760 WJR is bringing you highlights of the 2020 NFL Draft Class, showcasing the new picks for the Detroit Lions. Stay tuned for more coverage from the Detroit Lions Radio Network, 760 WJR.
Not starting till 2019, the Lions first choice for 2020 was Ohio State runningback Jeff Okudah. The best choice for the position, Okudah will be a great day one player to follow up Darius Slay.
Averaging 6.6 yards over 440 rushes, and 9.1 yards over 73 receptions, Georgia running back D\’Andre Swift was Detroit\’s round two choice. Combined with current RB Kerryon Johnson, Matthew Stafford has quite the offense at his side.
London born Notre Dame defensive end Julian Okwara will be sure to trouble opposing offensive tackles. The younger brother of Lions\’ DE Romeo Okwara, had his best season in 2018 with 8 sacks over 13 games, 12 of which he started.
In Round 3, Detroit traded up 10 slots for Guard Jonah Jackson. With NFL ready size and stats, the four year Rutgers player transferred to Ohio State for his fifth, starting all 14 games of the season.
Starting 39 consecutive games over his last 3 seasons, Detroit chose Logan Stenberg, University of Kentucky offensive guard. Together with Jonah Jackson, the Detroit\’s offensive line will be a force to be reckoned with.
With 59 catches and 7 touchdowns for the 2019 season, wide receiver Quintez Cephus was chosen in Round 5. With the Lions current receiving top three not signed after 2020, it remains to be seen how the Wisconsin runner will line up.
The only back in this draft class with over 1,000 college receiving yards, Jason Huntley will play both kick return and third-down back for Detroit. Closing out 2019 with an average of 7.1 yards per carry, the former New Mexico State running back will be a welcome addition to Matthew Stafford\’s lineup.
Weighing in at 318 pounds, defensive tackle John Penisini was chosen in Round 6 out of University of Utah. With 15 tackles for loss, 5 sacks and 2 forced fumbles, Penisini poses to be a great run stopper.
The final choice for Detroit was Jashon Cornell from Ohio State. Bringing his strongest season his last year in college, alternating between defensive end and tackle, it seems the player will be a flexible asset to Matt Patricia\’s Lions.
