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Predicting the top 20 picks in the NFL draft is nearly impossible. It’s just too tough to know what 20 NFL general managers have up their sleeves.

It’s easy to determine need, but beyond that, good luck.

The Lions’ biggest needs appear to be on the defensive line. So taking a pass rusher with the 20th overall pick seems like a no-brainer. Almost.

It depends on the first 19 picks and, of course, the best player available philosophy plays a factor too.

So when it’s GM Bob Quinn’s time to pick, what will he do? It’s likely even he won’t know at 8 p.m. on Thursday when the draft starts. He’ll know what direction he’s leaning in, but so many variables will at work.

Quinn could trade up or down. He’s not desperate for a certain player and would love to add more draft picks (he has six) so maybe trading back would be more likely.

Here are my top five possible picks for the Lions with the 20th overall pick:

1. Defensive end Marcus Davenport (University Texas San Antonio). Yes, he’s raw but it’s not the only word that defines him. He’s long, strong and physical. Bo Davis, the Lions defensive line coach was his coach last season at UTSA. (Photo courtesy of UTSA)

2. Defensive end Harold Landry (Boston College). In 2016 he led the nation in sacks with 16.5, forced seven fumbles, had 22 tackles for a loss, six QB hurries, four pass breakups, an interception, 51 total tackles and a partridge in a pear tree. He battled injuries in 2017 so the numbers didn’t hold up.  Paul Pasqualoni, the Lions’ new defensive coordinator, was Landry’s line coach for the past two seasons.

3. Defensive tackle Da’Ron Payne (Alabama). He’s versatile, strong, comes from a big program and is just 20. He’ll turn 21 on May 27. His NFL.com draft profile includes this: “Quick to drop his anchor and grow roots.” He dominated inside against Georgia in the national championship game. The “weight room warrior” was named defensive MVP in Crimson Tide’s two playoff games last season.

4. Defensive tackle Taven Bryan (Florida). He’s been compared in size and athleticism to J.J. Watt. Was Gators’ best defensive player in 2017 with 40 tackles, six tackles for a loss and four sacks. Don’t overlook him. He’s son of a Navy Seal which might rate higher than being son of a coach. If Lions want him, could probably trade down a few spots and still have a shot.

5. Running back Derrius Guice (LSU). No question running back is a need. It’s likely the Lions could find a quality back in later rounds (maybe Rashaad Penny in the second or third round)  but if Guice is available he should at least make Quinn stop and think. His 2016 season was his best. Fought injuries in 2017 and it showed.

Perhaps as a nod to new coach Matt Patricia, the Lions will play three nationally televised games in the 2018 season. The NFL released the entire schedule on Thursday night.

The Lions open on Monday night, Sept. 10, against the Jets at Ford Field. In coach Jim Caldwell’s first season, the Lions also opened at home on Monday night.

Patricia will face his former team, the Patriots, on Sept. 23 in a Sunday night game.

And, of course, Detroit will host the annual Thanksgiving Day game — this year against the Bears.

Three of Detroit’s first five games will be played at Ford Field while three of their final four games will be on the road, including the season finale at Green Bay.

In 2017, the Lions wrapped up the season against the Packers at Ford Field.

The final two games of the season including a home tilt against the Vikings on Dec. 23 could play a role in determining the NFC North division.

(All games at 1 p.m. unless otherwise stated)

Sept. 10 — vs. New York Jets (7:10 p.m., Monday)

Sept. 16 — at 49ers, 4:05 p.m.

Sept.23 — vs. New England Patriots (8:20 p.m., Sunday)

Sept. 30 — at Dallas Cowboys,

Oct. 7 — vs. Green Bay Packers

Oct. 14 — BYE WEEK

Oct. 21 — at Dolphins

Oct. 28 — vs. Seattle Seahawks

Nov. 4 — at Minnesota Vikings

Nov.11 — at Chicago Bears

Nov. 18 — vs. Carolina Panthers

Nov. 22 — vs. Chicago Bears (12:30 p.m., Thanksgiving)

Dec. 2 — vs. Los Angeles Rams

Dec. 9 — at Arizona Cardinals, 4:25 p.m.

Dec. 16 — at Buffalo Bills

Dec. 23 — vs. Minnesota Vikings

Dec. 30 — at Green Bay Packers

ALLEN PARK >> With one week until the NFL draft, Detroit Lions general manager Bob Quinn is tweaking the draft board, getting prepared for any circumstance that could happen during the three-day draft extravaganza.

Of course, Quinn isn’t going to spill his guts when it comes to who he might draft at the 20th pick  in the first round or any of his other five draft picks.

“I think  it’s well-rounded, you look across the draft board, there’s good depth at all the positions,’’ Quinn said at his pre-draft press conference on Thursday. “Corner has one really large group of guys you can get a player at any portion of the draft. Receiver is really deep. Offensive line is deep. You can go across the board. I don’t want to single out one or two.

“It’s a good draft, as in many other years there’s a probably a really cream-of-the-crop top group that’s in the 8-12 range, then after that you have to hone in on guys who fit your system. We’ve done a lot of work on and kind of go from there,’’ Quinn added.

Five other thoughts from Quinn on Thursday:

1. In the first round he specifically looks for guys who are playmakers and who are dependable. “You want dependable players in this program. If you’re taking them in the first round they should be good players or I shouldn’t be standing up here,’’ Quinn said. “I think dependability is something that’s really key with durability, ability to learn, competitive nature because you love football, passion. All of the things we talk about on a basis.’’

2. The signing of veteran running back LeGarrette Blount could have some impact on Quinn’s draft picks. “If we had to go play a football game today I think we have enough running backs to be competitive,’’ Quinn said. “Is that saying I’m not going to take one? I don’t know. Tell me who’s going to be on the board in the second, third and fourth round, I don’t know.’’

3. He’s left the door open for trades to gather more picks. “I think we’re going to take it as it comes in the first round, see what’s there in the teens and evaluate what our options are. … I’m always in the business of getting more draft picks, that’s just good for business. The more you get, the more you’re going to hit on,’’ Quinn said. “So if we can acquire more picks that’s something I look forward to. If there’s a player I like at 20 I will have no hesitation to take him.’’ To that end, he’s had some of his people contact other teams this week just to get an idea if they are open to trades in the first round.

4. As in the last two years, he heads into the draft with an open mind. “The way the roster is today I don’t think I’m in position to reach for any position of so-called (need). We’re looking for good football players — big, strong, tough, competitive guys to help us win. I’m not eliminating any position,’’ Quinn said.

5. Players with good character are still the choice no matter the position. “I think it’s always been important and it continues to be so. I think that’s one thing we take very seriously around here,’’ Quinn said. “I think we want to draft good players, we want to draft good people. So far I’d say, for the most part, we’ve done a good job for the last two years doing that and we want to do it again.’’