April 29th, 2021 at 10:35 AM ^
Sewell, Chase, Smith. In that order. Hope one of those top 2 fall to 7. I’d live with Smith but think he’s risky
Smith is electric and exciting, but tiny.
However, so is Tyreek Hill. He's only 185 after time in the league and is a matchup nightmare.
I'd love to get Smith - but LATER in the draft, i.e. trade downnnnnn!
Listening to Jeff Risdon, he makes an amazing argument for Slater > Sewell.
https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2021/04/27/lions-draft-breakdown-prospects-penei-sewell-rashawn-slater-video/
April 29th, 2021 at 10:42 AM ^
If Sewell or Chase are there at 7, I would love to take either. If both are gone which is likelier, trade back to the highest bidder (thinking could be Denver at 9, LA at 13, or NE at 15).
A possible scenario is if Sewell is available at 7, the Chargers trade up to take him at 7 and the Lions can move back to 13 where they can grab the best available of Parsons, the Bama WRs, or Slater.
April 29th, 2021 at 11:31 AM ^
In the scenario that chargers move up from 13 to 7, what would they have to give up? A 2nd round pick for that?
April 29th, 2021 at 11:46 AM ^
I'm not sure, but I would think the Lions could add at least 1 additional pick in this year's draft and maybe a 2022 pick as well.
April 29th, 2021 at 10:45 AM ^
Why would the Lions take Sewell? Don't they already have their LT for the future with Taylor Decker? If I were a Lions fan, I would hope the Bengals take Sewell and for Ja'Marr Chase to fall past Miami. That would be an excellent selection.
April 29th, 2021 at 10:52 AM ^
RT is one of the only trouble points on the line for them. Sewell can play outside or inside as well, giving flexibility. If Chase falls to them, I would be happy with that pick. But otherwise, I hope they wait til later to take a WR.
April 29th, 2021 at 10:56 AM ^
Ok, but Sewell is a pure LT, that's the position he will end up playing in his NFL career. If RT is the trouble-spot on the OL then Slater is the obvious choice.
April 29th, 2021 at 11:27 AM ^
Lineman get hurt. Lineman lose mobility. What's the problem with having a potential replacement for LT playing RT? I don't think there's really a think as a pure LT. If you've played on the left your whole career, the issue will be addressing footwork and the mental cues. Unless you don't think a player can handle it, it should be fine for Sewell to play RT.
What does pure LT mean? Can a pure LT not play on the right if there is a better player playing on the left. Teams usually just put their best tackle on the blindside it’s not like that player couldn’t play frontside as well.
April 29th, 2021 at 10:55 AM ^
I think it's likelier Sewell is there at 7 than Chase. And why take Sewell? Because he's clearly the best o-lineman in the draft who's going to be an NFL starter for years to come. Plus he has versatility and you can play him where you need him.
April 29th, 2021 at 11:01 AM ^
People keep repeating "Sewell is the clearly the best OL in the draft" like it's the gospel truth. He has the highest upside of any of the 1st-round graded OL, but Slater is absolutely the more technically-sound player at this point. Sewell is a pure LT BTW, I don't see why people believe he can play anywhere along the line. You could probably have him start on the inside at LG for his rookie year before kicking him back outside to his natural LT spot, but that is not a plan teams should think about as the long term future for Sewell.
April 29th, 2021 at 11:10 AM ^
Rookie NFL O-lineman often start their careers at positions outside of what they played in college (Ragnow for instance). Sewell is for sure an anchor LT but is it going to ruin his career to start playing RT his first year or two? I don't think so. Decker isn't invincible and we haven't really drafted a cornerstone LT since him in 2016. Would not be a bad pick.
April 29th, 2021 at 12:01 PM ^
Slater is not more technically sound; Sewell has better footwork and agility.
Regardless, it doesn't matter from the Lions' perspective. Either one will start at RT then replace Decker at LT in 2 years. You don't pass on OL guys like this because they solidify the line for a decade and, aside from Mandarich and Greg Robinson, almost never bust (and certainly at a much lower rate than any other position group).
April 29th, 2021 at 12:27 PM ^
Slater is not more technically sound; Sewell has better footwork and agility.
I'm sorry, but you're wrong. Analysts and evaluators have been saying Slater is more polished and technically sound than Sewell for weeks. In fact, Daniel Jeremiah had Slater as OT1, slightly above Sewell due to that very reasoning, back in like February. Sewell is absolutely more athletic and has the higher upside, but he is not technically sound and has alot of inconsistencies in his game tape.
Regardless, it doesn't matter from the Lions' perspective. Either one will start at RT then replace Decker at LT in 2 years. You don't pass on OL guys like this because they solidify the line for a decade
Why would they replace Decker in 2 years? Didn't the Lions just give him a 5-year, $70mil contract extension? I think it's pretty clear the Lions believe Decker is their long term LT. In which case, it would be foolish to grab a pure LT and then play him out of position for 2-3 years to then decide to get rid of the guy who has been playing LT for you in favor of a guy who was a LT coming out of college but was then forced to change positions to RT. That's pretty poor roster construction.
April 29th, 2021 at 10:46 AM ^
I'd love to seem them get Sewell but I expect him to be gone. Best case then is for the Lions to trade down and get extra pick(s) to go with their 1st round WR.
What they will do: Draft a TE. They're the Lions, it's what they do. Probably grab a punter as well.
Agree - best case would be to trade down and get Micah Parsons later in 1st round. Sewell would be great pick if available, getting Jared Goff some protection and improving the running game would be terrific.
Likely pick is Smith. He is an amazing talent, but you just don't know how receivers translate when going to NFL, and you can get good ones w later picks.
April 29th, 2021 at 10:50 AM ^
I don't think they'll take a WR in the first unless they trade down. 7th pick is going to be Sewell, Slater, Parsons or Fields.
April 29th, 2021 at 10:53 AM ^
If not Sewell, I want one of the top 3 WRs on the board. I don't think I've seen a set of WRs so sad since we thought Az Hakim and Bill Schroeder were going to lead us to the playoffs.
April 29th, 2021 at 11:06 AM ^
This.
We just went and fleeced the Rams for a QB and draft picks.....and we’ve got no one to throw to. Get a receiver or two, and then go build something that resembles a defense.
April 29th, 2021 at 11:44 AM ^
Playing devil's advocate here, but doesn't this draft feature a particularly deep WR class? If so, excellent options are probably available after Round 1. If Bob Quinn could unearth Kenny Golladay in the 3rd round, I think the Lions can find meaningful options in Rounds 2 and 3 of this year's draft.
That being said, I would be very happy to grab an immediate game-changing WR in the 1st round. If Chase or Smith fills that role, grab them. Don't let the ghosts of past WR busts dictate drafting strategy. FWIW, I don't think that will be an issue with new GM Holmes. He doesn't give a shit about who Matt Millen drafted in 2005.
April 29th, 2021 at 12:28 PM ^
If they wanted an elite receiver they could have tagged KG and used this pick to fill another position. So now it’s just like replacing like. Which is very Lions.
I don't think I've seen a set of WRs so sad since we thought Az Hakim and Bill Schroeder were going to lead us to the playoffs.
Have you not watched the Patriots the past few years?
The Loins could have had Jerry Rice and Randy Moss on those teams and Harrington would still have missed them.
April 29th, 2021 at 11:02 AM ^
Trade down and fill your position of need with the BPA. This year we'll really need to see who can fit with MCDC's vision and next year will be the opportunity to address the exact needs. As much as I couldn't care less about the Browns and or any football that's played in that state, the Browns have provided a good blueprint to stockpiling picks and building over multiple drafts.
There's so many holes and lackluster star power, I truly believe we can upgrade most positions with picks at least rounds 1-4 or 5.
Exactly -- the Browns, previously a laughingstock just like the Lions, are the blueprint.
Build the damn defense, solidify the OL, get a big, talented back to go with Swift. Worry about receivers later or get serviceable ones this year in FA for cheap. This is at minimum a 2-year process anyway, probably three.
As for the pick at 7, trade down, take Parsons. That's the ideal for me.
If only there was someone who had experience with such a thing in Cleveland than could consult with the Lions on how it might work. The guy could even be a such a jerk to all his coworkers you have to fire him in two years...oh wait
April 29th, 2021 at 11:09 AM ^
Since 1970, the Lions have drafted two individuals who have become members of the Hall of Fame. More than anything else, this demonstrates the inability of ownership to find the right people to scout and evaluate. Until proven otherwise, why would anyone think that the Lions are capable of selecting great players? In the 1974 draft, the Steelers picked four hall of famers.
I think you missed more of the story there - the Lions have drafted 2 Hall of Famers since 1970 that quit playing early rather than continue playing for the Lions.
April 29th, 2021 at 11:13 AM ^
Trade back, get some good return from a team who is desperate for one of the QB's. Try and grab Barrmore, Parsons, or maybe even Kwity who knows. The WR class is so deep could easily grab Rondale, Toney or Terrace Marshall in the 2nd round. Really hope they do not take a WR in the 1st.
April 29th, 2021 at 11:19 AM ^
Trade down and get more picks. They need all the help they can get.
April 29th, 2021 at 11:32 AM ^
Parsons or Sewell. Do not want wr in 1st unless we trade down.
April 29th, 2021 at 11:33 AM ^
My read on the draft is QB's will go 1-3. Atlanta is the crapshoot, they will take QB or Pitts. Cincy will take Sewell or Chase although recent momentum suggests Chase. Miami is another question. I think they would take Chase or Pitts if there; if not, possibly Waddle or Smith.
My feeling is Sewell has the highest odds of being there. If Lions stay at 7, I would take him. I don't think Chase will be available in any scenario. If he get by Cincy, Miami will grab him. Seems top 6 will consist of Lawrence, Wilson, QB3, Pitts and Chase.
I am not opposed to trading down a couple spots and also taking Slater or Parsons.
April 29th, 2021 at 11:48 AM ^
The only shot Chase drops to 7 is if Atlanta either takes a QB or another team trades up to 4 to get a QB. Then Cincy takes Sewell and Miami takes Pitts.
April 29th, 2021 at 11:40 AM ^
I think they need a tight end.
April 29th, 2021 at 12:47 PM ^
With the numbering rule changes and if they draft enough, the Lions could line up 2 tight ends on each side of the center.
April 29th, 2021 at 12:03 PM ^
The selection itself does not matter. Whomever it is, they won't secure enough meaningful pieces to support this player, poop all over them mentally, misuse their talent, crush their soul and ruin them for the remainder of their career. This is the Lions way.
April 29th, 2021 at 12:19 PM ^
Would love to trade back with New England or Chicago. Take Kwity Paye with our first and stockpile more picks.
April 29th, 2021 at 12:45 PM ^
Trade up for Mac Jones. Need a QB of the future. Receivers will be there later.
If they draft Mac Jones, I'm done with them. That would absolutely be the last straw.
Lance or Fields
Whatever player doesn't care about or have any aspirations of participating on a post season game or a championship of any kind.
Sewell or trade.
No receivers and in particular no Alabama receivers.
Earlier in the week I had Quinn Nordin going to the Loins in my mock. Coming of that pick, moving to 2nd round. With 7th pick in first round, Loins select Ben Mason, FB - Michigan. Come on man, who says "Dan Campbell" player better than Bench Mason??
Sewell or trade down. You don't build your team around WR in the NFL.
Why are so many people suggesting Sewell? The Lions signed Decker to a 5 year extension, for better of worse (I think Decker is average at best) Decker is the LT.
Here is my forecast for the start of the draft -
1 - Trevor - DUH!
2 - Wilson - again DUH!
3 - QB (Shannahan wants Jones - why?, the front office wants Lance). Im going with Jones because for better or worse, Kyle has the last say in player selection
4 - Pitts seems to be the obvious choice here, but Ryan is the only QB signed for next year. They could go QB (Fields). Im going with Fields
5 - Sewell - Burrows is on medical recovery, they will protect him. Chase is 2nd option
6 - Chase - Miami adds a weapon
So this leaves the Lions with Waddle, Smith, or Slater (Lance and or Field pending #4 is still here, but that is trade bait)
Given this scenario - TRADE!!!
NE and Wash are most likely suitors (DEN just traded for Bridgewater, while not a top notch, they wont be as anxious to move up). NE has the most picks this year to trade. That is who I would love for them to get it done. Move down and pick either Barrmore, Parson, Farley.
If they cant trade..... Waddle....
If he didn't play at Alabama, Waddle is a 3rd or 4th round pick.
It would be the biggest blunder ever to take him 7th overall.
My Lions board (by most valuable player, not who I think will be there):
- Trevor Lawrence
- Kyle Pitts
- Ja'Marr Chase
- Penei Sewell
- Rashawn Slater
- Micah Parsons
- Jaylen Waddle
- Kwity Paye
- Zach Wilson
Whom do I think they will actually select? Assuming Lawrence, Wilson, Lance/Fields, Pitts, Chase, and Sewell are gone: Slater, Parsons, or Waddle--in that order.
I don't like the spellings of either Penei or Micah, so no.