We are just over a week away from the NFL draft in 2021 and analysts are publishing their latest ridiculous drafts ahead of the big event. ESPN’s Mel Kiper and Todd McShay participated in an interplay concept, which alternated selections and featured all 105 selections in the first three rounds.
Kiper awarded the odd numbers, so that means he was calling when the Detroit Lions were at No. 7 overall.
“We needed a quarter of an hour – it happens every year – so I’m going to make one with myself because I’m the general manager of the odd number teams,” Kiper said. “The agreement allows the Patriots to win eight points to get their man, while the Lions add the Patriots’ second round (No. 46), plus future choices, maybe even their first round in next year’s draft. It’s a lot to give up, but Bill Belichick & Co. needs a long-term solution to the most important position of the game. ”
It’s a good deal to fall to 15 overall for number 46 this year and a high pick in 2023, even if it’s not a first class given in the trade. Kiper gave Alabama QB Mac Jones to the Patriots at No. 7, and when the Lions were at No. 15, he defended.
Kiper’s choice at 15: Micah Parsons, LB, Penn State. ‘Detroit trades to pick up extra assets and still gets an impact-defending player. Parsons is a playmaker who will run backs and act as a passion rusher. ‘
Parsons is the second defensive player of the boards in this draft – CB Patrick Surtain II is after Dallas Cowboys with the no. 10 – and if he does not have questions about the field, it’s a good choice. For more information on Parsons, be sure to read Jeremy Reisman’s exploration report on him.
As the spot moves to the second round, the Lions hold the number 41 (their original) and the number 46 (which they acquired from the Patriots).
Kiper made the call at No. 41 and given the Lions Dyami Brown, WR, North Carolina: ‘As the decline in Detroit has cleared them out for the highest level, we need to add Brown to an arid depth map. He has averaged 20 yards per catch over the past two seasons. ”
Brown is a threat in the field, reminiscent of Marvin Jones Jr., but with a tick to separate more due to his above-average athletics. His ability to cross the finish line in a variety of ways will help him find the field early in his career.
McShay gets his first shot at picking the Lions with a player No. 46, and he goes back to the defensive side of the ball, and gives Detroit Joe Tryon EDGE, Washington: ‘I liked returning Romeo Okwara to the Lions, but I want to see a lot more of the edge. Tryon can play a defensive end and an 3-4 outfield. ‘
Tryon played a hybrid EDGE role in Washington, and in Detroit he plays across from Romeo Okwara, and he will likely split his former representative with Julian Okwara, last year. Tryon erupted on the scene as a sophomore, but after not choosing his junior year (2020), he is not quite a final product. Another year in the Pac-12 would have made him a likely first player in 2022, but his talent justifies a top-50 pick in this year’s class.
At the top of the third round, McShay still calls the shots for the Lions, and with the choice No. 72, he gives Detroit Jevon Holland, Safety, Oregon“The Lions’ defense has a ‘Help Wanted’ sign in most positions, and Holland is a ball hawk who can even fall down and stand over the slot.”
This is a fantastic choice and reflects my strategy in the POD community pot, by targeting a startup security here. I chose Indiana safety Jamar Johnson with my choice – he took the number 99 in this spot – but I would be just as excited to land Holland in this spot. Holland can play deep, in the lock, has tremendous ball skills and is an instant starter in Detroit.
Return to Kiper to select No.101 at the end of the third round, and he chooses Demetric Felton, RB / WR, UCLA: “The 5-foot-8 Felton played both the fullback and receiver for the Bruins, and he averaged 165.8 yards in 2020. The Lions just need to add talent. He will likely play lock receiver in Detroit. ”
This one is a reach for me. Felton was a great university weapon, but he does not have an athletics for the lock (RAS = 1.06), and if the Lions want a groove receiver, then take one of the plethora of them in this class instead of ‘ asking a running rugby who is in the part-time lock in college to play full-time in the NFL? Can Felton finally play a slot in the NFL? Can be. I do not rule it out, but at the end of the third round I want a certain thing, not a developmental question mark – give me D’Wayne Eskridge, lock WR, Western Michigan, who was still available.