The Detroit Lions finished things up in Mobile, Alabama Saturday after a good week coaching the Senior Bowl.
The week unofficially kicked off a long four months of the pre-draft process that includes the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis next month, pro days across the nation, pre-draft visits starting in March, and months of prep work leading into the NFL Draft at the end of April.
There's a long ways to go and a lot of leg work that needs to take place before the Lions have their draft board set.
"It's January," Patricia said earlier this week at the Senior Bowl, stressing to reporters how early in this process the Lions really are.
Detroit will have an opportunity to take an impact defensive player with the third pick. Among some of the early names being floated around are Ohio State cornerback Jeff Okudah, Clemson linebacker Isaiah Simmons and Auburn defensive tackle Derrick Brown.
Maybe they decide to take the quarterback of the future? Could they bolster their offensive line with a pass catcher or offensive lineman? Alabama's Jerry Jeudy, anyone? There's also a chance one of the quarterback-needy teams drafting just a few spots behind Detroit – Miami (No. 5), Los Angeles Chargers (No. 6) and Carolina (No. 7) – come calling on draft night with a package of picks for No. 3.
"That's a great question for Bob Quinn," Patricia said. "I think for us, we're just going to go through the process, see how everything (is) handled. I don't think you can commit to anything at all. I mean, it's way too early for that."
Nothing is ever set in stone when it comes to the draft, history has taught us that much, but the popular narrative right now is that LSU quarterback and Ohio native Joe Burrow will be the favorite to go No. 1 to Cincinnati. Washington picks No. 2, and could decide that Ohio State edge rusher Chase Young would be a perfect final piece to an up-and-coming talented Redskins defensive front.
View photos from the 2020 Senior Bowl practices in Mobile, Ala.
during Reese's Senior Bowl practice Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2020 in Mobile, Ala. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Javon Kinlaw during Reese's Senior Bowl practice Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2020 in Mobile, Ala. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Robert Windsor during Reese's Senior Bowl practice Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2020 in Mobile, Ala. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Marlon Davidson during Reese's Senior Bowl practice Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2020 in Mobile, Ala. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Terrell Lewis during Reese's Senior Bowl practice Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2020 in Mobile, Ala. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Anfernee Jennings during Reese's Senior Bowl practice Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2020 in Mobile, Ala. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Jabari Zuniga during Reese's Senior Bowl practice Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2020 in Mobile, Ala. (Detroit Lions via AP).
John Simpson during Reese's Senior Bowl practice Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2020 in Mobile, Ala. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Robert Windsor during Reese's Senior Bowl practice Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2020 in Mobile, Ala. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions vice president of player personnel Kyle O'Brien during Reese's Senior Bowl practice Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2020 in Mobile, Ala. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Reese's Senior Bowl practice Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2020 in Mobile, Ala. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Josiah Deguara during Reese's Senior Bowl practice Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2020 in Mobile, Ala. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Justin Herbert during Reese's Senior Bowl practice Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2020 in Mobile, Ala. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Austin Mack during Reese's Senior Bowl practice Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2020 in Mobile, Ala. (Detroit Lions via AP).
during Reese's Senior Bowl practice Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2020 in Mobile, Ala. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Jalen Hurts during Reese's Senior Bowl practice Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2020 in Mobile, Ala. (Detroit Lions via AP).
during Reese's Senior Bowl practice Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2020 in Mobile, Ala. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Jalen Hurts during Reese's Senior Bowl practice Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2020 in Mobile, Ala. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Jalen Hurts during Reese's Senior Bowl practice Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2020 in Mobile, Ala. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Harrison Bryant during Reese's Senior Bowl practice Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2020 in Mobile, Ala. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Keith Ismael during Reese's Senior Bowl practice Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2020 in Mobile, Ala. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Lloyd Cushenberry III during Reese's Senior Bowl practice Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2020 in Mobile, Ala. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Ben Bartch during Reese's Senior Bowl practice Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2020 in Mobile, Ala. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Justin Herbert and the South offens huddles during Reese's Senior Bowl practice Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2020 in Mobile, Ala. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Justin Herbert during Reese's Senior Bowl practice Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2020 in Mobile, Ala. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Stephen Sullivan during Reese's Senior Bowl practice Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2020 in Mobile, Ala. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Justin Herbert during Reese's Senior Bowl practice Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2020 in Mobile, Ala. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Terrell Lewis during Reese's Senior Bowl practice Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2020 in Mobile, Ala. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Antonio Gibson during Reese's Senior Bowl practice Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2020 in Mobile, Ala. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Ke'Shawn Vaughn during Reese's Senior Bowl practice Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2020 in Mobile, Ala. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Steven Montez during Reese's Senior Bowl practice Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2020 in Mobile, Ala. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Rodrigo Blankenship during Reese's Senior Bowl practice Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2020 in Mobile, Ala. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions assistant offensive line coach Billy Yates during Reese's Senior Bowl practice Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2020 in Mobile, Ala. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions defensive assistant Steve Gregory during Reese's Senior Bowl practice Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2020 in Mobile, Ala. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions special teams coordinator Brayden Coombs during Reese's Senior Bowl practice Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2020 in Mobile, Ala. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions special teams coordinator Brayden Coombs during Reese's Senior Bowl practice Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2020 in Mobile, Ala. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions special teams coordinator Brayden Coombs during Reese's Senior Bowl practice Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2020 in Mobile, Ala. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell during Reese's Senior Bowl practice Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2020 in Mobile, Ala. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Neville Gallimore during Reese's Senior Bowl practice Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2020 in Mobile, Ala. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Michigan Wolverines helmet during Reese's Senior Bowl practice Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2020 in Mobile, Ala. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Michael Pittman Jr. during Reese's Senior Bowl practice Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2020 in Mobile, Ala. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Hakeem Adeniji during Reese's Senior Bowl practice Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2020 in Mobile, Ala. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Nick Harris during Reese's Senior Bowl practice Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2020 in Mobile, Ala. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Joshua Kelly during Reese's Senior Bowl practice Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2020 in Mobile, Ala. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Khaleke Hudson during Reese's Senior Bowl practice Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2020 in Mobile, Ala. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Sean McKeon during Reese's Senior Bowl practice Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2020 in Mobile, Ala. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Cory Undlin during Reese's Senior Bowl practice Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2020 in Mobile, Ala. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions running backs coach Kyle Caskey during Reese's Senior Bowl practice Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2020 in Mobile, Ala. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Cory Undlin during Reese's Senior Bowl practice Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2020 in Mobile, Ala. (Detroit Lions via AP).
during Reese's Senior Bowl practice Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2020 in Mobile, Ala. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Khaleke Hudson during Reese's Senior Bowl practice Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2020 in Mobile, Ala. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Cory Undlin during Reese's Senior Bowl practice Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2020 in Mobile, Ala. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions wide receiver coach Robert Prince during Reese's Senior Bowl practice Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2020 in Mobile, Ala. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions executive vice president & general manager Bob Quinn during Reese's Senior Bowl practice Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2020 in Mobile, Ala. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Cory Undlin during Reese's Senior Bowl practice Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2020 in Mobile, Ala. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Josh Uche during Reese's Senior Bowl practice Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2020 in Mobile, Ala. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions head coach Matt Patricia during Reese's Senior Bowl practice Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2020 in Mobile, Ala. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions wide receiver coach Robert Prince during Reese's Senior Bowl practice Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2020 in Mobile, Ala. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Cory Undlin during Reese's Senior Bowl practice Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2020 in Mobile, Ala. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions executive vice president & general manager Bob Quinn and Detroit Lions director of player personnel Lance Newmark during Reese's Senior Bowl practice Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2020 in Mobile, Ala. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Braden Mann during Reese's Senior Bowl practice Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2020 in Mobile, Ala. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions special teams coordinator Brayden Coombs during Reese's Senior Bowl practice Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2020 in Mobile, Ala. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions executive vice president & general manager Bob Quinn and Detroit Lions director of player personnel Lance Newmark during Reese's Senior Bowl practice Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2020 in Mobile, Ala. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions special teams coordinator Brayden Coombs during Reese's Senior Bowl practice Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2020 in Mobile, Ala. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions executive vice president & general manager Bob Quinn during Reese's Senior Bowl practice Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2020 in Mobile, Ala. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Kenny Willekes during Reese's Senior Bowl practice Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2020 in Mobile, Ala. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions offensive line coach Hank Fraley during Reese's Senior Bowl practice Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2020 in Mobile, Ala. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions head coach Matt Patricia and Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Cory Undlin during Reese's Senior Bowl practice Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2020 in Mobile, Ala. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions offensive line coach Hank Fraley during Reese's Senior Bowl practice Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2020 in Mobile, Ala. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions assistant offensive line coach Billy Yates during Reese's Senior Bowl practice Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2020 in Mobile, Ala. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Justin Herron during Reese's Senior Bowl practice Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2020 in Mobile, Ala. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell during Reese's Senior Bowl practice Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2020 in Mobile, Ala. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Larrell Murchison during Reese's Senior Bowl practice Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2020 in Mobile, Ala. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions head coach Matt Patricia during Reese's Senior Bowl practice Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2020 in Mobile, Ala. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Neville Gallimore during Reese's Senior Bowl practice Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2020 in Mobile, Ala. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Bradlee Anae during Reese's Senior Bowl practice Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2020 in Mobile, Ala. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Troy Pride Jr. during Reese's Senior Bowl practice Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2020 in Mobile, Ala. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Hakeem Adeniji during Reese's Senior Bowl practice Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2020 in Mobile, Ala. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions quarterbacks coach Sean Ryan during Reese's Senior Bowl practice Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2020 in Mobile, Ala. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Quartney Davis during Reese's Senior Bowl practice Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2020 in Mobile, Ala. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Shea Patterson during Reese's Senior Bowl practice Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2020 in Mobile, Ala. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Michael Pittman Jr. during Reese's Senior Bowl practice Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2020 in Mobile, Ala. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Matt Hennessy and Jordan Love during Reese's Senior Bowl practice Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2020 in Mobile, Ala. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Chase Claypool during Reese's Senior Bowl practice Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2020 in Mobile, Ala. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions running backs coach Kyle Caskey during Reese's Senior Bowl practice Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2020 in Mobile, Ala. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Shea Patterson during Reese's Senior Bowl practice Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2020 in Mobile, Ala. (Detroit Lions via AP).
KJ Hill during Reese's Senior Bowl practice Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2020 in Mobile, Ala. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions head coach Matt Patricia during Reese's Senior Bowl practice Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2020 in Mobile, Ala. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Troy Pride Jr. during Reese's Senior Bowl practice Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2020 in Mobile, Ala. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Michael Ojemudia during Reese's Senior Bowl practice Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2020 in Mobile, Ala. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions head coach Matt Patricia during Reese's Senior Bowl practice Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2020 in Mobile, Ala. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Jalen Elliott during Reese's Senior Bowl practice Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2020 in Mobile, Ala. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Khaleke Hudson during Reese's Senior Bowl practice Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2020 in Mobile, Ala. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Troy Pride Jr. during Reese's Senior Bowl practice Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2020 in Mobile, Ala. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Michael Ojemudia during Reese's Senior Bowl practice Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2020 in Mobile, Ala. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions college scouting coordinator Ron Miles and Detroit Lions vice president of player personnel Kyle O'Brien during Reese's Senior Bowl practice Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2020 in Mobile, Ala. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Josh Metellus during Reese's Senior Bowl practice Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2020 in Mobile, Ala. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Terrell Burgess during Reese's Senior Bowl practice Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2020 in Mobile, Ala. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Joshua Kelley during Reese's Senior Bowl practice Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2020 in Mobile, Ala. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Denzel Mims during Reese's Senior Bowl practice Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2020 in Mobile, Ala. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell during Reese's Senior Bowl practice Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2020 in Mobile, Ala. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Jordan Love during Reese's Senior Bowl practice Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2020 in Mobile, Ala. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Darius Anderson during Reese's Senior Bowl practice Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2020 in Mobile, Ala. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Darius Anderson during Reese's Senior Bowl practice Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2020 in Mobile, Ala. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Sean McKeon during Reese's Senior Bowl practice Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2020 in Mobile, Ala. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Charlie Taumoepeau during Reese's Senior Bowl practice Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2020 in Mobile, Ala. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Darius Anderson during Reese's Senior Bowl practice Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2020 in Mobile, Ala. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Shea Patterson during Reese's Senior Bowl practice Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2020 in Mobile, Ala. (Detroit Lions via AP).
DaVon Hamilton during Reese's Senior Bowl practice Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2020 in Mobile, Ala. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Josh Jones during Reese's Senior Bowl practice Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2020 in Mobile, Ala. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Ben Bredeson during Reese's Senior Bowl practice Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2020 in Mobile, Ala. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions head coach Matt Patricia during Reese's Senior Bowl practice Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2020 in Mobile, Ala. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Larrell Murchison during Reese's Senior Bowl practice Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2020 in Mobile, Ala. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Jordan Love during Reese's Senior Bowl practice Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2020 in Mobile, Ala. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions executive vice president & general manager Bob Quinn during Reese's Senior Bowl practice Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2020 in Mobile, Ala. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Shea Patterson's Michigan Wolverines helmet during Reese's Senior Bowl practice Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2020 in Mobile, Ala. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Joshua Uche during Reese's Senior Bowl practice Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2020 in Mobile, Ala. (Detroit Lions via AP).
DaVon Hamilton during Reese's Senior Bowl practice Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2020 in Mobile, Ala. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Josh Jones during Reese's Senior Bowl practice Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2020 in Mobile, Ala. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions head coach Matt Patricia during Reese's Senior Bowl practice Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2020 in Mobile, Ala. (Detroit Lions via AP).
If that ends up to be how the top two picks fall in line, the draft really starts with the Lions at No. 3.
Detroit has a lot of options, which will make these next few months fun to cover and follow, but one thing is certain as we sit here in January, the Lions are a long way off to knowing for certain what they want to do with the No. 3 pick.
