Friday open thread: Which pass catcher makes the most sense for the Lions to draft?

Nothing is set it stone, but the Detroit Lions seem to be in a great spot heading into the NFL Draft. With at least three — possibly four, or maybe even five?! — quarterbacks all but certain to be off the board by the seventh pick, the Lions seemed destined to have most of the top pass catching options still available when they get on the clock.

This draft class is unique with so many great prospects at a position Detroit desperately needs to address after losing its top three players from last season. Ja’Marr Chase, DeVonta Smith, and Jaylen Waddle, can all be instant WR1s for whoever drafts them, Kyle Pitts is one of the most dynamic tight ends to enter the draft in the modern era, and Rashod Bateman has plenty of tools to make him a threat all over the formation.

Today’s Question of the Day is:

Which pass catcher makes the most sense for the Lions to draft?

My answer: For sake of conversation, I will assume everyone is still on the board and that the Lions do not want to trade down. As talented as Pitts is, I think I would prefer someone who is more versatile if they are being taken inside the top 10. This also means that I am likely moving off of Smith, despite his amazing route-running and hands. Waddle does offer elite speed too, but while any of these three could be a really good pick, I want the most complete option out there.

That has to be Chase. He still has plenty of speed, but his physicality is truly dominant. He can run all sorts of routes and is very difficult to cover, and regardless of whether Jared Goff or some other quarterback is in place, Chase is a top asset that will help out whoever is throwing the ball, as he is an easy any-down target. When you think about building up a new passing game, he is the perfect cornerstone to start with.

Your turn.