For the first time since 2010, the Lions own a top-three pick in the draft.
They took Ndamukong Suh second overall that year. They'll pick third in 2020, thanks to a nine-game losing streak to end this season that concluded with Sunday's defeat to the Packers.
The Bengals are expected to take LSU quarterback Joe Burrow first overall, while Ohio State defensive end Chase Young will likely go second to the Redskins. With those players off the board, which names might be of interest to the Lions?
Let's take a quick look at three.
Jeff Okudah, CB, Ohio State
After Young, Okudah might be the best defensive player in the draft. And he has the size and length that Matt Patricia and Bob Quinn prefer in the secondary. Depending
how things play out with Darius Slay this offseason, the Lions might have a major need at cornerback. Okudah could step in at a much cheaper price. He has the skills to develop into a shutdown corner in the NFL.
Derrick Brown, DT, Auburn
Brown made the surprise decision last year to return to Auburn for his senior season. He backed it up by winning SEC Defensive Player of the Year -- and
cementing himself as a top-10 pick. Powerful and athletic, Brown is a beast on the interior of the defensive line. He penetrates the backfield with ease, and the Lions certainly need more playmakers in their front seven.
Andrew Thomas, OT, Georgia
The Lions are almost certain to go defense in the first round. But if they don't, Thomas might be the reason why. He looks like a building block up front, and it's possible Detroit
could part ways with Rick Wagner and/or Graham Glasgow this offseason. Thomas' size, technique and footwork will appeal to Quinn and the Lions, who haven't shied away from O-linemen in the first round.
Something to watch: There are a few quarterback-needy teams drafting after the Lions, including the Dolphins (No. 5), Chargers (No. 6) and Panthers (No. 7). If one of those clubs is sold on, say, Tua Tagovailoa or Oregon's Justin Herbert, Detroit's in a great position to trade down. This will be a scenario to monitor in the months ahead.
