Detroit Lions 2021 NFL mock draft: New top weapon for Matthew Stafford
4. player. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. Linebacker. Georgia. Monty Rice. 814
Recent failures in the NFL Draft for the Detroit Lions mostly center around getting an impact linebacker. Jarrad Davis hasn’t panned out, and Jahlani Tavai was an extremely puzzling selection in round two. Jamie Collins has been nice veteran insurance this season, but even his game is slowing down. It’s time to find a MIKE who can come in and run the show on defense.
Monty Rice had some draft chatter back in 2019 but opted to return to school. So far, that looks like a great decision. Rice looks more confident attacking gaps against the run and has shown great instincts and range to close on plays near the line of scrimmage. He won’t test like a spectacular athlete, but he’s the type of player who can make an impact as a day three pick.
Michigan. player. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. 5. 811. Wide Receiver. Nico Collins
With the uncertainty for the Detroit Lions at wide receiver, it makes sense to double up at this point in the mock draft process. In this scenario, Nico Collins stays in the state of Michigan.
Next. 2021 NFL Draft needs for Lions. dark
While he isn’t on Golladay’s level, Collins brings the contested catch element in his game and shows good burst in open space for his size. Collins has good body control and adjusts to the football well in the air. He’d fit as an “X” in the offense while letting Waddle man the “Z”.