We are less than a week from the NFL Draft. Normally, I am excited but cautious about the draft. The Lions have had some solid picks but normally, it’s a pick that everyone hates and doesn’t work out. This year is different, there are so many options of what the Lions could do and they all seem good. The Lions are slated seventh right now, but rumors have been swirling around and saying the Lions could trade back. Wouldn’t dislike that, the Lions are in a rebuild. They don’t see a guy they like at seven, then move back and get some picks for later and next year.
Then we have the wide receivers in Ja’Marr Chase, Jaylen Waddle, and Devonta Smith. All three of them have insane potential. Smith is coming off his Heisman campaign, catching for 1,856 on 117 receptions for 23 touchdowns. Ja’Marr Chase didn’t play this past season, but in 2019, as a sophomore, he led the country in receiving yards and touchdowns. Ultimately winning the Fred Biletnikoff Award for best receiver in the country. Jaylen Waddle might be the fastest out of all three. Waddle missed some time last season with an ankle injury, but in the six games he played in, he was electric. Waddle caught for 591 yards on 28 receptions for four touchdowns. He had at least 100 yards in five of his six games played.
The next guy that could be there is tight end Kyle Pitts. Obviously the Lions already have T. J. Hockenson and newly signed Josh Hill. But Kyle Pitts is different, he is a wide receiver in a tight ends body. Pitts is an animal, this past season, Pitts won the John Mackey Award as the best tight end in the country. Pitts caught for 770 yards on 43 receptions for 12 touchdowns. Pitts and Hockenson would be unstoppable together.
The next guy is Penei Sewell from Oregon. Sewell is a left tackle but has been practicing right tackle. Sewell is one of most hyped up offensive lineman prospects in decades. Sewell as a sophomore in 2019 won the Outland Trophy, awarded to the best college football interior lineman, becoming the first sophomore to win the award. This pick isn’t flashy but it basically sets up your offensive line for years. This would be another great option at seven.
The last two guys who might be available is Trey Lance and Justin Fields. Both quarterbacks that you could sit under Goff for a year and make them your future franchise quarterback. Fields is a stud that could do it all. Fields threw for 2,100 and 21 touchdowns in 2020 in only eight games. His best year was 2019, throwing for 3,273 for 41 touchdowns compared to three interceptions. Plus don’t forget what he did to Clemson with hurts ribs.
Trey Lance only played one game last season due to COVID cancelling his teams season. The year before, Lance threw for 2,786 for 28 touchdowns and zero interceptions. Any of these guys and I am happy. Safe to say most Lions fans will be too.
