In last week’s mock draft round, we saw the successful Detroit Lions writers get into the mix, offering their thoughts on where the team should go with the overall team in seventh place. There was a lot of variation in general, but the beat usually focused on five main players.
This week, the focus still seems to be on these top five players, with only a less common connection – although, based on coach Dan Campbell’s comments last week, this player may start to connect more with Lions in the future.
Let’s take a look at last week’s projections.
Trey Lance, QB, North Dakota
Currently being ridiculed by Dan Schmelzer (NFL Mocks), Tankathon Staff
Schmelzer: “Lions must be open to getting a long-term franchise quarterback in this off-season and North Dakota’s Trey Lance stands out as a strong fit. With Bid available when Lions reach 7th place in this 2021 mock draft of the NFL, that choice is relatively easy. “
At this stage in the process, most simulated projectors have Trevor Lawrence, Zach Wilson and Justin Fields off the board at the time the Lions are working. If they believe the Lions are going to grab the quarterback of the future, Lance is always the guy.
Ja’Marr Chase, WR, LSU
Currently being ridiculed by Trevor Sikkema (The Draft Network), Tommy Garrett (Pro Football Network), Professional Football Network Team
Sikkema: “Lions could follow several different directions here, as their list is bad. But imagine this: franchise brand Kenny Golladay and draft Ja’Marr Chase. If that happens, Jared Goff owes me some Lions products. Lions can hit trenches, linebacker and secondary later on Day 2. ”
Sikkema’s draft was three rounds and the Lions grabbed Samuel Cosmi (OT, Texas) in the second round, Pete Werner (LB, Ohio) with the choice of the first third round and Shaun Wade (DB, Ohio) with the second choice of the third round.
DeVonta Smith, WR, Alabama
Currently being ridiculed by Chris Trapasso (CBS Sports), Matthew Tabeek (AtlantaFalcons.com), Matthew Freedman (Action Network), Doug Hyde (DraftTek)
Traps: “Lions could be the quarterback, but the new GM Brad Holmes has been with Jared Goff in Los Angeles for years. He rides it for a season or two and directs the place to the receiver with Smith. “
Since the most popular player joined Lions, Smith’s advertising campaign has recently waned in favor of the other two top-level recipients.
Jaylen Waddle, WR, Alabama
Currently being mocked by Jeff Risdon (Lions Wire), Josh Edwards (CBS Sports), Ryan Wilson (CBS Sports), Matthew Valdovinos (PFN), Damian Parson (The Crocker Report), Scott Smith (The Action Network)
Risdon: “Three things to like about Waddle: you can line up at any WR point and move around the formation. Incredible top speed and very good control of the body in full gallop, race on route ready for the NFL, especially on deeper routes. I chose him over Heisman’s winning teammate, DeVonta Smith, because Waddle offers more as a vertical threat and a little more in size. “
The player most ridiculed by Lions this week, the hype surrounding Waddle is growing.
Kyle Pitts, Big Skill, Florida
Currently being ridiculed for UK recruitment team
UK draft: “My initial reaction to Lions by switching Matthew Stafford and acquiring Jared Goff was that if Lions had a chance at one of the best defenders in this draft, they would definitely choose him here with this choice. The more I reflect, however, the more I believe that Goff will be the holder of Lions in 2021 and that they will go elsewhere with this draft choice. “
Based on Campbell’s comments this week, the evolution of TE’s position may have Lions on the market for another “great skill” and that means that Pitts should be in the conversation.
Micah Parsons, LB, Penn State
Currently being ridiculed by Cynthia Frelund (NFL.com), Chad Reuter (NFL.com), Cody Benjamin (CBS Sports), Mike Tagliere (Fantasy Pros)
Frelund: “Parsons, who dropped out in 2020, had the best grades in my college model in 2019 for run-game efficiency (measured by how many yards opponents won in running moves while within 10 yards of Parsons). He also has a strong potential for blitz and pressure, as measured by the frequency with which he went through the defensive front when asked to blitz (he was among the top 10% among LBs of his type during the blitz). “
Reuter: “Parsons plays with the toughness that coach Dan Campbell promised his team would show during his initial press conference as a Lions leader. He also has the athletic build to become a star, whether lined up in the middle or outside, just like Tampa Bay title holder Devin White. For this simulation, I will assume that the team will use the franchise tag on the Kenny Golladay receiver and will meet a defense need with this selection. “
Don’t mock the Lions this week
Penei Sewell (OT, Oregon), Azeez Ojulari (JACK, Georgia) and Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah (LB, Notre Dame) were ridiculed for Lions in last week’s round, but were not part of any notable simulation drafts this week. Most believe that Sewell will be off the board in choice # 7, while the other two are usually selected later in the first round.