Detroit Lions: Looking at early 2021 NFL Draft position needs
4. Quarterback
Matthew Stafford is still a good quarterback who can lead the Detroit Lions to success if they surround him with the right talent. That being said, at some point, they have to consider making a move at the quarterback position.
Right now, it is much more likely that the Lions address one of the earlier mentioned needs with their first-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. Wide receiver and edge rusher, in particular, stand out as appealing options for the team with their likely top 10 pick. With that being said, there are four extremely exciting quarterbacks in the 2021 NFL Draft class and if one of them happens to be available, the Lions have to at least consider making the move.
Trevor Lawrence and Justin Fields will likely be out of their reach, but Zach Wilson and Trey Lance are both extremely gifted prospects who could fit well on this team. Both Wilson and Lance could probably use some time to sit, learn and develop at the next level and drafting one of them to do so behind Stafford could make some sense.
In this scenario, the Lions would start Stafford throughout the 2021 season, but build their future around the rookie quarterback. This is certainly not the most likely scenario for Detroit, but it is undoubtedly a realistic possibility for a team looking for a major spark.
5. Cornerback
I would not consider cornerback a major position of need for this team, but they have struggled to defend the pass this season, allowing the seventh-most passing yards in the entire NFL through Week 12.
The Lions took Jeff Okudah with the third overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft to be their No. 1 cornerback in the future. Okudah has been inconsistent this season, but that should be expected out of a rookie cornerback. He is undoubtedly a talented player with a bright future. However, the Lions could afford to find some long-term depth behind him.
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Desmond Trufant is only under contract through 2021 and Justin Coleman is best used as a slot cornerback. Amani Oruwariye has some exciting long-term upside, but he is not the kind of player who should prevent them from targeting a cornerback in the draft. I highly doubt that Detroit would consider a cornerback at any point in the first two rounds of the 2021 NFL Draft, but do not be surprised if they look to address the position at some point.