Detroit Lions build strong base with outstanding 2021 NFL Draft haul

It is difficult not to like what the Detroit Lions did in the 2021 NFL Draft. General manager Brad Holmes, head coach Dan Campbell and company clearly target a specific type of player and they did a fantastic job of finding value throughout the entire process. Make no mistake about it, this draft class has a chance to be special for Detroit.

As soon as the Detroit Lions traded away long-time franchise quarterback Matthew Stafford, it signaled an obvious rebuild for the team. Jared Goff was brought in to be the bridge quarterback but this team is clearly not going to be competitive any time soon. The Detroit Lions are beginning what figures to be a long and difficult rebuild, but they sure kicked off the process with a bang in the 2021 NFL Draft.

Detroit Lions 2021 NFL Draft class

Round 1 (7th overall): Penei Sewell, OT, Oregon
Round 2 (41): Levi Onwuzurike, IDL, Washington
Round 3 (72): Alim McNeill, IDL, NC State
Round 3 (101): Ifeatu Melifonwu, CB, Syracuse
Round 4 (112): Amon-Ra St. Brown, WR, USC
Round 4 (113): Derrick Barnes, LB, Purdue
Round 7 (257): Jermar Jefferson, RB, Oregon State

The Detroit Lions got the 2021 NFL Draft started off right with the selection of Oregon offensive tackle Penei Sewell at No. 7 overall. Sewell is an incredibly talented offensive tackle prospect whose combination of power and athleticism up front is extremely impressive. Sewell shines as both a pass protector and run blocker and will be a stable presence up front for this team for many years.

A starting offensive tackle duo of Taylor Decker and Sewell is elite and will set the tone for the rest of the team. In Sewell, the Lions were able to snag a premier player at an extremely important position, building a solid base for their offensive line to kick off this rebuild.

Defense was the priority for Detroit on Day 2, as they landed three potential impact defenders. They kicked Day 2 off with the selection of Levi Onwuzurike in the second round. Onwuzurike is a bit undersized for an interior defensive lineman, but he is quick, explosive and extremely tough. Onwuzurike is a high-motor player who consistently wreaks havoc up front and will undoubtedly come in and be an impact player for this team.

The Lions went back to the defensive line early in the third round, bringing in interior defensive lineman Alim McNeill. McNeill is a massive man who is extremely difficult to move off of his spot. He plugs up holes with ease in the middle and even has a bit of toughness to his game.

Speaking of size, Ifeatu Melifonwu is a massive cornerback prospect whose length will be a problem for receivers on the outside. Melifonwu is a strong athlete who shines in man coverage and should pair well with Jeff Okudah as a long-term running mate at the cornerback position.

The wide receiver position stood out as the clear top position of need for the Detroit Lions as we entered the 2021 NFL Draft. Many expected the Lions to address the position right away, but they simply could not ignore the value of Sewell at No. 7. Instead, Detroit remained patient and found major wide receiver value in the fourth round of the 2021 NFL Draft in the form of Amon-Ra St. Brown.

St. Brown is a tough and scrappy wide receiver prospect who shines as a slot playmaker in the middle of the field. He is a quick and smooth route runner who consistently creates space with ease and shows the ability to compete in contested-catch situations well. St. Brown is not a true No. 1 wide receiver, but he is undoubtedly a talented guy who can play a major role for this team.

Immediately after taking St. Brown, the Lions traded up for linebacker Derrick Barnes. In Barnes, Detroit found themselves an exciting athlete who could certainly grow into an impressive playmaker at the linebacker position. Barnes does a great job of playing downhill and bringing physicality in the middle of the field. He does have some work to do in coverage, but his upside at the linebacker position is exciting.

This team was even able to find value at the very end of the 2021 NFL Draft, snagging running back Jermar Jefferson late in the seventh round. Jefferson is not a special athlete, but he shows great ball carrier vision and fantastic quickness through space. He could quickly grow into a strong backup running back for this team.

Make no mistake about it, the Detroit Lions did a fantastic job of finding value throughout the 2021 NFL Draft. They clearly targeted tough and physical football players and are looking to build this team through the trenches.

As a whole, this draft class is extremely impressive and gives the Lions a strong base of players to work with as they continue to rebuild their roster.