What will happen if four defenders are the first four choices in the 2021 draft of the NFL? ESPN’s Todd McShay explored this possibility in his latest one-round simulation project.
McShay’s latest simulated projection shows the top four defenders going to 1-2-3-4, which leaves a radically altered board when Lions arrive on the clock in seventh place overall. With Oregon OT Penei Sewell once again Bengals’ projection in 5th place – it’s really hard to find any simulated draft that Sewell does not have for Cincinnati today – and Florida TE Kyle Pitts for Philadelphia in No. 6, Lions have their choice of any wide receiver or pass rusher, the two urgent needs of the team entering the draft.
The McShay projection anticipates Lions by selecting LSU WR Ja’Marr Chase. The only player to reach an average of 20 or more yards per reception in a season with 20 TD catches in college football history, Chase set fire to the SEC in 2019. He missed out on the 2020 season, but his creative flair and mindset alpha are certainly attractive to a Lions body that receives at least three places in the top five that are still open.