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In this edition of the NFL Draft 32 for 32 series, we will examine the Detroit Lions. The team with the third pick in the upcoming draft, the Detroit Lions, battled through injuries and subpar play in 2019. Matthew Stafford and Kerryon Johnson both missed eight games and the offense was sporadic because of that. Stafford was having a very good year before the injury (19 TDs to five INTs) and the receiving duo of Kenny Golladay and Marvin Jones thrived. Both were solid weekly starters in fantasy with Stafford under center. Once Stafford went down, the play from both took a hit and affected their values. Golladay remained a starter while Jones was inconsistent before he too went down with an injury. Even missing eight games on the year, Kerryon Johnson was the highest producing back for the Lions (77 FP). This team has struggled for years to find a consistent running game, something that should be a focus for them moving forward.
As we look ahead to the draft, the biggest area of need for this team will be on all levels of the defense. The Lions were one of the worst defenses in the league, which in turn can be good for fantasy scoring as the game-scripts become more pass-heavy. This coaching staff desires a strong defense and a running game to control the clock. So expect numerous selections on the defensive side of the ball in this draft. The team may add in some depth at the skill positions, but I don't believe these additions will find fantasy relevance this year.
Let's dive into the numbers and team needs to determine just what the Lions should do to provide more fantasy firepower in 2020.
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Detroit Lions - 2020 Outlook
TEAM GRADES
Offense: 73.9 (18th)
Defense: 59.9 (31st)
Overall: 74.0 (24th)
TEAM NEEDS
LB, CB, EDGE
First Selection (1.03)
Jeffrey Okudah, CB Ohio State
Okudah is a blue-chip prospect that can hold down one side of the field for the Lions for many years to come. He has the size, length, and quickness that teams covet for the position. He is exceptional at press coverage but also has the burst to make up ground and close catch windows.
There will be room for some improvements at the next level, but his coverage techniques will make him one of the game's top shutdown corners for years. But even with Okudah's amazing skills, this Lions Defense will not be one to target in fantasy drafts this year.
Second Selection (2.03)
Terrell Lewis, OLB Alabama
Lewis is a bit of an enigma heading into this draft. He has major durability concerns after missing most of the previous two seasons. But outside of that, he has shown great abilities as a defender, which most prospects coming from Alabama tend to do.
He was productive during his time on the field while also showing growth as a player, which is encouraging. He will need to put on some more bulk at the next level to help against downhill running attacks. But all in all, with more coaching and seasoning Lewis, projects out to be a solid starting linebacker in the NFL.
Third Selection (3.03)
Jake Fromm, QB Georgia
The symmetry in this selection is hard to ignore. Coming from the same alma mater as Stafford, Fromm would do well to sit and learn. The Lions need to start thinking about the possible replacement for Stafford and Fromm could be just the type of QB they need, provided that Matt Patricia is the head coach for much longer. Fromm is your traditional pocket quarterback that lacks the athleticism that we see from some of today's top QBs. But what he lacks on the physical traits he more than makes up for cerebrally. He is a heady prospect that reads the field fully and makes the adequate read to his best receiving option.
He's not the type of player that can fit into any scheme, but this fit with the Lions seems appropriate. He would have skill position players around him to help him succeed. But from a fantasy perspective, he has dynasty appeal only and is a player that will stay on your bench until his playing status becomes more clear. Fromm may only top out as a mid-range QB2 at best in the NFL.
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