2021 NFL Draft: Recap and analysis of every pick for all 32 teams
Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. NFC North. . Detroit Lions. 50. 7. player
1 (7): Penei Sewel, OT, Oregon
There was no draft room around the league more excited than the Detroit Lions when they drafted Penei Sewell. Projected as a top-5 2021 NFL Draft pick for most of the year, the Lions have to feel good about getting Sewell at pick 7 overall. He should be a plug-and-play starter at right tackle as Taylor Decker’s bookend.
2 (41): Levi Onwuzurike, DL, Washington
The Lions want to bite off kneecaps, and this guy is going to help them do it. Onwuzurike is lightning quick on the defensive interior and he plays with attitude and energy.
3 (72): Alim McNeill, DL, North Carolina State
McNeill is another explosive interior lineman for the Detroit Lions with excellent get-off and great upper-body strength. He is quite a bit wider than Onwuzurike, but he offers Detroit plenty of upside on the interior line. As his technique develops, he could be a steal.
3 (101): Ifeatu Melifonwu, DB, Syracuse
After what we saw from Melifonwu at the Senior Bowl, it’s hard to believe his hype cooled off enough to go in the third round. He has rare size, speed, and explosiveness at the cornerback position. I love his potential with defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn playing a lot of man coverage.
4 (112): Amon-Ra St. Brown, WR, USC
St. Brown is just a tremendous value on the early portion of day three. In a receiver class this deep, you are bound to find players who are drafted a round later than they otherwise should be. I like him in the slot with his strength, quickness, and ability to get off press.
4 (113): Derrick Barnes, LB, Purdue
Derrick Barnes is another kneecap guy for the Lions’ defense. He’s fast, explosive, strong, and can make plays as an off-ball linebacker or pass rusher. One term that you often hear thrown around with guys like Barnes is “motor” and he’s going to the perfect city for that.
7 (257): Jermar Jefferson, RB, Oregon State
Anthony Lynn comes from the 90s Denver Broncos and Mike Shanahan school of one-cut running. Will Jermar Jefferson thrive under his coaching? I would bank on it. I loved this pick in the 7th round.