The Detroit Lions did their part on Sunday, losing to the Minnesota Vikings and ensuring they have a top-10 pick in the 2021 draft NFL. However, no assistance was provided from any of the teams above the draft order. That means the Lions are over with the regular season for the seventh overall pick for April’s draft.
This is the third consecutive year that the Lions end the season with a top-10 draft. Detroit had not had the top-10 draft back-to-back seasons since 2002 to 2007, when they had six straight seasons of the top-10 pick, resulting in players like Roy Williams, Mike Williams, Ernie Sims and Calvin Johnson, among others.
While the Lions probably won’t have a chance to score one of the best quarterback talents unless they trade in, the seventh overall pick has yielded some talent in recent drafts. Look:
2020: DT Derrick Brown
2019: LB Josh Allen
2018: QB Josh Allen
2017: WR Mike Williams
2016: DEForest Buckner
2015: WR Kevin White
2014: WR Mike Evans
2013: G Jonathan Cooper
2012: S Mark Barron
2011: Aldon Smith
2010: CB Joe Haden
Here’s a look at the draft order adopted so far for the 2021 NFL draft:
- Jagaurs
- Jets
-
Texans (owned by Dolphins)
- Valke
- Bengal
- Arende
- Lions
- Panthers
- Broncos
- Cowboys
- Giants
- 49ers
- Chargers
- Vikings
- Patriots
- Cardinal
- Raiders
- Dolphins