The Lions were part of one of the marquee moves of the offseason, trading QB Matthew Staffordto the Rams in exchange for Jared Goff.Stafford had spent all 12 seasons of his career in Detroit and was the first overall pick of the 2009 draft, but the Lions had never won a playoff game in Stafford’s time with the team. In addition to Goff, the Lions received the Rams’ 2021 third-round pick and first-round picks in both 2022 and 2023, seemingly preparing to rebuild for the future.
After finishing 2020 5-11 and missing the playoffs for the fourth straight season, the Lions will pick seventh overall in the 2021 draft. They’ll do it with new head coach Dan Campbelland new general manager Brad Holmesat the helm after the departures of Matt Patricia and Bob Quinn last season.
A top priority in the 2021 draft will likely be a number one wide receiver. Kenny Golladaysigned with the Giants in March (like Stafford, he’d spent his entire career with Detroit) andDanny Amendola remains a free agent. LSU’s Ja’Marr Chasecemented his status as the top wide receiver in the 2021 draft class with an impressive showing at LSU’s Pro Day and could be available for the seventh pick. The Lions could also look to add a linebacker. Penn State’s Micah Parsonsis the top name at that position.
Click here for the entire 2021 NFL Draft order and keep reading to see who the Lions take in the 2021 NFL Draft.
Detroit Lions 2021 NFL Draft Picks:
- Round 1: No. 7 - Penei Sewell, OT, Oregon
- Round 2: No. 41 - Levi Onwuzurike, DT, Washington
- Round 3: No. 72 - Alim McNeill, DT, NC State
- Round 3: No. 101 (from LAR) - Ifeatu Melifonwu, CB, Syracuse
- Round 4: No. 112 - Amon-Ra St. Brown, WR, USC
- Round 4: No. 113 (from CAR through CLE) - Derrick Barnes, LB, Purdue
- Round 7: No. 257 (from BUF through CLE) - Jermar Jefferson, RB, Oregon State
Click here to see all of Detroit’s picks in the 2020 NFL Draft
Check out draft picks for other teams in the NFC North
Green Bay Packers 2021 draft picks