Detroit Lions eye receivers, defense in final 7-round mock draft
No Matthew Stafford, no Kenny Golladay, and the Detroit Lions have a chance for a new beginning in the 2021 NFL Draft.
It’s been an interesting offseason for the Detroit Lions. Long-time quarterback Matthew Stafford was traded to the Rams in exchange for future draft picks and Jared Goff. On top of that, Kenny Golladay and Marvin Jones left Detroit in free agency.
If that weren’t enough to signify that the Lions are entering a rebuilding phase for the franchise as the 2021 NFL Draft is upon us, their defense also needs a bonafide leader. New head coach Dan Campbell will usher in the new era in Detroit beginning with the 2021 NFL Draft.
Here’s how they can get the ball rolling in the Motor City with the final Detroit Lions 7-round mock draft of 2021.
Detroit Lions 2021 mock draft: Final Edition
Round 1, Pick 7: Micah Parsons, LB, Penn State
As much as the Lions need a receiver, this is an incredibly deep class with a high abundance of talented receivers. While Micah Parsons opted out of the 2020 season, he is one of a kind and hands down the best defender in this draft.
He can be the instant MIKE linebacker as the leader of the Detroit defense. On top of that, he can come off the edge in certain packages as well. The Lions’ front seven was miserable in 2020. While Parsons wouldn’t solve every issue, he would be a great start.
Round 2, Pick 41: Kadarius Toney, WR, Florida
If the Lions rebuild is going to get off to a good start, Jared Goff needs receivers to throw to. Kenny Golladay and Marvin Jones have both departed Detroit via free agency, leaving two big holes on the Lions offense.
Kadarius Toney may be the crispest route runner in this draft. His footwork is so precise, as are his cuts in and out of his routes. His big-play ability is exactly what the Lions offense needs and he could very quickly become Jared Goff’s go-to target.
Round 3, Pick 72: Walker Little, OT, Stanford
Goff isn’t a mobile quarterback, so the Lions will have to give him a clean pocket. Walker Little showed great ability to keep pass rushers off of Davis Mills at Stanford. He’s incredibly athletic for his 6-7 frame and has really good feet as well.
Little will give Goff the time he needs to throw. We have seen in the past that when Goff has time and gets comfortable, he can get cooking in a hurry.
Round 3, Pick 101: Tylan Wallace, WR, Oklahoma State
Another receiver for the Lions and it’s another explosive threat. Tylan Wallace is a great downfield threat when it comes to making the tough, contested catches. While he may not blow anyone away with his speed, his reliable hands and fearlessness in terms of picking up the gritty yards will make him a good receiver at the next level.
Round 4, Pick 112: Caden Sterns, S, Texas
The Lions need help defending the run at the second level. Caden Sterns is a very good run-stuffing safety, which could earn him roles in several sub-packages. He’s a thumper who is also solid in coverage and he would give the Lions a reliable, multi-talented option in the secondary.
Next. 2021 NFL Mock Draft: Broncos, Bears trade into top 10. dark
Round 5, Pick 153: Jaylen Twyman, DT, Pittsburgh
Jaylen Twyman isn’t the biggest interior lineman but that doesn’t take away from his ability. He is very agile and quick. He would help plug up interior run gaps, something Detroit struggled with in 2020. Not only that, but he can get off blockers and give Detroit an interior pass rush, as well.