blocking. There were some reaches on here, however.

Jeff Okudah was an obvious pick and filled a need (although I’m surprised they didn’t convince the Chargers or Dolphins to trade with them) while D’Andre Swift was the best running back in the class. Add in Julian Okwara, who fits the range and a need, and this was a solid start by the Lions.

The big reach was with Jonah Jackson. Jackson impressed and was a potential steal in the later rounds, but was way too early at No. 75. Ironically, they then got a steal with fellow guard Logan Stenberg, so it all evens out.

The rest were solid rotational/developmental selections. All in all, it was a good draft for them.