With the third pick in the third round, 67th overall, of the 2020 NFL Draft, the Lions select EDGE rusher Julian Okwara out of Notre Dame.
Julain, the younger brother of Lions EDGE rusher Romeo Okwara, is the same height but a tick lighter (6-4, 252) than his older brother. With 10 fewer pounds to carry around, Julian is able to split his time between the down defensive end and JACK linebacker roles.
Okwara’s best asset is his speed off the edge — something the Lions are lacking — but he needs to shore up his run defense if he wants to stay on the field in the Lions scheme.
Pro Football Focus absolutely loves Okwara, ranking him as the 28th best player in this draft class and giving him a player comparison to current Lions prized free agent Jamie Collins.
The Lions have the following picks over the next two days:
| Round 3 | pick 21 | 85 overall |
| Round 4 | pick 3 | 109 overall |
| Round 5 | pick 3 | 149 overall |
| Round 5 | pick 20 | 166 overall |
| Round 6 | pick 3 | 182 overall |
| Round 7 | pick 21 | 235 overall |
