Throughout the year and leading up to the 2021 NFL draft, we will update our Detroit Lions Mock Draft Roundup showing picks for the Detroit Lions from several prominent sites and draft analysts.
For a more inclusive lists of mock drafts for the Detroit Lions, check out our 2021 Detroit Lions Mock Draft Database.
The following are picks in recent mock drafts for the Lions:
Rotoworld - Thor Nystrom (8/21)
10. Marvin Wilson, IDL, Florida State
Wilson probably would have been a first-round pick had he opted into the 2020 NFL Draft. In lieu of circumstances, a canceled season probably isn't the worst thing for him, as he has the best multi-year tape collection of this interior class by margin at the moment. Either way, Wilson provides stout run support and reliable interior pressure. A former five-star recruit and a strong athlete, Wilson comes with a very low bust-rate profile in the class that won't have as many sure bets as past years due to opt-outs and canceled seasons.
PFF - Mike Renner (8/19)
10. Jaylen Waddle, WR, Alabama
Speed doesn't last long at the receiver position, and Waddle has as much of it as any receiver in the draft. With Marvin Jones Jr.'s contract expiring, Detroit could choose to swap in the Bama wideout and add a different element to the offense. Last season, Waddle led the nation by averaging 12.2 yards after the catch per reception.
The Draft Network - Kyle Crabbs (8/19)
8. Dylan Moses, LB, Alabama
It will be frustrating for Detroit to drop another early pick on linebacker, but the Lions have been disappointed with Jarrad Davis and Jahlani Tavai is more of scheme-specific fit for coach Matt Patricia's defense. Will he survive another season that ends with a top-10 pick? Moses is more scheme diverse and should provide the MIKE LB the Lions were hoping to get with Davis.
Pro Football Network - Oliver Hodgkinson (8/16)
7. Marvin Wilson, IDL, Florida State
The Detroit Lions addressed a need at cornerback in 2020 but still have several needs across the defense. The interior defensive line requires attention in the 2021 NFL Draft, and although the coaching staff appears happy with the linebacker group, there is a need there. Several wide receivers are out of contract in 2021, so it wouldn't be a surprise to see the Lions address that need either.
A defensive tackle who is strong against the run while also being able to disrupt the quarterback is a valuable commodity in the NFL. Wilson is the standout defensive tackle in the 2021 NFL Draft class. He has the strength to be effective against the run but also has surprising athleticism for a man of his size, which makes him a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks.
A defensive tackle who is strong against the run while also being able to disrupt the quarterback is a valuable commodity in the NFL. Wilson is the standout defensive tackle in the 2021 NFL Draft class. He has the strength to be effective against the run but also has surprising athleticism for a man of his size, which makes him a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks.
ESPN - Todd McShay (8/12)
7. Rashod Bateman, WR, Minnesota
Another early 2020 college season opt-out, another top-10 pick. Bateman won't wow you with his wheels, but he produced to the tune of 60 catches for 1,219 yards and 11 touchdowns last season because of his precise route running, soft hands and physicality. He has some versatility in where he lines up -- he will work the middle of the field and eat up press coverage. Oh, and essentially the entire Lions wide receivers room could be off to free agency in 2021, including Kenny Golladay, Marvin Jones Jr., Danny Amendola and Marvin Hall, meaning "area of need" might be an understatement come April.
The Draft Network - Jordan Reid (8/10)
10. Devonta Smith, WR, Alabama
With Marvin Jones and Kenny Golladay both entering the final season of their current contracts, it's logical to think that the team will be in the market for a receiver. Thought to have possibly declared for last year's draft, Smith elected to return for his final season in Tuscaloosa. Despite battling for touches opposite of two eventual first-round picks in Jerry Jeudy and Henry Ruggs III, Smith managed to lead the team in receiving yards. Displaying strong hands, being highly efficient at the catch point, and a creative route-runner, he has the makings of turning into an early contributor on the next level.
Pro Football Network - Matthew Valdovinos (8/9)
7. Marvin Wilson, IDL, Florida State
The Lions defensive line went from highly exciting heading into 2019 to a disappointing unit entering 2020. Marvin Wilson is far and away my highest rated defensive lineman, among both edge rushers and interior rushers. Detroit drafted my top-rated defensive back last year in Jeffrey Okudah, and now they can take my top-rated pass rusher. It's time for Matt Patricia to produce top-tier play from his defense.
The Draft Network - Joe Marino (8/3)
10. Christian Barmore, IDL, Alabama
A top-10 draft pick means another losing season, which also means Matt Patricia is no longer the head coach in Detroit. After Jim Caldwell had unprecedented success relative to other Lions' coaches, Patricia has been a failure with his 9-22-1 record to date.
One of the biggest challenges ahead in transitioning from Patricia is how much of the defensive pieces in place aren't fits for other systems. And even with that in mind, Detroit is extremely thin when it comes to the interior defensive line. Barmore is expected to break out as the next dynamic Crimson Tide defensive tackle that is likely to be a universal scheme fit. He can help Detroit build in the trenches as the team moves forward under new leadership.
One of the biggest challenges ahead in transitioning from Patricia is how much of the defensive pieces in place aren't fits for other systems. And even with that in mind, Detroit is extremely thin when it comes to the interior defensive line. Barmore is expected to break out as the next dynamic Crimson Tide defensive tackle that is likely to be a universal scheme fit. He can help Detroit build in the trenches as the team moves forward under new leadership.
Previous update: Detroit Lions Mock Draft Roundup 1.0
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