PFF Mock Draft Has Lions Doing The Unthinkable

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In case you hadn't noticed around here, it's Mock Draft Season. 

Here's Mel Kiper's latest. Here's Todd McShay's latest. Here's one from NFL.com. Here's another from CBS Sports

The consensus so far? The Lions are taking Ohio State CB Jeffrey Okudah in the first round. The obvious qualifier: Chase Young isn't available. 

But what if Young is on the board when Detroit makes its pick? Bob Quinn and Co. have to take the explosive pass rusher from Ohio State, right? I mean, they have to. 

Right!?!

Well ... not according to Pro Football Focus, which released its latest mock draft Tuesday. Safe to say, this scenario would have Lions fans punching the wall.

The first pick goes as expected, with the Bengals drafting Joe Burrow. The second pick is what throws everything off. PFF has the Redskins trading down with the Dolphins who take Tua Tagovailoa. So on the board at No. 3: Young and Okudah. Not to mention Clemson LB Isaiah Simmons.

And the Lions do the unthinkable:

"There’s an obvious debate between Okudah and his teammate, Chase Young, but the Lions’ man-coverage attack desperately needs more options on the back end, and Okudah’s production and measurables make him the top cornerback on the PFF draft board. Okudah has excellent movement size, speed and movement skills — all excellent fits for what the Lions need opposite new cornerback Desmond Trufant on the outside."

To no surprise, Young goes fourth overall to the Giants, who have to be counting their blessings. 

This isn't to diminish Okudah, who looks like a No. 1 corner in the making. Few assets are more valuable in today's NFL. But one of them is a dominant edge rusher, and that's what Young, the 2019 Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year, is shaping up to be.

The Lions could pair him with Trey Flowers to form one of the most dangerous pass-rushing duos in the NFL. They have to take him if he's available. 

RIGHT!?!