NFL mock draft 2021: Panthers, Patriots, Bears get aggressive for QBs
2021 NFL mock draft: Round 1, 7th overall
WR. player. 50. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. LSU. Ja'Marr Chase. 7
Kenny Golladay will not be back in Detroit next season and that leaves the Lions with a massive hole at the wide receiver position. While this team undoubtedly has a lot of work to do and is likely headed towards a long rebuild, adding a young and exciting offensive playmaker would help keep them relevant. Wide receiver is an absolutely massive need for this team and Ja’Marr Chase is arguably the best player available here at No. 7, making this an obvious fit.
Chase is an extremely talented wide receiver prospect who should be able to come in and make an immediate impact at the next level. He is a tremendous natural route runner who knows how to create separation at all levels of the field. Chase consistently releases off of the line of scrimmage well and knows how to get open against man and zone coverages. He also displays strong hands and has a knack for coming down with the ball in traffic.
Once the ball is in his hands, Chase really goes to work, displaying an impressive combination of quickness and contact balance to consistently pick up extra yardage after the catch. He sees the field well, attacking the defense like a running back and finding creases to pick up yardage in difficult situations.
Chase is not the biggest or most explosive wide receiver prospect around, but he is an extremely talented and well-rounded player who can impact the game in a variety of ways. The Lions are unlikely to be competitive anytime soon, but having a guy like Chase around would undoubtedly be helpful for when they are ready to compete. Wide receiver is a massive need for this team and Chase is arguably the best player at the position in this class. He is undoubtedly a worthy target for Detroit at No. 7.