The latest projection for the 2020 NFL Draft from Draft Wire is out, and the two rounds of projections show a potentially impressive cast of players to watch during the 2019 college football season. In this forecast, the Lions land a premium wideout and a promising pass rusher.
In the first round, Draft Wire editor Luke Easterling projects the Lions to take Colorado wide receiver Laviska Shenault. It’s a high-end outcome; Shenault caught 86 passes for 1,011 yards and 6 TDs as a sophomore for the Buffalos. At 6-2 and 220, he’s got great hands and explosive athleticism. Colorado used him as a runner frequently, too.
Following Shenault is Michigan State EDGE Kenny Willekes in the second round. Willekes took a big step in 2018, locking up 20.5 TFLs and 8 sacks for the Spartans. He has the size and athleticism to play the flexible EDGE role in Matt Patricia’s “multiple” defense.
The Lions are picking at No. 7 in each round, an order based on the current Super Bowl odds from Vegas Insider. That would be a very disappointing outcome for 2019, though landing Shenault would provide a major boost to the Detroit offense.
