2020 NFL Draft: Signs pointing to Detroit Lions eyeing running backs with 35th pick

The Detroit Lions' first pick in the 2020 NFL Draft is at No. 3 overall, and it's widely assumed they will focus on improving what was a terrible defense in 2019 – that the defense was so bad is not a good reflection on defensive-minded head coach Matt Patricia, who is definitely on the hot seat entering 2020.

We have projected Ohio State cornerback Jeff Okudah being picked third by the Lions if they stay there. A trade down has been rumored, though. That Okudah is drafted by Detroit is a -140 favorite at William Hill sportsbook.

Detroit's second-round pick is No. 35 overall, and reading between the lines it appears the team might grab a running back there. Of course, clubs are not allowed to meet or examine prospects in person this year due to the coronavirus, but the Lions have had two virtual meetings with Utah tailback Zack Moss, and one each with Georgia's D'Andre Swift, Ohio State's J.K. Dobbins and Appalachian State's Darrynton Evans.

Swift likely will not be there at No. 35 as he's the -200 favorite to be the first running back off the board and is given an Over-Under draft position of 30.5 (both -110). All the other guys, plus Wisconsin's Jonathan Taylor, should be on the board. Well, Taylor might be 50-50.

Detroit took Auburn running back Kerryon Johnson at No. 43 overall in 2018, and he has been good when on the field, but therein lies the problem. Johnson has played in just 18 total games his first two seasons while dealing with knee injuries. The Lions also have Bo Scarbrough, a 2018 seventh-round pick of the Cowboys in 2018, who was solid in six late-season games last year with Johnson out.

However, Patricia likes to rotate his running backs during games – that's the Patriots way, and he's a former New England DC – and counting on Johnson at this point could be the issue. Scarbrough isn't a No. 1-caliber back.

NFL pick: Lions take Wisconsin's Taylor; go Under his draft position of 37.5 (+100)