Detroit Lions 7-round 2021 NFL mock draft: Kenny Golladay tag and trade

Detroit Lions 2021 NFL mock draft: Round 2, 51st overall

Trading away Kenny Golladay and opting for a quarterback in the first round of this 2021 NFL mock draft leave the Detroit Lions dangerously thin at the wide receiver position. They would likely invest at wide receiver in free agency in this scenario, but as we have discussed, the Lions are working with a long-term approach this offseason. Investing in a potential long-term playmaker at the wide receiver position early in the draft certainly makes sense for this team.

With their extra second-round selection acquired in the Golladay trade with Washington, the Lions make that wide receiver investment by adding Amon-Ra St. Brown to the mix. St. Brown is a smooth and crafty route runner who shows the ability to create consistent separation the underneath passing game. He is also a quick and elusive playmaker who does a great job of getting upfield quickly after the catch and creating as much as possible.

St. Brown is a tough and dependable receiver who is an impact player in the short-to-intermediate range. However, do not sleep on his ability to stretch the field from the slot. St. Brown shows good deep speed and tracks the ball in the air well. He is not an elite deep target, but it is an important element of his game that must be taken seriously.

While St. Brown is at his best when working out of the slot, he also shows a good release game that allows him to make plays on the outside. St. Brown should primarily line up in the slot at the next level, but he does provide some versatility to move outside as well.

Simply put, Amon-Ra St. Brown is an extremely talented wide receiver prospect who can impact the passing game in a variety of ways. His ability to separate against man coverage is impressive and his tough and physical demeanor is rare at the wide receiver position. St. Brown feels like a great player for the Detroit Lions to bet on with this pick.