For most Lion’s fans, this is a day we all like to push into the back of our minds and worry about it later. Sadly though, this day is coming way faster than most people thought. Over the past few years, Lion’s fans have watched Stafford get destroyed by powerful defensive linemen and linebackers due to our sub-par offensive line. But during these last three seasons, these hits are starting to get to Matthew, as he is only getting older. But there is hope, even though during the last portion of the 2018-2019 season showed us that our QB room is horrific and shows little to no potential. Here are two situations where I feel we could be in safe hands once Safford hangs up his cleats.

Option One: Draft a rookie and let him groom off Stafford. Ex: 2020 Packers Draft.

This option is supported by some Lion’s fans, which must be the best choice. Yes, the 2020 NFL DRAFT just ended, but it’s never to early to get a peek at what the next class coming into the NFL will be like.

One thing I’m noticing is that this upcoming class is going to be VERY powerful at the QB position, which is perfect for the Lions. This upcoming draft hold big QB names like Trevor Lawrence (CLEM) or Justin Fields (OSU,) but it also includes some sleepers like my personal favorite Trey Lance (NDSU.) If the Lions do draft a QB in this year’s upcoming draft, there is a very high chance we will be set for a long time.

Option 2: Pick up Cam Newton in FA.

As of today, former MVP Cam Newton still does not have a team after being released by the Panthers on March 24th. As of right now we only have a few more weeks before another team secures Cam. Keep in mind that Cam is two years younger than Stafford and I would love to see both Cam and Stafford battle it out for the starting position. Cam has stated that he is open to taking a backup position for a team, so if Stafford does go down we could have a very reliable QB2 for that situation.

As a reminder, all trades made on draft night within the top ten selections will still be included. The 2012 was loaded with quality quarterbacks, while also fielding some of today’s NFL defensive superstars.

This was extremely difficult, as the amount of defensive talent in this draft is incomparable to any other, so here are a few honorable mentions to this draft list just to show you how deep this draft went: Fletcher Cox, Josh Norman, Dont’a Hightower, Melvin Ingram, Whitney Mercilus, and Janoris Jenkins.

That is right, all those top-tier defensive players did not make the top ten. That just shows how stacked this class was.

The 2012 NFL Re-Draft is open, and the Colts are on the clock.

1: Indianapolis Colts: Russell Wilson, QB

Easily the top quarterback in this class. I like the original pick with Andrew Luck, but Luck’s retirement pushes Wilson to the top slot. Unlike in Seattle, Wilson will be able to have a strong run game, and have protection, thus making him more dominant than ever.

2: Washington Redskins: Luke Keuchly, LB

While they originally went with RGIII, I believe they should have gone elsewhere. While Luke Keuchly might have retired this offseason, he is still the best defensive player in this class. The Redskins defense has been lacking for many years now, but this all changes when they get Keuchly.

3: Cleveland Browns: Bobby Wagner, LB

Bobby Wagner might have the closest skillset to Keuchly not just in this class, but in the NFL as a whole. Wagner is a tackle machine, and this pick would be a complete reversal in impact on the team compared to Trent Richardson. Wagner would become a fan-favorite in Cleveland, and potentially even lead them to success.

4: Minnesota Vikings: David Decastro, OG

The Vikings went offensive line in the original draft, so I decided to stick with the same position despite there being better talent still left on the board. DeCastro is a great lineman who was rock-solid guarding Big Ben. Kirk Cousins will be lucky to have a strong line revolving around this guy.

5: Jacksonville Jaguars: T.Y. Hilton, WR

They went with J. Blackmon with the original pick. I like keeping the picks in the same position, so the Jaguars in this redraft will select the top wide receiver from this class T.Y. Hilton. If only he had a good quarterback to throw to him.

6: Dallas Cowboys: Stephon Gilmore, CB

Gilmore is easily the top cornerback in this class, and is potentially the best cornerback in the league. Gilmore solidifies the Cowboys’ secondary, which would be a better pick than Morris Claiborne.

7: Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Harrison Smith, SS

The hard hitting safety is just what the Buccaneers need. Smith has dominated the competition, and his power is no match to anyone else. Smith could have been the next Ronde Barber, but instead, he is dominating on the Vikings.

8: Miami Dolphins: Chandler Jones, DE

The Dolphins get a great pass rusher in Chandler Jones. In Arizona, he and Patrick Peterson were able to lead a very solid defensive unit. The Dolphins have many holes, but they cover a big one with Jones.

9: Carolina Panthers: Lavonte David, LB

With Keuchley off the board in this redraft, the Panthers need to take the next best available linebacker. David may not be Luke Keuchly, but David’s versatility and IQ make him worthy of being selected at the ninth slot.

10: Buffalo Bills: Casey Heyward, CB

The Bills originally went with Gilmore here, so they now need to find a different cornerback to select. While Josh Norman and Janoris Jenkins are great players, I believe that Casey Heyward would fit in well in Buffalo.

Heading into this year’s NFL Draft, the Detroit Lions had the 3rd overall pick in the draft. Many fans were nervous, as the Lions usually disappoint lots of fans during the draft. This year on the other hand, Lions fans were very excited when GM Bob Quinn and HC Matt Patricia made some very bold and great picks for the future of the Lions franchise. Let’s take a look at each pick and analyze/grade them.

RD 1 PICK 3 – Jeffery Okudah, CB, Ohio State

Grade: A-

Now don’t get me wrong here, I really like this pick by the Lions. Even though this was expected, I’m still overjoyed we stuck with it and drafted Jeff. The last time a CB was taken in the top three in the NFL draft was back in 1997, so this was a very risky pick.

Jeff Okudah perfectly fits the Lions Man-Press scheme, which is always nice. His hip fluidity is a work of art along with his ability to stay right with receivers will translate really well into the NFL. Okudah also has insanely quick feet and a very long wingspan, which is very scary for any receiver going against him.

The only reason I don’t give this an A is because I feel we could’ve traded with the Miami Dolphins to gain the 5th overall pick and another first rounder, as there was a very high chance he would still be on the board at number five. Overall though, A franchise changing pick and I hope he does well in his rookie year.

RD 2 PICK 35 – D’Andre Swift, RB, Georgia

Grade: A

I LOVE this pick. The Lions decided to be bold and select D’Andre Swift. Without a doubt D’Andre Swift is minimum a top 3 running back in this draft class. His elusiveness and ability to turn on the jets after getting past the front seven is jaw-dropping. Swift can make defenders look absolutely silly when he has the ball in his hand and can turn with such quickness the defender doesn’t even realize he turned by the time he is past him. Another amazing thing Swift can do is make something out of nothing. A great example of this is any of his games versus Kentucky. He can find a hole and fly past the front seven and stride into the endzone.

There isn’t many downsides to picking D’Andre Swift at this pick. The only thing that worries me is the amount of carries he had per game. He had 20+ carries in only three games in his junior season, which can be concerning because if he has a 35 carry game in the NFL, how will he be holding up? Will he be gassed? Overall though, I really like this pick and Swift is going to be an amazing running back no matter what.

RD 3 PICK 67 – Julian Okwara, EDGE, Notre Dame

Grade: A-

Finally, the Lions secure an athletic edge rusher in Julian Okwara. Okwara had the 5th best pass rush win rate among the NCAA and has very long arms which he uses to help his speed and power. He is an absolute steal for the Lions in the third round. He is quick out of the stance that makes life tough on the opposing offensive lines. The dip and cross chop are his best moves and he has great success with those moves. If Okwara gets called on, he has no problem stepping up to the challenge. I feel like Okwara is going to be an absolute pain for opposing offensive linemen. I feel that having Julian playing with his brother Romeo will really help him ease his way into the NFL and help him get more comfortable quicker.

After watching some footage, I have managed to find a few things Julian can work on. One big thing is his pad level (how high the shoulders are.) I feel that his pad level is a bit too high, but this can obviously be worked on with NFL coaches. Another thing I’ve noticed is that he struggles on the run defense. He often gets beat to the gap and he needs to get stronger, but these things will come along as he grows in the NFL.

RD 3 PICK 75 – Jonah Jackson, OG, Ohio State

Grade: B

Jackson is advanced in pass pro as an interior lineman in this class. For his career, he’s allowed only one lone sack or hit on 1,020 pass-blocking snaps, which speaks to arguably his greatest trait — not losing quickly. Even when he does allow pressure, Jackson is almost always still holding on for dear life and riding guys past the pocket. His hand usage is exceptional, and he plays with a balance unmatched in the draft class. BUT, Jackson was decent for Ohio State in 2019, although he had some penalty issues against Cincinnati. Jackson did not impress at the Senior Bowl and showed that he has very short arms. Even with all this being said, I still like the pick, and Jonah will beef up the OL for sure.

RD 4 PICK 121 – Logan Stenberg, IOL, Kentucky

Grade: B-

When I first saw the Lions select Logan, I was puzzled to say the least. But, after watching some of his clips and hearing him talk, I really like this pick. Logan Stenberg has that Detroit Grid type attitude and I’m all for it.

Logan is physical and a nasty mauler who will finish the block no matter what. He has a very thick, burly frame that matches his play style very well. He shows good anticipatory instincts with regards to handling stunts and games inside. He has a good short set anchor and does a good job holding the point. He’s got vice grips for hands — if he’s able to set the hook the odds of you getting out of the grasp are slim to none. He’s fairly disciplined to not overextend himself or prematurely flash hands to set himself up for hand counters — which is vital since his lateral mobility hinders his recovery ability.

But, Logan has just as many downsides as upsides. Logan is very physical like I said, but that also means sometimes he can get to physical. Logan has a tendency of drawing a lot of flags. In the past year alone, Logan racked up 14 penalties in 2019. Logan also struggles with his foot speed along with his tall pass sets can give him some trouble via pass protection. Another thing is that Logan has only played LG in college, which means he will struggle if he is moved around the offensive line.

Even though Logan has a lot of work to do to get rid of penalties and other problems, the sky is the limit for this guy and I hope his Detroit style grit can get him as a solid OL for the Lions.

RD 5 PICK 166 – Quintez Cephus, WR, Wisconsin

Grade: C+

When the Lions selected Quintez Cephus with the 166th overall pick in the NFL Draft, Lion’s fans were all over Bob Quinn and Matt Patricia on social media, enraged they passed on Michigan WR Donovan Peoples-Jones. People had a fair reason to do this. Donovan Peoples-Jones was my personal pick for this draft and I wanted DPJ just as bad as any other Lion’s fan.

Quintez shows a good technique to clear press coverage with a variety of releases. He attacks blind spots and creates leverage as a route runner. I really like how he bends his routes stems, stacks, and creates throwing windows. Does a great job angling at the breakpoint to create separation. Won’t get outmuscled at the catch point or pinned on vertical routes. Terrific body control, balance, and concentration.

Here’s the catch with Quintez though, he ran a position slow 4.71 second 40 meter dash. He runs his routes very well but struggles to twitch and release quickly off the line to leave the receivers in the dust. Honestly, still not a fan of this pick and would’ve preferred DPJ

RD 5 PICK 172 – Jason Huntley, RB, New Mexico State

Grade: D

This pick was the worst pick the Lions made in this years draft. This pick left many fans sitting there scratching their heads.

Jason Huntley is a hard one to cover for most reporters because there’s absolutely no information about him. One thing I’ve noticed for sure is this kid has some wheels. He flies past defenders like their nothing and will leave anyone and everyone in the dust. Huntley is also an amazing receiving back. I look at Huntley as a faster, overall higher potential Theo Riddick. Jason also is an AMAZING returner and his speed can help with that.

Jason really doesn’t have any insane downsides like the other draft prospects on this list. I gave Jason such a harsh grade more because of the selection by the front office. The Lion’s running back room is bursting at the seams, and adding another back really wasn’t needed. Donovan Peoples-Jones was still on the board during this. I really don’t understand why the Lions didn’t go with a safety or a linebacker with this pick. Easily the worst pick by the Lions this draft, and I hope Jason can do well in the big leagues with the Lions.

RD 6 PICK 197 – John Penisini, DT, Utah

Grade: B

As a former rugby player, Penisini went the JUCO route for his first two seasons, and then transferred to Utah and finished as a second-team All-Pac-12 defensive tackle the last two years.

The redshirt senior only has five career sacks at the FBS level. Even with his size, he can struggle to push the pocket. His pass-rushing ability is not why the Lions drafted him, though. It’s his run defense and his ability to control the line of scrimmage that makes Penisini unique. It’s rare to ever see him get pushed around.

As a rotational piece, Penisini can likely play in multiple alignments along the line as two-down, run-stuffing type.

RD 7 PICK 235 – Jashon Cornell, DL, Ohio State

Grade: C-

Jashon is an athletic defensive lineman lacking core strength and body type for a clean positional fit in an odd- or even-front defense. His snap quickness and long lateral slides offer disruptive potential in a one-gapping front, but he’s missing the size and consistency to handle himself against NFL power. Teams could decide to play him as a five-technique, but he needs to prove he has the playing strength to set a strong edge. His pass rush lacks explosiveness and skill to get quick wins, which could make his path to the pros more clouded.

Of course when you’re drafting players in the seventh round, there’s going to be a lot of players normal fans do not know. Still, I really don’t get this pick. There as a lot of other talent we could’ve picked but we chose a very raw, slow, defensive end. An odd and questionable choice to the end of the 2020 NFL Draft for the Lions.

Round 1 Pick 2, Redskins: DE, Chase Young, Ohio State

Round 1 Pick 3, Lions: CB, Jeff Okudah, Ohio State

Round 1 Pick 4, Giants: LB, Isaiah Simmons, Clemson

Round 1 Pick 5, Dolphins: QB, Tua Tagovailoa, Alabama

Round 1 Pick 6, Chargers: QB, Justin Herbert, Oregon

Round 1 Pick 7, Panthers: DT, Derick Brown, Auburn

Round 1 Pick 8, Cardinals: OL, Tristan Wirfs, Iowa

Round 1 Pick 9, Jaguars: CB, C.J Henderson, Florida

Round 1 Pick 10, Browns: OL, Andrew Thomas, Georgia

Round 1 Pick 11, Jets: WR, CeeDee Lamb, Oklahoma

Round 1 Pick 12, Raiders: WR, Jerry Jeudy, Alabama

Round 1 Pick 13, 49ers: WR, Henry Ruggs III, Alabama

Round 1 Pick 14, Buccaneers: OL, Jedrick Willis, Alabama

Round 1 Pick 15 Broncos: DT, Javon Kinlaw, South Carolina

Round 1 Pick 16, Falcons: OL, Mekhi Becton, Louisville

Round 1 Pick 17, Cowboys: LB, K’lavon Chaisson, Louisiana

Round 1 Pick 18, Dolphins: Safety, Xavier McKinney, Alabama

Round 1 Pick 19, Raiders: LB, Kenneth Murray, Oklahoma

Round 1 Pick 20, Jaguars: Safety, Grant Delpit, Louisiana

Round 1 Pick 21, Eagles: WR, Justin Jefferson, Louisiana

Round 1 Pick 22, Vikings: WR, Denzel Mims, Baylor

Round 1 Pick 23, Patriots: DE, AJ Epenesa, Iowa

Round 1 Pick 24, Saints: QB, Jordan Love, Utah

Round 1 Pick 25, Vikings: CB, Kristian Fulton, Louisiana

Round 1 Pick 26, Dolphins: OL, Austin Jackson, Southern California

Round 1 Pick 27, Seahawks: LB, Zach Baun, Wisconsin

Round 1 Pick 28, Ravens: LB, Patrick Queen, Louisiana

Round 1 Pick 29, Titans: CB, Jeff Gladney, TCU

Round 1 Pick 30, Packers: WR, Tee Higgins, Clemson

Round 1 Pick 31, 49ers: OL, Cesar Ruiz, Michigan

Round 1 Pick 32, Chiefs: CB, Trevon Diggs, Alabama

The 2017 NFL Draft was loaded with superstars ranging in all positions. This draft class included offensive superstars such as Christian Mcafferey, George Kittle, and Chris Godwin; but, also includes defensive pro-bowlers in Jamal Adams, Myles Garrett, and Tre’Davious White.

This re-draft will include all draft day trades. Plus, not all selections were based on skill: it depends on replicability at the position. For example, if this re-draft was purely based on skill, then close to half of the top ten picks would have been a runningback.

Now that the perameters have been set, let us re-draft:

1: Cleveland Browns: Patrick Mahomes, QB, Texas Tech

After being benched behind Alex Smith in his rookie season, Patrick Mahomes has played two star seasons for the Kansas City Chiefs. In this timespan, Mahomes has won the NFL’s MVP award, and most recently a Super Bowl victory, to name a few of Mahomes’ many achievements. The Chiefs made what will eventually be considered as the best move in their franchise’s history by trading to the 10th pick for Mahomes, nabbing the best player in the NFL. However, in this re-draft, the Browns decide to pick Mahomes instead of star defensive end Myles Garrett.

2: Chicago Bears: Myles Garrett, DE, Texas A&M

While Garrett’s season was cut short due to his incident involving Mason Rudolph in a regular season game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, let that not undercut Garrett’s talent. Garrett was more than well-deserving of the first-overall pick, but having the generational talent in Mahomes forces Garrett to move down a spot. The only reason I do not have Deshaun Watson landing here is because I think the Bears stick with Mike Glennon after signing him to a ridiculously large deal that offseason.

3: San Fransisco 49ers: George Kittle, TE, Iowa

While we all like to think of the Niners defense as formidable, it was not thanks to the likes of Soloman Thomas. But, that does not mean the Niners did this draft wrong, as they selected George Kittle in the fifth round. In this redraft, the Niners decide to select Kittle with their first round pick, and wait until the later rounds before even considering Thomas. Kittle has been an unstoppable force ever since being drafted into the league. At this point in time, the Niners have many holes, including quarterback, but they wait to get a quarterback until trading for Jimmy Garropolo. Kittle provides their team a dynamic blocker as well as a receiving threat that will scare defenses for weeks to come.

4: Jacksonville Jaguars: Christian Mccaffrey, HB, Stanford

The Jaguars initially selected Leanard Fournette at this spot. While I think this was a great fit, I believe that the Jaguars could have gone with a better running back. With uncertainty with Blake Bortles at quarterback, Mccaffrey will be playing in a nearly identical situation to the one he is currently in with the Panthers. Overall, CMC is a much better fit with this squad then Fournette is.

5: Tennessee Titans: T.J. Watt, EDGE, Wisconsin

Watt has improved in every season he has played, and has become a Defensive Player of the Year candidate with the Steelers. The Titans went with Corey Davis with this pick, which proved to be bust-worthy, especially now that they have a run-dominated offense with Derrick Henry. The Titans in this redraft go with defense, deciding between Jamal Adams and Watt. They eventually go with Watt, showing that they are confident in their safety group that is lead by Kevin Byard.

6: New York Jets: Jamal Adams, S, LSU

It is not often that in a redraft, a team goes with the same guy they went with in the actual draft. Even though there is uncertainty in his future with the Jets this offseason, the smart move is to keep their pick with Adams going at 6.

7: Los Angeles Chargers: Chris Godwin, WR, Penn State

While this may seem as a surprise to many, I think that the Chargers picking Godwin would be perfect. They initially went with Mike Williams, who they had hoped would provide Philip Rivers with a solid WR2 option. This would have spread the field more, allowing their star WR Keenan Allen and TE Hunter Henry to have more open space, creating more big plays. Williams has been a good pick, posting solid numbers when healthy. But, in comparison to Godwin’s breakout season, Williams stands no match. Chargers stick with a wideout here.

8: Carolina Panthers: Marlon Humphrey, CB, Alabama

Ever since the departure of Josh Norman and the rest of the core 15-1 Panther squad, the defense has been lacking in overall talent in exception to newly retired LB Luke Kuechly. This class features many great cornerbacks, including Tre’Davious White, and Marshon Lattimore. But, I am going with Humphrey. Since 2017, Humphrey has been hawking every pass thrown to him down, breaking up 47 passes, ranking fourth since he was drafted into the league.

9: Cincinnati Bengals: Tre’Davious White, CB, LSU

Like I mentioned in the previous selection, this class is loaded with studs at cornerback. The Bengals in the actual draft went with John Ross, going for a speedy wideout to be opposite to AJ Green. Ross has been plagued with injuries, making him not worthy of this selection. The Bengals secondary has been abysmal at best, so they take Pro-Bowl cornerback White at this pick. However, this Bengals team is still far from where they have to be, and even with the selection of White, I would still see the Bengals winding up with the first pick in tomorrow’s draft.

10: Kansas City Chiefs: Deshaun Watson, QB, Clemson

Those that are reading this, I know you are confused. The Chiefs trading to this pick for the fundamental purpose of drafting Patrick Mahomes. That is true. But, they still believe that they have their guy in Watson. While Watson might not be at the same level as Mahomes, Watson would play perfect to this speedy team. Andy Reid would style a playbook that would revolve lots of play-action, screens to both running backs and wide receivers, and QB runs, similar to the current Chiefs playbook. In my mind, this would be a no-brainer trade the Chiefs make to pick Watson.