Mock Draft Roundup #9

Walterfootball Charlie (7.  QB Trey Lance - A new regime in Detroit could take a quarterback and start the rebuilding process. Matthew Stafford still has good trade value, and he could be sent to a contender while netting some picks to help build around the new quarterback.  Lance's one game of the 2020 season was a mixed outing. He missed some throws and made some mistakes, but considering the rust factor, that is somewhat understandable. Lance completed 15-of-30 passes for 149 yards with two touchdowns and an interception. He ran for 143 yards and two touchdowns on 15 carries as well. The 2019 season was Lance's first year of playing time, and he produced a huge year, completing 67 percent of his passes for 2,786 yards with 28 touchdowns and zero interceptions.  Lance is listed at 6-foot-3, 221 pounds, and sources say he has a good skill set of physical tools. In the spring of 2020, scouts told me they needed to see more from Lance and were wary of a 1-year-wonder situation, but North Dakota State had its football season canceled, other than that one game, which makes Lance a tougher and more risky evaluation for the 2021 NFL Draft.  41.  DT Jay Tufele:  The Lions need more edge rushers, linebackers, and interior defensive line talent. Here's the last.  Tufele was (6-3, 305) a disruptive presence for USC in 2019, totaling 42 tackles with 4.5 sacks and a pass batted. His run defense was improved, and he looks like he has upside to grow and improve. After redshirting in 2017, Tufele had an impressive debut for the Trojans in 2018, racking up three sacks with 23 tackles, 4.5 tackles for a loss and a blocked field goal.) (1-8-21):  https://walterfootball.com/draft2021charlie.php

ESPN McShay (7. WR Ja'Marr Chase) (1-7-21):  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/lions-draft-jamarr-chase-espn-mcshay-mock-draft

CBS Trapasso (7.  WR Jaylen Waddle:  The Lions need to address receiver early given the contract status of their wideout room heading into the 2021 offseason. Waddle is as electric as they come and plays bigger than his size.) (1-6-21):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2021-nfl-mock-draft-broncos-pick-kwity-paye-to-replace-von-miller-seven-receivers-go-in-round-1/

Walterfootball (7.  Zach Wilson, QB:  Matthew Stafford may have played his final down in Detroit. The Lions have a potential out in his contract, and with a new front office in place, they may decide to go in a different direction.  Zach Wilson is a smart quarterback with decent arm talent. However, there are off-the-field and injury issues. Go here to read about Teams Having Concerns with Zach Wilson.  41. CB Shaun Wade:  The Lions have serious problems at cornerback, so they may use a second-day pick on the position.  Shaun Wade has a ton of upside and was able to produce well in the slot in 2019. He has struggled this year, however.  72. WR Kadarius Toney: Marvin Jones isn't expected back next year, so the Lions need a new No. 2 receiver.  Kadarius Toney has big-time play-making ability, but has an injury history. ) (1-6-21):  https://walterfootball.com/draft2021.php

Draft Tek (7. WR Jaylen Waddle: 2020 reared its ugly head again as the Lions suffered a blowout loss against Tampa Bay in Week 16 (47-7). This is primarily due to Detroit not being fully staffed, as Interim Head Coach Darrell Bevell and Defensive Coordinator Cory Undlin were ruled "out" due to NFL COVID-19 protocols. This isn't to say that Tampa Bay wasn't the better team entering into the contest, but it still contributed to the beatdown that ensued on Sunday. Honestly, did anyone expect a different result.? This loss shows just how important coaching really is. How preparation, strategy, and game-planning directly impacts the team's play on game day. A team reeling to find answers, needing to game-plan for the game ahead...this is the end result of that fire drill. This is why it's so important that Detroit's front office gets the next hire right. After witnessing the last 3 years of Lions teams being unprepared thanks to Matt Patricia and his staff, watching the clinic the Bucs put on just underscored how bad things can get at a pro level if teams have "no coach".  With these leadership searches still underway, it's somewhat difficult to predict the direction the franchise will take when it comes to the upcoming NFL Draft. Prior to Week 16's loss, the Lions were slotted with the #11 draft pick, which would have likely taken them out of the mix for the top QBs available. With the Lions moving to #7, these QBs, outside of Lawrence or Fields, would be likely still in play for Detroit. Lions' fans hoping for a QB will be rooting for another loss in Week 17 versus the Vikings, but pro-Stafford fans would likely hope to add another playmaker on offense, or to supplement a defense that had been built to fit Patricia's "scheme" versus adding pure talent.  This is unfortunately the situation we find ourselves in here in Detroit. This debate of "keep Stafford or trade Stafford" has been well-documented among Lions' fans and professional analysts alike. Neither side is wrong in their rationale, but it's most certainly a conundrum the next GM will think long and hard about. In fact, ESPN NFL Analyst Louis Riddick, who was interviewed for the Lions' GM job a few weeks ago, has been quoted as saying Stafford hasn't been given a fair shake here in Detroit. He's not wrong, but neither are those who wish to see the QB traded to start the rebuild. Either way, it's difficult to project what the Lions will do at this point in time. With such a divisive topic, the Lions find themselves at #7 staring at a fork in the road (again). - Doug Hyde, Lions Analyst)  41. DE Hamilcar Rashed.  72.  WR Tylan Wallace  102.  QB Jamie Newman.  136.  DT Jonathan Marshall) (1-6-21):  https://www.drafttek.com/2021-NFL-Draft-Team-Pages/Lions-Draft-Page.asp

Foxsports Mcintyre (7. Detroit Lions – Ja'Marr Chase, WR - 2020 season stats: N/A (opted out of the season).  2019 season stats: 84 receptions, 1,780 receiving yards, 20 receiving TDs.  If-and-when Robert Saleh gets the head coaching job, everyone will project defense here. But let’s stop wasting QB Matthew Stafford’s time and get him another receiver. Tag Kenny Golladay and draft Chase, and you’ve got an insanely talented offense.) (1-6-21):  https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nfl/mock-draft-trevor-lawrence-justin-fields-zach-wilson

PFN's Cummings Lions Pre-Senior Bowl 7-Round 2021 NFL Mock Draft (7. Justin Fields, QB, Ohio State.  41.  Rondale Moore, WR, Purdue.  72.  Jabril Cox, LB, LSU.  102.  Dayo Odeyingbo, DL, Vanderbilt.  136. Ifeatu Melifonwu, CB, Syracuse) (1-6-21):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/lions-7-round-2021-nfl-mock-draft-pre-senior-bowl/

CBS Wilson (7.  LB Micah Parsons:  Parsons opted out, but he's another player who didn't hurt his draft stock by doing so. He might end up being the best standup linebacker to come out in the last 4-5 years.) (1-5-21):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2021-nfl-mock-draft-dolphins-take-qb-after-tua-continues-to-struggle-eagles-use-no-6-pick-on-receiver/

Athlon Sports (7. Detroit Lions — Zach Wilson, QB, BYU:  Matthew Stafford wanting to see out his final years on a contender could line up nicely with the franchise drafting his replacement with this top-10 pick. Wilson is not unlike a more athletic version of the team's current QB and could be just the kind of selection that energizes a fan base going through a new change in direction under new ownership.) (1-5-21):  https://athlonsports.com/nfl/2021-nfl-mock-draft-first-round-predictions

USA Today Middle-Hurst Schwartz (7. Lions — Micah Parsons, LB, PSU:  Where does Detroit start with overhauling a defense that ranked last in yards and points allowed? Given the Lions' modest cap space before addressing wide receiver Kenny Golladay, investing early and often in the draft has to be a priority. Parsons has a strong claim to the title of the draft's most explosive defender, and he's a standout in almost any assignment.) (1-5-21):  https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/draft/2021/01/05/nfl-mock-draft-2021-justin-fields-trevor-lawrence-first-round/4137849001/

Radio.com (7. Detroit Lions: Micah Parsons - Linebacker, Penn State:  Both Kenny Golladay and Marvin Jones can become free agents this offseason, and it's unclear how the Lions will proceed with quarterback Matthew Stafford. Essentially, the next general manager in Detroit will be inheriting a situation that's a total rebuild. Linebacker is one of the many positions of need, and prior to opting out of his junior season at Penn State, Parsons had 14 tackles for a loss, five sacks and four forced fumbles in 2019.) (1-5-21):  https://www.radio.com/971theticket/sports/detroit-lions/gallery/2021-nfl-mock-draft-it-all-starts-at-pick-no-3

CBS Edwards (7. WR Ja'Marr Chase:  Detroit will have a new head coach and a new general manager. There are going to be some changes to the roster and that could include an overhaul at wide receiver. Ja'Marr Chase steps in to provide a vertical threat for Matthew Stafford.) (1-4-21):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2021-nfl-mock-draft-with-finalized-order-teddy-bridgewater-done-in-carolina-jets-make-sam-darnold-decision/

SN (7. Detroit Lions (5-11) - WR Devonta Smith:  The Lions got a nice closing stretch from Marvin Jones Jr. with Kenny Golladay (hip) on the shelf for most of the season, but Jones is also heading into his age 32 season as a free agent. It makes sense to think about a high-level replacement who can form a great new combination with Golladay for Matthew Stafford (or whoever else might be at QB for a new coach). Smith has picked up from he left off last season to become Heisman Trophy-worthy. He has 105 catches for 1,641 yards and 20 TDs in 12 games this season.) (1-4-21):   https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/news/nfl-mock-draft-2021-jets-justin-fields-patriots-49ers-dolphins/1830z6jhay942117tmmgymb87m

PFF Renner (7. DE Kwity Paye:  While the Lions have some young pieces to build around defensively, they still don’t have one true difference-maker. Paye has the type of physical tools to be that guy. With 22 pressures in four games this season, he showed he’s much closer to realizing that potential than previously thought.) (1-4-21):  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2021-nfl-mock-draft-zach-wilson-new-york-jets-san-francisco-49ers-move-up-justin-fields

Tankathon (7. WR Devonta Smith) (1-2-21):

http://www.tankathon.com/nfl/mock_draft

Draftwire (7. Lions - QB Justin Fields.  42. WR Amon-Ra St. Brown) (12-31-20):  https://draftwire.usatoday.com/gallery/nfl-mock-draft-2021-2-rounds-trevor-lawrence-zach-wilson-justin-fields-trey-lance/

Touchdown Wire Schoefield (7.  Detroit Lions: DeVonta Smith, WR, Alabama:  If you are going to break the mold in the Top Ten of the NFL draft, you better do it for a complete game-changer.  DeVonta Smith is that type of player.  Smith is undersized for the wide receiver position by many standards, as he is listed at 6-foot-1 and 175 pounds, and as you can tell from the above picture, he is what some might consider “slender” for the NFL. But Smith makes up for that with game-breaking ability as a receiver. Last year he was playing in the shadow of Henry Ruggs III and Jerry Jeudy – as well as current teammate Jayden Waddle – but this year was his breakout campaign as he caught 17 touchdowns and 98 passes in the regular season alone. With the Lions facing decisions on Kenny Golladay and Marvin Jones, Smith is a nice find in the first round.) (12-31-20):  https://touchdownwire.usatoday.com/lists/touchdown-wire-mock-draft-1-0-trevor-lawrence-justin-fields-zach-wilson-jamarr-chase/

PFF Gayle (7. DETROIT LIONS: WR DEVONTA SMITH, ALABAMA:  Even if the Lions re-sign soon-to-be unrestricted free agents Kenny Golladay (27), Marvin Jones (31) and/or Danny Amendola (35), the team still needs more talent at wide receiver. Smith should finish the year with the highest single-season receiving grade in the PFF College era (2014-20) and currently ranks 12th overall on PFF’s 2021 NFL Draft Board.) (12-29-20):  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2021-nfl-mock-draft-justin-fields-atlanta-falcons-jaylen-waddle-philadelphia-eagles-first-round-wr-green-bay-packers

NFL RealGM (11. Detroit Lions: Trey Lance, QB, North Dakota State. If the new regime wants to hedge their bets away from Matthew Stafford long-term, taking a developmental project like Lance here makes sense. Lance has arm strength to spare but his accuracy and ability to read the field need ample work before he’s ready to play in the NFL.) (12-23-20):  https://football.realgm.com/analysis/3334/2021-NFL-Mock-Draft-Christmas-Edition

Yahoo (11. Detroit Lions - Alabama WR Jaylen Waddle:  Here’s another “who will be GM and head coach?” situation. Also, is Matthew Stafford in the picture? If the Lions end up being bent on trading him amid a rebuild, that would dramatically change this scenario.  Almost certainly, wide receiver is an area of concern. Kenny Golladay is a pending free agent whose price tag could be massive. Marvin Jones is, too. It’s almost certain at least one of them won’t be back.  Watch Nick Saban somehow convince Waddle, who is out for the season with an ankle injury, to come back to Bama in 2021. He did it with DeVonta Smith.  But in this scenario, he’d step into a big role for the Lions and be a blur on that Ford Field turf.) (12-17-20):  https://sports.yahoo.com/2021-nfl-mock-draft-4-quarterbacks-go-in-top-7-overall-picks-140635174.html

PFN Tony Pauline (9. Detroit Lions: Rashod Bateman, WR, Minnesota:   The Lions have several good receivers but no true No. 1. Rashod Bateman solves that problem.) (12-2-20):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2021-nfl-mock-draft-tony-pauline-december/

Round 1 Picks (11 WR, 6 QB, 3 LB, 1 DE):

4 WR Devonta Smith

3 WR Jaylen Waddle

3 WR Ja'Marr Chase

3 LB Micah Parsons

2 QB Zach Wilson

2 QB Justin Fields

2 QB Trey Lance

1 WR Rashod Bateman

1 DE Kwity Paye

Round 2 Picks (2 WR, 1 DT, 1 DE, 1 CB):

1 DT Jay Tufele

1 DE Hamilcar Rashed

1 WR Amon-Ra St. Brown

1 WR Ronald Moore

1 CB Shaun Wade

Round 3: (2 WR, 1 LB):

1 WR Tylan Wallace

1 WR Kadarius Toney

1 LB Jabril Cox

Round 4 (1 QB, 1 DE):

1 QB Jamie Newman

1 DE Dayo Odeyingbo

Round 5 (1 DT, 1 CB):

1 DT Jonathan Marshall

1 CB Ifeatu Melifonwu