One of the most prominent mock drafts each year comes from Peter King of NBC Sports. The veteran analyst and info man released his latest mock just three days before the 2021 NFL draft.
King admits he’s “dart-throwing, mostly, in a mysterious first round”, and also acknowledges the vast unknown with four rookie GMs picking between No. 3 and No. 9, including Brad Holmes in Detroit.
The board falls such that three of the four primary draft projections for Detroit–Kyle Pitts, Ja’Marr Chase and Jaylen Waddle–come off the board in the three picks before Detroit picks at No. 7. That leaves Oregon OT Penei Sewell, who is quickly becoming the most popular non-receiving option in Lions mock drafts.
King notes,
“First line out of rookie GM Brad Holmes’ mouth if it falls this way: No way we thought Sewell would be there at seven. Tyler Decker is solid on the left side for Detroit but Tyrell Crosby, PFF’s 66th-rated tackle last year, seems like a place-holder on the right side.”
He does bring up the possibility of trading down, specifically with the New England Patriots at No. 15, as well as making the tenuous connection between special assistant Chris Spielman and Penn State LB Micah Parsons.
