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Detroit Lions general manager Brad Holmes has his first draft class in the books. Much like his predecessor, he decided to put his stamp on the roster by going with a franchise offensive tackle to build upon. It worked out pretty well with Bob Quinn drafting Taylor Decker, but it will be the rest of the draft where Holmes will need to distinguish himself from the previous regime.
On Day 2, Holmes targeted the defensive line with a couple of surprising, but value-based picks. Detroit has struggled along the defensive interior for years, and Holmes is banking on Levi Onwuzurike and Alim McNeill changing that in a hurry. Though many questioned the back-to-back selections at defensive tackle given the many needs elsewhere, the Lions made up for it on Day 3.
Holmes got aggressive, trading a 2022 fourth-round pick along with their fifth-round selection this year to ensure back-to-back picks at the top of the fourth round. With those selections, pressing needs at wide receiver and linebacker were filled with Amon-Ra St. Brown and Derrick Barnes, respectively.
Here’s a look at the Detroit Lions’ 2021 NFL Draft class. How do you think they did?
- Round 1, Pick 7 — OT Penei Sewell
- Round 2, Pick 9 (41) — DT Levi Onwuzurike
- Round 3, Pick 8 (72) — DT Alim McNeill
- Round 3, Pick 38 (101) — CB Ifeatu Melifonwu
- Round 4, Pick 7 (112) — WR Amon-Ra St. Brown
- Round 4, Pick 8 (113) — LB Derrick Barnes
- Round 7, Pick 30 (257) — RB Jermar Jefferson
Don't forget, the Lions aren’t done adding players. Be sure to check out our UDFA tracker to see all of the undrafted players the Lions are adding.