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The waiting game is nearly over.
In mere hours, the 2021 NFL Draft will be upon us, and one of the Detroit Lions’ most monumental offseasons in team history will culminate in new general manager Brad Holmes’ first draft pick.
We’ve had just about every debate one could have on the topic. We’ve talked about drafting a quarterback, which wide receiver we prefer, whether it makes sense to pick a tight end in the top 10 (again), trading up and trading down.
There are no more simulations to run. No more scenarios to explore. We’ve used every part of the carcass, and now it’s time to finally feast. At 8 p.m. ET, the draft gets underway and about an hour after that the Lions will be on the clock. And while we’ve discussed the topic endlessly, what the Lions will actually do with the seventh overall pick has not been made any clearer:
In case you’re keeping score:
— Jeremy Reisman (@DetroitOnLion) April 28, 2021
- the Lions really want to trade down
- but they also tried to trade up for a WR
- and they may not pass on a QB at 7
- but Spielman may influence them to take Parsons
- they also might bolster the offensive line
Well, that covers everything.
So today’s Question of the Day is:
What will the Lions do with the seventh overall pick?
My answer: While I think in an ideal world the Lions trade out of the seventh overall spot, here’s my prediction of how the first seven picks will go:
- Jaguars: QB Trevor Lawrence
- Jets: QB Zach Wilson
- 49ers: QB Mac Jones
- Falcons: TE Kyle Pitts
- Bengals: WR Ja’Marr Chase
- Dolphins: WR Jaylen Waddle
- Lions: OT Penei Sewell
These predictions are not based on any insider information, but rather the general feeling I get from knowledgeable beat writers for each team. For simplicity’s sake, I did not include any trades, but I think there’s a very good chance one happens between Picks 4-6.
As for the Lions’ pick, it will be hard for some to stomach letting Justin Fields pass them by, I just never got the sense the Lions were that interested in adding a quarterback. We know they have faith in Jared Goff, and this quote from early on continue to stick with me:
Head coach Dan Campbell to The Athletic:
“If we’re split down the middle, he’s not for us. I don’t want to chase a quarterback. I want somebody we know we love and can help us. … Let’s build this thing properly, let’s get roots in the ground first.”
The Lions want the roots in the ground first, and what better way to do that than to shore up your offensive line.
Obviously, if this scenario plays out, I’d rather accumulate picks and trade down with a team hungry to grab Fields, but I’m not sure that opportunity will present itself. Will teams be convinced they need to jump the Panthers or Broncos after their quarterback carousel this offseason?
I don’t think so. So grab the best player on the board, a top-five talent in this draft, and fill a big need on the roster.
Your turn.
NOTE: THIS IS WHO YOU THINK THE LIONS WILL DRAFT, NOT WHO YOU WANT.
Poll
What will the Lions do with the 7th overall pick?
This poll is closed
-
4%
Draft QB Justin Fields
(63 votes) -
1%
Draft QB Trey Lance
(25 votes) -
5%
Draft WR Ja’Marr Chase
(77 votes) -
3%
Draft WR Jaylen Waddle
(49 votes) -
3%
Draft WR DeVonta Smith
(52 votes) -
2%
Draft TE Kyle Pitts
(40 votes) -
28%
Draft OT Penei Sewell
(388 votes) -
11%
Draft OT Rashawn Slater
(159 votes) -
5%
Draft LB Micah Parsons
(69 votes) -
0%
Draft CB Patrick Surtain
(6 votes) -
31%
Trade down
(439 votes) -
0%
Trade up
(12 votes)