One year after the Lions 2020 NFL draft class was selected, it is a perfect time to go back and take a look at how the rookies did in their first seasons. This was now-former general manager Bob Quinns last draft class before he was fired midway through the season along with coach Matt Patrica.
Detroit Lions 2020 NFL Draft Class Review: Day One
1.3 | Jeff Okudah | CB | Ohio State
The first pick of the Lions 2020 NFL Draft Class, Jeff Okudah, had a rough first few outings. Not only was he matched up with the best in the NFL going up against the likes of Davante Adams, Deandre Hopkins, and Julio Jones in three of his first five games. Okudah only played in nine games before his season was cut short due to injury and the Lions are looking forward to getting him back and ready for the 2021 season.
Grade: C
Lions 2020 NFL Draft Review: Day Two
2.35 | D’Andre Swift | RB | Georgia
Swift came in with high expectations and failed to meet them in his rookie campaign. He did not play poorly and shown flashes of greatness, but he also had some lowlights as well and plenty of rookie mistakes. Swift got outran by his 35-year-old teammate Adrian Peterson in yards on the year. Swift will be a bigger part of the offense in year two and should show more consistency in his game. If he can do that he will be a legitimate threat to change games week in and week out next season.
Grade: B
3.67 | Julian Okwara | DE | Notre Dame
Okwara played a total of 79 snaps in six games in his rookie season before he also went down with a season-ending injury. He had only three tackles in the six games and no sacks or big plays.
Grade: Incomplete
3.75 | Jonah Jackson | G | Ohio State
Jackson was the best pick in the draft for the Lions. He started all 16 games in his rookie season and only committed three penalties. As a standout rookie who opened holes in the running game as well as gave his QB ample time to throw, Jackson was easily the best pick of the Lions 2020 NFL draft class.
Grade: A+
Lions 2020 NFL Draft Review: Day Three
4.115 | Logan Stenberg | G | Kentucky
Stenberg did not play a single offensive snap during the season and only seven total snaps on special teams. With next to no sample size, there is nothing to grade. He was seen as a project when they drafted him and has met those insanely low expectations.
Grade: Incomplete
5.166 | Quintez Cephus | WR | Wisconsin
Cephus did not wow many with his limited playing time, but did show flashes of who he can be. Much like Swift, Cephus is not ready for the limelight yet but definitely showed that he belongs on the roster and will evolve nicely over the next couple of years. Cephus ended the season with 20 receptions for 349 yards and two touchdowns. With this off-season being a major one for the Lions current WR core, Cephus currently finds himself as WR #1 on the roster at this time.
Grade: C
5.172 | Jason Huntley | RB | New Mexico State
This was the worst pick of the draft for the Lions the day they made it and it still is to this day. Huntley had no role on this team as a running back, receiving back, or return man. Huntley was cut before the season started and was claimed on waivers by the Eagles.
Grade: F-
6.197 | John Penisini | DT | Utah
Penisini was one of the top three picks in this draft class, former general manager Bob Quinn found a very solid young part of the Lions" future defensive line. Penisini was the best run defender on the Lions in the 2020 season and you could tell when he was or was not on the field.
Grade: A
7.235 | Jashon Cornell | DT | Ohio State
The Last pick of the Lions 2020 NFL draft class never made it to week one. Cornell got hurt in camp and did not make the team due to his IR designation.
Grade: Incomplete
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