Hey, the 2021 NFL draft just happened over the weekend! How did the Lions do? Did they address some of the needs we talked about it the rebuild review? What did the national media think? Is the Holmes/Campbell plan coalescing? Will we keep hearing about biting kneecaps as long as Dan Campbell is the coach? I think I can answer that last one right now: “Yes! Yes! A thousand times yes!”
First Round, pick #7: OT Penei Sewell
This clarifies the question of whether Jared Goff is going to get a real shot, at least for one year. Justin Fields was available (Da Bears moved up to grab him at #11), but there was no doubt the Lions wanted Sewell. Rumor has it they discussed moving up a spot or two to get him, and the war room erupted in excitement when Miami took Jaylen Waddle at #6 with Sewell still on the board. They could also have taken WR Davonta Smith, but chose offensive line instead. So, although Goff will get a chance next year, the Lions are looking toward the future by solidifying the offensive line instead of grabbing an offensive weapon. Smith might have helped Goff look better next year, but Sewell should help the Lions build a dominant O-line, which should pay off more down the road. The Lions graded out in the top half of the league in this area last year already, so with a prospective line of Taylor Decker at left tackle, Frank Ragnow at center, and Sewell at right tackle, along with Logan Stenberg, Jonah Jackson, Tyrell Crosby, and Halapoulivaati Vaitai covering the two guard positions, Detroit could have a top 5 unit next year and beyond. Sewell is a dominating prospect most thought would be gone by #7, so I really like this one.
Second Round, pick #41: DT Levi Onwuzurike
Ok, so the plan is beginning to come together. Holmes and Campbell want to build from the trenches, banking on dominating O and D lines to drive future success. Onwuzurike is an explosive athlete who could play either on the interior as a tackle or as a outside pass rushed due to his speed. He didn’t produce exceptionally in college, but his physical tools give him lots of upside. I like this pick mostly for what it represents philosophically.
Third Round, pick #72: DT Alim McNeill
Yep, rather refreshingly, the Lions definitely have a plan. McNeill is a run stuffing space eater who will play in the inside as a nose tackle. With Danny Shelton out the door and John Penisini the only experienced NT, this fills out the defensive line even further. When you add these two pick to Trey Flowers, Romeo Okwara, and new acquisition (via the Rams) Michael Brockers, the guys up front on defense are starting to look pretty strong. Another solid pick.
Third Round, pick #101: CB Ifeatu Melifonwu
Another defensive choice here. An additional tendency for the new regime is emerging: an emphasis on physical gifts over college production. Melifonwu is 6’3”, 205, fast, and a great leaper; exactly what you’d want in an NFL cornerback. He was good in college, but the tools are even better. Defensive Coordinator Aaron Glenn was an excellent CB during his playing career, so hopefully he can help develop that athleticism into production. I like this selection and the idea more great athletes on the field for the Lions.
Fourth Round, pick #112: WR Amon-Ra St. Brown
Some help for Goff! St. Brown, brother of the also gloriously named Equanimeous of the Packers, fills the glaring need at WR, with Quintez Cephus the only returning receiver to catch a pass last year. St. Brown isn’t really an outside threat, but could be a good Danny Amendola replacement as more of a slot receiver with good hands and body control. Also is probably a reincarnated Egyptian god of some sort, so that should be nice.
Fourth Round, pick #113: LB Derrick Barnes
Another selection geared towards need. Barnes is fast and should be good in pass coverage and running down opponents from sideline to sideline. Again, I like the athleticism the Lions are stocking the cupboard with.
Seventh Round, pick #257: RB Jermar Jefferson
Productive running back can be found in the later rounds, so why not? With DeAndre Swift, Kerryon Johnson, and Jamaal Williams already on the roster, Jefferson might not play much or might just end up on the practice squad, but you don’t expect too much from the third to last pick in the draft anyway.
Overall Draft Grade: B+
Well, the Lions really invested in the big guys at the line of scrimmage. Skill positions on offense got a little help, but not from the top end of the draft. Samesies for linebackers and defensive backs. Some help, but these spots were the real weaknesses on defense last year, so probably not nearly enough. The rebuild is clearly more about three years from now than next year for Hampbell Holbell Colmes Campmes fuck it, I give up, Holmes and Campbell, but I’m just glad there seems to be a plan in place. The national media liked the Lions’ draft, with no major outlet giving out less than a B- and some even handing out A+ grades. I think the consensus is they were in the top ten on draft day, which feels about right to me. This draft has made me more confident about the future for the Lions, so I would call it a successful one.
