Two new early additions to the 2021 NFL Draft pool are talented players that should intrigue the Detroit Lions scouting department.
Wake Forest wide receiver Sage Surratt and Michigan offensive tackle Jalen Mayfield have both elected to opt out of playing in 2020–whenever their schools might play–and devote themselves to preparation for the 2021 NFL Draft. Both are likely top-60 prospects and each will earn serious first-round consideration.
They each play a position that could very well be considered the Lions’ biggest need in the 2021 offseason, too. With Kenny Golladay, Marvin Jones, Danny Amendola and Marvin Hall — the top four players on the WR depth chart — all set to be free agents after the season, adding a versatile, playmaking wideout like Surratt figures to be a priority. If longtime left tackle Taylor Decker doesn’t get a contract extension, he too will be a free agent and that position subsequently launches to the top of the Detroit offseason shopping list.
Surratt has a lot of Marvin Jones to his game. He’s not exceptionally fast or quick but wastes no movement and appears so smooth and controlled as a route runner and also after the catch. The time off for Surratt is significant; he missed the final four games of 2019 with a shoulder injury. He’s outstanding with the ball in the air, also like Jones.
Mayfield played just one season at Michigan but made it count. The 6-5, 319-pound right tackle is a skilled athlete with solid footwork and natural core strength to build around. He played quite well against No. 2 overall pick Chase Young in Michigan’s matchup with Ohio State last November. He has the physical ability and upside to transition into a potential top-10 overall pick at left tackle.
