Last week’s Mock Draft round featured the usual top pass-catchers and Micah Parsons, but missing for the first time since January was any quarterback being connected to the Detroit Lions. With recent negotiations at the top of the draft, this may be a continuing trend – but they have not yet disappeared this week.
Instead, it is a different regular simulation program that almost missed the list this week. Let’s take a look at who was designed for Lions last week.
Currently being mocked by Doug Farrar (Landing wire)
Farrar’s simulation was full of chaotic inductive negotiations at the top of the draft – including Deshaun Watson for the Jets and Russel Wilson for the Dolphins – which resulted in Fields and Trey Lance (North Dakota) available in 7th place when the Lions were on the clock. Obviously, this simulation is debatable after the actual negotiations that took place yesterday, but that is part of the fun of these exercises.
Ja’Marr Chase, WR, LSU
Currently being mocked by Joe Marino (The Draft Network), Michael Renner (PFF), Josh Edwards (CBS Sports), Kyle Yates (Fantasy Pros), Matthew Valdovinos (Pro Football Network), Jason Pruett (NFL Draft Plex), Glynn Morgan (NBC Sports Chicago), The Score team
Marino: “Detroit is renovating its wide receiver room and there is still a lot of space ahead. Chase is a bully in the position who plays a physical brand of football, but that does not mean he is not an excellent route runner who can break up. He has exceptional ball skills and can play at all levels of the field. He is the No. 1 wide receiver that the Lions attack is missing so that the passing game can be channeled. “
Renner: “Given Dan Campbell’s press conferences, it may be thought that they will be calling only linebackers and defenders this year, but GM Brad Holmes has already shown that he knows where the game is won. Forget about the “tone setters”, Chase plays a valuable role and is too special a talent to pass up here. “
Jaylen Waddle, WR, Alabama
Currently being mocked by Luke Easterling (Wire draft), Bucky Brooks (NFL.com), Vinnie Iyer (The Sporting News), Jon Ledyard (The Pewter Report), Bryan Fischer (Athlon Sports), Scott Smith (Buccaneers.com), Clarence Hill Jr. (The Star-Telegram), Tim Bielik (Cleveland.com) Randy Gurzi (NFL Spin Zone), Ian Fitz (NFL Draft Buzz), Draft Tek, Tankathon
Brooks: “The loss of Kenny Golladay makes finding a # 1 receiver a priority. Waddle is a puzzle game with speed and explosion to create great moves in the passing game. “
Iyer: “Waddle is a highly qualified, versatile natural pass catcher. He can run all routes at a high level, from flashing as a deep threat to finishing well in the red zone. Lions need to review the wide receiver with Kenny Golladay, Marvin Jones Jr. and Danny Amendola, all of whom are not rehired. Former Jet Breshad Perriman abroad is not enough. This is the number 1 option they need for new quarterback Jared Goff, as Waddle can play well with the reception skills of running back D’Andre Swift and tight end TJ Hockenson. “
DeVonta Smith, WR, Alabama
Currently being ridiculed by Mel Kiper (ESPN), Kyle Crabbs * (The Draft Network), Kristopher Knox (Bleachers report), Ryan Wilson (CBS Sports), Tom Fornelli * (CBS Sports), Chris Trapasso (CBS Sports), Dalton Miller (Pro Football Network), Ryan Gosling (Pro Football Network) * denotes trade
Kiper: “Lions projected beginners on the wide receiver? New signings Tyrell Williams and Breshad Perriman. There’s not much else behind them, with Kenny Golladay and Marvin Jones Jr., both signing elsewhere. I would say that this choice probably goes to the best start at the table, and Smith would be a tremendous choice. The Heisman Trophy winner does not have the biggest body (1.80 m, 175 pounds), but you should not underestimate him. He is one of the best route runners I have ever seen and wins any turn placed in front of him. Detroit is clearly rebuilding itself, so I wouldn’t be surprised if I negotiated to get more cash. “
Kyle Pitts, Big Skill, Florida
Currently being ridiculed by Dave Birkett (Free press)
Birkett’s reasoning is behind paid access.
Penei Sewell, OT, Oregon
Currently being ridiculed by Albert Breer (SI: MMQB)
Breer’s reasoning is behind paid access.
Micah Parsons, LB, Penn State
Currently being ridiculed by Jason Lieser (Chicago Sun-Times)
Lieser: “Parsons’ versatility and unusual speed resemble Bears football star Roquan Smith.”
Despite giving a show on his professional day and mentioning that he had contact with Lions “a few times” in this off-season, surprisingly, only a mock note writer joined him this week.