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The tank is over.
After a disappointing 3-12-1 season, the Detroit Lions will draft third overall in the 2020 NFL Draft.
With their loss to the Green Bay Packers, the Lions were secured at least a top three pick. With Cincinnati locked in with the first pick, it came down to whether or not Washington could upset the Dallas Cowboys. Unfortunately, the Cowboys prevailed, and the Lions stood pat at third.
When Matthew Stafford got injured against the Oakland Raiders, most people in the Lions community knew that the season was over. Tanking for a top pick was a common thought from fans, and while the team did not quit despite mounting injuries, they ended up losing nine straight games.
The third overall pick might not be satisfactory compensation for another wasted season, but there is plenty of talent in the upcoming draft. Joe Burrow and Chase Young are considered the prizes of the draft, but with Cincinnati and Washington ahead of the Lions, they could be gone. The Lions are still in a good position to draft a game-changer on a team desperate for one. A corner like Jeff Okudah or defensive lineman Derrick Brown could be targets for the Lions if they want to improve a struggling defense.
Additionally, the Lions could trade down to a quarterback-needy team. The Lions are drafting ahead of the Miami Dolphins, Los Angeles Chargers, Jacksonville Jaguars and Tampa Bay Buccaneers are all teams that could be in the market for a quarterback, and the Lions could garner a king’s ransom in order to trade down.
Despite the hardships of the 2019 season, the 2020 Detroit Lions have some valuable assets going forward.
Here’s a look at the draft order for the picks that are currently locked in for the 2020 NFL Draft.