We're almost there. The NFL Draft is four days away.
With the third overall pick, the Detroit Lions select ...
"I do believe there are a couple players the Lions like (at No. 3)," writes Breer in his latest mock. "That said, they’d love to get them at No. 5 or 6, after a trade down. On paper, Ohio State CB Jeff Okudah fills a need and fits the Nuevo Patriot-style of defense they're building, in investing from back-to-front.
"But of late, I’ve heard rumblings that the coaching staff has taken a real liking to Auburn DT Derrick Brown. I’m sticking with Okudah here, for now. But I think Brown is very much a possibility."
Brown would give the Lions a mauler up front. Detroit has rebuilt the interior of its defensive line this offseason, and the 2019 SEC Defensive Player of the Year could be the final piece. He's an elite run stuffer with some pass-rushing ability to boot.
"He’s the total package," said LSU center Lloyd Cushenberry, a potential first-round pick. "Great power, speed, getting on you fast.”
Brown is a top-10 pick, no doubt. Would the Lions go so far as to draft him No. 3? Moreover, would they take him over Okudah and Simmons, the top two defensive players on the board after Chase Young?
It feels like a reach, and that's where Bob Quinn and Matt Patricia could get themselves in trouble.
But if the Lions are sold on Brown, they might be prepared to throw the first curveball of the draft.