With the body of the 2020 NFL Draft not even cold yet, the life force of the draft media has already poured forward into 2021. The first mock drafts for next April’s extravaganza are already out. One early 2021 mock offers a hint at where the Lions could be looking to fill holes next year.
The way-too-early projection from Bleacher Report and analyst Matt Miller is for the Lions to select Alabama wide receiver Devonta Smith with the No. 7 overall pick. While the draft slot is disappointingly high, the concept of taking a wide receiver in the first round is one Lions fans are going to need to get used to over the next year.
Remember, the Lions do not have a single wide receiver under contract beyond 2020 except 5th-round rookie Quintez Cephus, who has yet to sign his first deal.
Smith has already posted some very impressive game tape for the Crimson Tide. As Miller notes,
Devonta Smith exploded onto the scene for Alabama in an impressive wide receiver room this season but still managed to impress with massive performances like his five-touchdown game against Ole Miss. His production might take a hit with a new quarterback, but his traits point to Round 1, as he looks like a clone of Jerry Jeudy.
Preseason mock drafts are valuable more as watch lists and perception of team need more than they are for their predictive value. Treat them as such and they’re fun and informative.