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2020 NFL Mock Draft: Full first-round mock plus all Redskins picks

By Jacob Camenker

SANTA CLARA, CA - JANUARY 07: Jerry Jeudy #4 of the Alabama Crimson Tide scores a first quarter touchdown reception against the Clemson Tigers in the CFP National Championship presented by AT&T at Levi's Stadium on January 7, 2019 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA - JANUARY 07: Jerry Jeudy #4 of the Alabama Crimson Tide scores a first quarter touchdown reception against the Clemson Tigers in the CFP National Championship presented by AT&T at Levi's Stadium on January 7, 2019 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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NEW ORLEANS, LA – JANUARY 13: Linebacker Isaiah Simmons #11 of the Clemson Tigers during the College Football Playoff National Championship game against the LSU Tigers at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on January 13, 2020 in New Orleans, Louisiana. LSU defeated Clemson 42 to 25. (Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA – JANUARY 13: Linebacker Isaiah Simmons #11 of the Clemson Tigers during the College Football Playoff National Championship game against the LSU Tigers at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on January 13, 2020 in New Orleans, Louisiana. LSU defeated Clemson 42 to 25. (Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images) /

50. . Linebacker. Detroit Lions. Isaiah Simmons. 3. player

The Lions could seriously consider trading this pick. If either the Miami Dolphins or Los Angeles Chargers want to move up and ensure that they get their quarterback of choice, they could jump up to this spot.

But in this mock, we’re not projecting trades. Instead, we’re having the Lions go with one of the better defensive players on the board.

While the Lions are probably hoping Chase Young makes it to this pick, they’ll still have good options on defense no matter what. They could have an interest in Jeffrey Okudah at cornerback or Derrick Brown on the defensive line.

But as the draft draws nearer, I think the versatility of Isaiah Simmons could come into play for Matt Patricia. Patricia comes from the New England Patriots and Bill Belichick’s coaching tree, so he definitely likes versatile players. And Simmons, who can play linebacker, safety, and one the edge, could be a Derwin James-like playmaker for the Detroit defense.

Detroit signed Jamie Collins at linebacker this offseason, but they parted with Devon Kennard. Kennard was a good pass rusher and his presence will be missed. The team needs to add extra talent to their linebacker corps and Simmons and Collins would give the team a lot of athleticism and some serious middle of the field presence.

Consider this to be Patricia and Bob Quinn fully investing in Patricia’s system as their respective seats get hotter with Patricia’s third season in Detroit looming. Another poor season won’t cut it, and the Lions likely have to markedly improve for Patricia to stick around. He’ll want to try to make that happen his way and as a result, he’ll pick Simmons here given what Simmons could offer his team.

I actually think trading down may be in the Lions’ best interest since Simmons, Okudah, and Brown all fill big needs for them. If the Chargers want to move up here to get either Tua Tagovailoa or Justin Herbert, don’t be surprised to see that happen if the price is right.

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