The freshest set of three-round 2021 NFL draft projections is now out from our friends at Draft Wire. It’s the first deeper dive into the draft since the compensatory picks were announced earlier this week.
The context for the Lions and the No. 7 overall pick is critical in looking at mock drafts. Namely, who is already off the board? Here are the top six picks in Draft Wire’s projection:
QB Trevor Lawrence
QB Zach Wilson
WR Ja’Marr Chase
QB Trey Lance
OT Penei Sewell
TE Kyle Pitts
That leaves the Lions several options, including Ohio State QB Justin Fields and Heisman Trophy-winning WR DeVonta Smith from Alabama. But the projection shifts to Alabama wide receiver Jaylen Waddle to Detroit with that No. 7 pick.
The rest of the Lions selections:
No. 41 – EDGE Jayson Oweh, Penn State
No. 72 – CB Trill Williams, Syracuse
No. 88 – LB Dylan Moses, Alabama (from Rams trade)
The basic premise here is a common one for Detroit in mock drafts: premium offensive weapon first, then rebuild the defense. Waddle and Oweh as the top two picks provide significant upgrades in the speed and athleticism department at their positions.
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