2021 Detroit Lions draft and Free Agents

 

Round # 1 Pick 7
Penei Sewell OT Oregon
6047 331 5.1 30 28" 901 7.76 4.68 33.25" arms
College Stats: 21 starts 1376 snaps 1 sack allowed
Hometown: St. George, Utah
Age: 21

Analysis:
Lions draft a cornerstone tackle at # 7. I had him ranked the # 3 player in the draft. I was not alone PFF had him #4, Matt Miller at #4 and Rob Rang # 2. A very big man with great feet. A fierce run blocker he should help the Lions have their best line in recent memory. It looks like the Lions will be a heavy run, play action offense. Lions need address Defense and WR in the remainder of the draft.

Round # 2 Pick #41

Levi Omwuzurike DT Washington Senior Bowl

6027 290 4.89 29 30" 901 33" arms

College Stats: 39 games 95 tackles 7 sacks

Hometown: Allen, TX

Age: 23

Analysis:

A guy I really liked early in the process. Opted out in 2020. Best as a 3 technique with his quickness off the ball. Ran 4.91 and had a 30" Vertical jump. Should be in the rotation inside in the defensive front. Split time at 3 tech and Nose. PFF had a third round grade on him, #39 on Matt Miller's big board. #47 by Rob Rang. 

Round # 3 Pick #72

Alim McNeill DT NC State

6017 317 5 27 30.5" 900 7.68 4.65 

College Stats: NC State 36 games 78 tackles 10 sacks 2 FF 1 int

Hometown: Raleigh, NC

Age: 21

Analysis:

Another Interior DT. Played mostly over the Nose at NC State. Know as a run stuffer with a bull rush. PFF had a second round grade on him. Rob Rang rank #75 Matt Miller ranked him #142. 

Round # 3 Pick # 101

Ifeatu Melifonwu CB Syracuse Senior Bowl

6025 212 4.5 16  41.5 1102 7.01 4.34

College Stats: 29 games 88 Tackles 3 int 22 PBU

Hometown: Grafton, MA

Age: 22

Analysis:

Long corner with excellent athletic ability. Crazy long arms and wingspan. Can really run for a big guy. 1.48 10 yard split at his pro day. Has the size and speed to move the safety but not a physical player. PFF had a 2-3 round grade on him. Rob Rang #92. Matt Miller # 107.

Round # 4 Pick #112

Amon-Ra St. Brown WR USC

5114 197 4.61 20 38.5 1007 6.9  4.26

College Stats: 31 Games 178/2270/14 rec

Hometown: Santa Ana, CA

Age: 22

Analysis:

A versatile receiver. Can play outside or move around. Great hands and body control. Not a burner but a good route runner. Should develop into a solid # 2 WR. 

Round # 4 Pick # 113

Derrick Barnes LB Purdue

6002 238 4.5729 37 911 4.32 Senior Bowl

College Stats: 55 games 317 tackles 10.5 sacks 1 int

Hometown: Covington, KY

Age: 22

Analysis:

One of favorite players in the draft. Can play all over the place. Showed ability in coverage at the Senior Bowl. Backed it up with excellent pro day. Can contribute early. Great Blitzer and sound tackler. 

Jermar Jefferson 

Round #7 Pick # 257

College Stats: Oregon State 27 games 514/2923/27 43/299/2 rec

Pro Day: 5101 206 4.6 13 907 7.38 4.38

Hometown: Harbor City, CA

Age: 21

Analysis:

Will battle for the 4th RB position. Not an elite athlete but he has good lateral quickness and is tough runner. Good hands with only 1 drop at OSU. 

Free Agents

Jonathan Adams WR Arkansas State

6020 210 4.59 39 1100 7.04 4.38

College Stats: 40 games 166/2306/21

Hometown: Jonesboro, AR

Age:

Analysis:

Great in the deep throw game. Can win 50/50 balls and is strong at the point of the catch. Had 11 drops  and runs a limited route tree. Cut before camp.

Sage Surratt WR Wake Forest

6025 215 4.69 19 4.25

College Stats: 22 games 107/1582/15

Hometown: Lincolnton, NC

Age: 23

Analysis:

Had 1st and 2nd round grades prior to his pro day. Ran 4.7 and fell out of the draft. A strong runner and blocker. Can win 50/50 balls. Should have a chip on his shoulder after the draft. Practice Squad.

Javon McKinley WR Notre Dame

6016 215 4.6 20 32.5 7.06 4.41

College Stats: 16 games 53/985/7

Hometown: Corona, CA

Age:

Analysis:

Has a good profile for the NFL. Battled injury at Notre Dame. Productive when healthy. Plenty of opportunity at the WR. Made Practice Squad.

Dedrick Mills RB Nebraska

5101 223 4.7 13 32 909 7.12 4.33

College Stats: Nebraska 18 games 227/1141/13 27/208/0 rec

GA Tech 9 games 152/771/12

Hometown: Waycross, GA

Age:

Rakeem Boyd RB Arkansas

5110 213 4.7 6 32.5 802 7.22 4.38

College Stats: 30 games 389/2176/13 52/358/0 Rec

Hometown: Houston

Age:

Analysis

Big play player at Arkansas. Did not lose a fumble.  Average 6.2 YAC in 2019. Work out metrics really pushed him out of the draft. Hurt before camp.

Jake Hausmann TE Ohio State

6042 242 4.98 16 29.5 904 7.65 4.44

College Stats: 27 games 3/26 rec

Hometown: Cincinnati

Age:

Analysis:

Blocker at Ohio State. Not a lot of Speed. Played special teams.

Brock Wright TE Notre Dame

6044 257 4.66 26 31.5 910 7.31 4.25

College Stats: 48 games 7/78 rec

Hometown: Cypress, TX

Age:

Analysis:

Primarily a block at ND. He has good speed and hands. Could be a diamond in the rough. Made the 53 man roster.

Drake Jackson Center Kentucky Senior Bowl

6017 290 31.5"

College Stats:  47 games 44 starts

Hometown: Versailles, KY

Analysis:

4 year starter at Center. Did not give up a sack in 2020 in the run heavy offense. Really good at zone blocking. Could stick at the back up interior line.

Tommy Kraemer Guard Notre Dame

6054 309

College: 42 games 39 starts

Hometown: Cincinnati 

Analysis: Played right Guard and Right Tackle. Had back surgery following the season. 3rd Team AP All-American. Made 53 man roster.

Tavante Beckett LB Marshall

5104 213 4.78 18 31 810 7.34 4.58 Hula Bowl

College: Marshall 22 games 212 tackles 1int

VA Tech 3 games 6 tackles

Hometown: Chesapeake, VA

Analysis:

Small but explosive player. Finds the ball. Was a standout at the Hula Bowl game. Made the practice squad. Called up for special teams in November and December.

D'Angelo Amos S Virginia

6000 185 4.58 11 34.5 911 6.98 4.33 CGS

College: Virginia 9 games 47 tackles 2 int

James Madison 44 games 135 tackles 2 int 4 Blk 3 FR 76/1259/5 PR

Analysis:

Versatile player with extensive special teams background. Can play Safety, Slot or return punts.

Jerry Jacobs CB Arkansas

5101 209 4.53 20 34.5 1000 6.95 4.33 CGS

College Stats: Arkansas 4 games 17 tackles

Arkansas State 41 games 53 tackles 4 int

Analysis:

Probably has to play safety or in the slot. Very strong. Opted out after 4 games at Arkansas. Started the season on the 53 man roster. Became a effective starter but torn up his knee.

Nick Pickett

College: Oregon 45 g 160 tackles 2 int 14 PBU 1 FF

Pro Day: 6004 201 4.65 18 35.5 911 7.4 4.43 

Analysis: 

Three and half year starter at Oregon. According to PFF played  2029 snaps. 350+ snaps in the box, slot and free safety. As many as three jobs could be open this summer at safety. He could have a shot. 

2021 Detroit Lions Man Cave

 

Here are the scenes:

Mr. C, MSW and son gather for the 1st round of the NFL draft in the mancave

The command center

Son rocking a Kerryon Jersey

A view into the cave

2021 Detroit Lions Mock Draft

 

This draft is what I would do if I was the General Manager of the Detroit Lions.

I used the Pro Football Focus Draft Simulator One draft no trades, One draft one trade.

Then I used the Pro Football Network one draft no trades, one draft one trade

This draft is a no trade draft. I think they are three blue chip players in this draft. Kyle Pitts, Penei Sewell, Ja'Marr Chase. All three were gone. Waddle was the highest rated player on the board. Second round I took Richie Grant an immediate starter at Safety. Jamin Davis is a steal at the top of the third. He can step in and contribute at LB. Johnson is possible starter at safety. I like Palmer in the middle rounds. He has size and some speed. Tre Brown will likely have to play slot CB and has return value.

Another no trade draft taking Slater after the big 3 were taken. Add an athlete at LB in Cox. Stokes is the fastest CB in the draft. Palmer, Johnson and Johnson fill needs in the middle rounds. Palmer can play outside to replace Kenny. Cade plays the slot. Jamar fits the Lions split safety scheme.

Here is a Mock Draft trading back with Dallas. I still pick Pitts. This is very unlikely to happen. I get Perkins as a pure speed edge rusher in round 2. Davis and Johnson in the third round. Joseph has good size and speed. I liked his Alabama game tape. Palmer and Brown in the third day. Add Marshall a strong player who can play over the guard or the tackle. Hawkins has return value and could develop into a third down back.

PFN Draft no Trade:

# 7 Kyle Pitts WR Florida

#41 DE Jaelen Phillips DE Miami

#72 WR Dyami Brown UNC

#102 LB Chazz Surratt UNC

#112 CB Ambry Thomas Michigan

#153 WR Cade Johnson SD State

Heavy on the WR position. Pitts in the first is a steal. Phillips drops because of injury concerns. Big upside as a pass rusher. Brown can play inside or outside. Surratt is a starter at LB. Thomas can play both outside and over the slot. Has return value. I really was not looking WR in the 5th but Johnson was by far the highest graded player on my board. He is a pure slot. 

PFN Trade mock

#13 Micah Parsons LB Penn State

#41 Terence Marshall WR LSU

#72 Joe Tryon DE Washington

#101 Tylan Wallace Oklahoma State

#112 Chazz Surratt LB UNC

#153 Rodarius Williams CB Oklahoma State

In this draft, I traded back with the Chargers. I get their 1st round pick in 2022. Parson would be an instant starter and chess piece for Aaron Glenn. Marshall is a replacement outside for Golladay. Tryon gives some juice off the edge. Wallace can play inside or outside at WR. Surratt is an upgrade at LB. Williams has the size but lacks great speed. 

2021 Draft Preview top 170 players

 

2021 HBCU Combine Prospect Review

 

The 2021 HBCU Combine was held April 9-10 at the campus of Alabama-Birmingham. This is first ever HBCU combine after last year's was cancelled due to Coviv-19. The combine featured players eligible for the 2021 draft and players from the 2020 class who are free agents. 

2021 Draft class

WR Donnie Corley Texas Southern 6016 195 4.59 13 34" 1003 6.83 4.29

Corley is a transfer from Michigan State. He was an impact player for the Spartans. He has good explosive numbers and short area quickness. The 6.83 short shuttle is NFL WR number. I could see Corley getting a shot at NFL Rookie camp this spring.

CB Jaylen Harris Prairie View A&M 5081 170 4.77 4.66 8 30.5 908 7.37 4.5

Harris is slot corner at the NFL Level. He lacks true long speed. Harris could be invited to Rookie camps or could try the XFL or CFL. 

WR Quintin Guice Grambling 6011 191 4.6 30.5 909 7.56 4.57

Guice has good size and enough speed to get a look this spring from the NFL. He could use a year on a practice squad or in the XFL. 

OL Michael Johnson Savannah State 6055 323 arm 34 1/8 5.65 25 22.5" 800 8.42 5.32

Johnson is legitimate NFL prospect. Great size at over 6'5" and over 34" arms. He needs to continue to work on his foot quickness. His size and upside will likely get him on the 90 man roster and a practice squad.

CB Mac McCain North Carolina A&T 5110 186 4.48 13 35.5" 1003 7.09 4.2

Mac carries a 5th round grade from me after a very good pro day. His size and speed are NFL corner measurables. This is a player that contribute early on special teams and be a NFL starter.  

S Monte Seabrook Livingstone 5115 180 4.87 31.5" 903 7.54 4.41

Seabrook is a safety at the next level. He will have to work to add muscle and speed. He could use a time on the practice squad or the XFL.

OL Kion Smith Fayetteville State 6054 313 arms 34.5" 5.33 15 24.5" 800 7.7 4.7 

Another Lineman that has late round potential. Great length and good quickness. Smith will have to get stronger to compete in the NFL. I could see him spending time on the practice squad with starting potential down the line. 

WR Tristan Wallace Prairie View A&M 6026 236 14 36" 1010 6.88 4.25 10' Hands

Another possible draft pick. Great size with 10" hands and a 81" wingspan. His explosive numbers are excellent for a man his size. 6.88 on the 3 cone drill is exceptional. Look for Tristan to make a team in 202.

 

2021 Detroit Lions Draft Preview Defensive Backs

Detroit Lions Cornerback Depth chart

Long term depth is needed. Dunbar and Elder are one year guys. Okudah will try to redeem himself for an awful 2020. 

Draftable Prospects

Horn and Surtain are the alpha corners in this draft. Farley is the wild card coming off back surgery. Good size and speed prospects n the Day # 2. Early day # 3 could yield a sleeper.

Lions analysis

Lions need some long term depth. Finding a couple guys in this draft would help. With only 6 picks it is going to be tough to fill all of the holes in this roster.

Guys I Like:

Day # 2

Aaron Robinson CFU

Asante Samuel FSU (slot)

Kevin Joseph Kentucky

Day # 3

Paulson Adebo Stanford

Trey Brown Oklahoma (Slot)

Ambry Thomas Michigan

Kary Vincent LSU (Slot)

Safety

Depth Chart

A lot of young guys with little experience. Walker was awful and so was Harris. Not a true starter o this list. 

Draftable Prospects

Good year for safeties. Depth is the late Day # 2 and Day #3. Grant and Moehrig are complete players with range and tackling ability. Johnson is ball hawk. I would draft Shaun Wade as a safety. He has the size and speed. Deablo is more of a LB. He has more value early on day # 3. 

Analysis:

Lions could use a starter at safety. It probably would take a second round pick. Depth could be brought in later in the draft.

Guys I Like:

Day #2

Richie Grant CFU

Jemar Johnson Indiana

Day # 3

Tyree Gillespie Missouri

Brady Breeze Oregon

Darrick Forrest Cincinnati

Christian Uphoff Illinois State

2021 Detroit Lions Draft Preview LB

 

Lions Depth chart

The worst Linebacking group in the NFL in 2020. Adding Anzalone is a temporary fix. Collins should fit well in the new scheme. JRM will have a shot at playing time

Draftable Players

Good depth with game chargers at the top. Collins, JOK and Parsons have All-Pro potential. Cox is great in coverage. Surratt, Davis, Browning could sneak into the top 40. 

Lions analysis:

I would like to see at least two picks in this draft on the position. They need speed and ability to play in space. 

Guys I Like:

Jabril Cox LSU

Chazz Surratt UNC

Baron Browning Ohio State

Derrick Barnes Purdue

Day # 3

KJ Britt Auburn

Buddy Johnson Texas A&M

Nick Niemann Iowa

Isaiah McDuffie Boston College

Ernest Jones South Carolina

2021 Detroit Lions Draft Preview Defensive Ends

 

Lions Current Depth Chart

How this position will be deployed is not yet known. The Okwara brothers seem to best standing up. Flowers is a good player but always hurt. Time for Bryant to show if he can play. 

Draftable Players

Good depth in this draft. 4 or 5 should go between #10-#30 in the draft. Good value reigns on Day # 2. If Lions are looking for pure speed rushers Ojulari, Owen and Perkins fit that role. Paye is a complete player that can rush from multiple positions. Phillips is a freak with an injury history. Basham should be a solid pro for years. Cam Sample is a guy that has upside. 

Lions analysis:

Hard to predict with the change in scheme. Do they look for speed rushers on more of the hand in the dirt ends? This draft has both. Interesting to see how this develops.

Guys I like:

Day # 2

Carlos Basham Wake Forest

Ronnie Perkins Oklahoma

Joe Tryon Washington

Cam Sample

Day # 3

Josh Kaindoh FSU

Payton Turner Houston

Jordan Scott UAB

2021 Detroit Lions Draft Preview Defensive Tackle

 

Lions Depth Chart

The new scheme likely will only see two of the guys on the field at once. In the Nickel, only one will play. Brockers was brought in and given a three year contract. Williams took a pay cut to stay. Hand is always hurt. Atkins returns after opting put of 2020. 

Draftable Tackles

Barmore broke out in the CFB playoffs. Destroying the best offensive lines in the game. He should go between 20-30. Omwuzurike is opt out who has long arms and is a plus in the pass rush. The run stuffers include Nixon, Brown, Shelvin and Slaton. They carry early day # 3 grades. Togiai is good prospect at the 3 technique. 

Lions analysis:

With the new scheme that will borrow from the Rams front. Lions have only two players on long term contracts. Depth and rotational players are available on day # 3.

Guys I like:

Osa Odighizuwa UCLA

Tommy Togiai Ohio State

Bobby Brown Texas A&M

Jon Marshall Arkansas

2021 Detroit Lions Draft Preview O-Line

 

Lions current Depth Chart

Solid foundational pieces in Decker, Jackson and Ragnow. Crosby and Nelson are good swing tackles. Vatai has the worst contract in the NFL, Stenberg is an unknown. 

2021 Draftable players 

Excellent draft for tackles. Sewell is top 5 player. Slater can play across the line. Cosmi, Darrishaw, Jenkins, Radunz are all immediate starters. Forsythe is my favorite day 2 prospect. 

Interior line is headlined by Humphrey and Vera-Tucker. Immediate high level starters. Banks is tough guy in the running game. Meinerz was a Senior Bowl standout out of Div 3. 

Lions analysis:

Lions need depth for their line. Ragnow, Jackson, Decker are all entrenched starters. Vatai will likely have to start at guard. A tackle would be welcome addition or a mid round interior player with upside.

Guys I Like

Day # 2

Tackle

Dillion Radunz SD State

Spencer Brown NIU

Stone Forsthye Florida

Day # 3

Dan Moore Texas A&M

D'Ante Smith ECU 

Interior Line

Aaron Banks OG Notre Dame

Drew Dalman OC Stanford

Robert Hainsey OG Notre Dame

2021 Detroit Lions Draft Preview TE

 

Lions current Depth Chart

Hockenson should be a upper level starter. Hill is the blocker. Bryant has receiving ability, Mack is a project.

2021 Draftable Tight Ends

Outside of Pitts and Freiermuth there is not a starter in the draft. A lot of # 3 type players. 

Lions analysis:

Lions should not draft a TE. Pitts is a receiver and would be a great pick at # 7. He is match up nightmare and a true blue chip player. 

2021 Detroit Lions Draft Preview WR

 

Lions current Depth Chart

Only Cephus returns from 2020. One year contracts for Perriman, Williams and Raymond. A major need for the Lions.

2021 Draftable Wide Receivers

Chase is the prize of the class. Smith and Waddle have big play ability but have question marks. Smith with his size and Waddle with injury. My favorite receiver is Toney. Slick with the ball in hands and can compete outside. Slot receivers include Elijah and Rondale Moore. Elijah is a pure slot. Rondale has a serious injury background. Dyami Brown can play any position and get deep. 

Lions analysis:

Lions need a serious haul from this draft. I would them to draft an outside guy and a slot guy. Toney in the second round would be perfect. Slot guys are all over this draft. Getting an outside guy would be priority earlier. 

Guys I like:

Day 2

Outside

Kadrius Toney Florida

Terence Marshall LSU

Dyami Brown UNC

Nico Collins Michigan

Slot

Elijah Moore Ole Miss

D'Wayne Eskridge WMU

Day 3

Outside

Seth Williams Auburn

Josh Palmer Tennessee

Dax Milne BYU

Slot

Cade Johnson SD State

Shi Smith South Carolina

Blake Proehl ECU

2021 Detroit Lions Draft Preview RB

 

Lions current Depth chart

Swift as the lead back with Williams and Johnson playing roles is a solid backfield. Another young playmaker who can return kicks would be a nice addition. A training camp battle for the FB spot is on tap.

2021 Draftable prospects

Analysis:

Good backs at the top of the draft with depth in the late rounds. Williams is my favorite back. He runs hard and has speed. Harris has all the game. Big and good hands. Etienne is a D'Andre Swift clone. Quick back who can find seams with great acceleration. Backs like Stevenson, Sermon offer inside running and short yard ability later in the draft. Gainwell is the diamond in the rough here. Offers speed and open field ability. Mitchell is another player with upside. Fast without a lot of mileage. 

Lions outlook:

I would not draft a back until late or sign one as an UDFA. There is depth in the class and the Lions do not have an immediate need at the position.

Guys I like:

Mid rounds;

Ken Gainwell Memphis

Elijah Mitchell Louisiana

Late rounds or UDFA

Chris Evans Michigan

Stevie Scott Indiana

Khalil Herbert Va Tech

2021 Detroit Lions Draft Preview QB

 

Lions Current Roster

Draftable Prospects

Analysis:

I rate Fields slightly above Wilson and Lance. Fields has the all of the tools. He played well in pressure situations at Ohio State. Wilson is a perfect prospect. He throws and moves very well. However, He played against lower competition. I think it might take him some time to acclimate to the speed of the NFL. Lance like Fields and Wilson has all of the tools. He needs time to learn the game and blend into a starting role. 

Second prospects include Trask and Mills. Mills has the better upside. Good athlete with a strong arm. He needs time to develop and has an injury history. Trask can throw the ball. Check the Alabama tape. Great ball placement and touch. I think he could be a quality starter down the road.

Lions outlook:

With the trade for Jared Goff, the Lions have a 27 year old under contract for 4 years. If he can prove himself a top level starter the Lions are set. I think the Lions should give the year to Goff and if needed draft a QB next year.