General NFL / Lions draft discussion
Trade down, Sewell, Chase, or Slater in that order of preference. I don't want either of the Alabama receivers at 7. The Lions would figure out how to turn Pitts into a bust.
This, but I’d take either ‘Bama receiver at 7 if Chase is off the board.
Detroit absolutely should be able to trade down, but I also said that last year.
They could have traded down last year or forced Miami’s hand, they did neither out of sheer idiocy.
Unfortunately I don’t think it will matter. Lions are gonna Lion...and on and on it goes
Ok, so no prospect is "no bust guaranteed", but Kyle Pitts is probably the best player in the draft outside of Trevor Lawrence, and is probably a generational talent. Him and Hockenson at TE would be incredible for the lions.
No just no, You don't take a tight end that high, If he can play receiver then he would have at florida full time.
Why don't you take a tight end that high? Literally all the NFL scouts (insiders and not), have Kyle Pitts being a top 7 pick. In fact, it is unlikely Pitts is even available at 7, but if he is, you have to take advantage of that.
I totally understand that fans are wary of certain positions groups that simply should not be taken in the top 10 (Running Backs). But, I think particularly in the passing game in the NFL, it is becoming more positionless. Tight ends can line up on the line, or as a WR. Tight ends are now in the NFL the top pass catchers on many teams (Kansas City and Darren Waller says hello).
I would rather have the lions take a player that is clearly the second best after Trevor Lawrence, than take an Alabama receiver, or overreach for a defensive player. If we can trade back? Great, but I doubt that will happen.
Pitts is an amazing talent and an argument can be made he's even the best player in this draft. But I still want Lions to go OL or trade back.
Lions have had talent at skill positions before and they've wasted them because the team around them sucks. The only time I remember the Lions having a decent team in the last 10 years was when they had a monster defense with Suh. They need to rebuild that. Unfortunately this draft is not great on defense so address other needs. This class is also deep at WR and not so deep at OL, which means they should target OL in the first round and they can still get really good WRs in the middle 2-4 rounds,
I agree with this notion, but at the same time, I also have to recognize that the only seasons in the past 30 years in which the Lions made the playoffs were when they had a generational talent at a skill position on the roster (or the year immediately after their retirement.)
Sewell has been higher than Pitts on most big boards throughout the process. Quarterback, left tackle, & pass rushers are franchise cornerstones that are just more important to team success than skill players. Pitts reminds me of the hype Vernon Davis had coming out. TE size, 4.4 speed, WR skills, just all around phenomenal athlete. Pitts was more productive in college but I just dont see a tweener TE/WR changing a franchise's fortune.
If the Lions had more pieces in place I could see Pitts making sense but that isn't the case. Combine that with the fact the Lions already have a young talented receiving TE and it seems like a luxury pick to take Pitts. Hopefully he is gone to Atlanta at 4 and this isnt a temptation.
How many current NFL TEs would be worth 1st round picks?
I count 2.. Kelce (drafted in the 3rd round) and George Kittle (drafted in the 5th round).
Maybe you could count Gronkowski, who was drafted in the 2nd round.
My point is that there are VERY few TEs worth spending 1st round picks on, and even those that would have been worth it were gotten outside of the 1st round.
Is Pitts different enough to be worth it? Dunno.
Pitts may be athletic and fast for a tight end. Great hands. However, he doesn't block. And especially with this team moving forward, a TE that can also block is a must.
Not to mention 2 years ago we took a great young all-around TE at 8.
No thanks on Pitts. Dumb move.
This is such a wild year with such a deep receiver class that, yeah I think if the opportunity to trade down exists that they gotta do it. If they were to happen to go to QB- that pick better pan out because there are a lot of holes on that roster.
I feel like I trusted Quinn at the beginning too (one of his first moves may actually have been his best signing Marvin Jones) but Holmes seeeeems to have a good track record of evaluating talent. We'll see what happens.
I think Chase is the pick and he would have a Justin Jefferson-like impact. That being said, I'm sure Burrow reuniting with him is too tantalizing to pass up at 5.
Sewell would succeed in any system, so he's an easy pick. My guess is Denver or NE will want Fields/Lance at 7 so badly that they will give us plenty to move back. Take Sewell/Slater/Parsons depending on who is there, or move back again.
April 27th, 2021 at 10:56 AM ^
I agree if Chase is on the board at 7, I think he's gotta be the pick. There's a sliver of hope that is possible if the Bengals prioritize Burrow's protection by taking Sewell, and somehow Pitts makes it to 6 for Miami.
More likely, if Chase is not on the board, then I think you look at trading back with a New England or maybe the Raiders if they're trying to get in the QB market. If you can't get the trade value you are looking for at 7, then I'd be fine taking a guy like Sewell.
I do think there is a window the Lions have to hit though related to trading back. I would be some what concerned if they went all the way back to, say, 19 with the Redskins because the Lions do need elite level prospects, and they would be in danger of taking themselves out of the running for a Micah Parsons or one of the Bama receivers.
If the Lions were not so depleted in talent at so many spots, a guy like Trey Lance would be appealing to me who I think has massive upside and could end up being a pro-bowl QB if he reaches his projected ceiling. With their current roster situation however, I just don't think they can gamble on a top 10 pick; they have to hit on whoever they take in they first round and the depth chart at WR, OT and basically defense it too dire to risk on a boom or bust QB prospect.
April 27th, 2021 at 12:49 PM ^
I see Jamarr Chase at #7 after sitting out a year and I can't help but think it's going to be Mike Williams (USC) 2.0.
Nah, Chase hasn't gained 30 pounds.
It doesn't matter the Lions will find a way to screw it up.
This has been Darker Blues yearly Detroit Lions Draft Report. Sponsored by tide pods, they're delicious
I haven't followed nearly as much as the pre-draft process this year as I have in the past so I am trying to gauge where all of our prospects are expected to go. Based on what I heard earlier and my own guesses it seems:
Paye: 1st rd
Mayfield: Late 1st-early 2nd
Thomas: 4th-5th rd
Collins: 4th-6th rd
McGrone: 6th-UDFA
Is there anyone I am drawing a blank on?
Lions are looking at Quinn Nordin with the #7 pick.
and Cam Cheeseman in the 2nd
April 27th, 2021 at 12:10 PM ^
But Quinn blamed Cam for every miss.
Ive seen Collins going in the 3rd in a number of mocks. Think he is a round 3-4 pick at this point.
What's the knock on McGrone? Feels like 6th would be a steal for him.
He's had ACL tears in both knees and his only real good film is from 2019.
Thankfully, he may be the youngest LB in the class and has the potential to be better than he was at Michigan due to his physical profile. I'd expect him to go early-to-mid day 3 (sixth round feels like the floor).
If a team wants to draft a fullback, Ben Mason is the top fullback in the class.
Of course thats a big IF nowadays.
I would love Sewell but I don't think he will be there. If Bengals were smart, they would take him to protect Burrow. Even if Ja'Marr Chase was there at 7, I just don't believe you can invest in a WR with so many other deficiencies.
Best option would be to trade down a few slots which still gives you an opportunity at Parsons or Slater. My ideal trade partner would be the Broncos. Slide down 2 spots and pick up a 2nd round pick. Any further than this, yes, you might pick up a future #1 but I think you are going to be left with an assortment of WR's or CB's (just drafted 1 very high last year). Anyways, I am intrigued and I have faith in Brad Holmes based on the Stafford deal.
I'm very intrigued to see what Holmes does...There really aren't many picks that would make me upset. I know taking a WR that high is maybe not the smartest pick, but the Lions have so many deficiencies that I will take any instant impact player.
I think any of Chase, the Bama WRs, or Sewell/Slater are that exact player. Parsons I would grab, but not in the top 10. If they trade back to the early teens and both the top tackles and WRs are gone, then I would go for Parsons.
Either way, exciting times...
I think Holmes badly wants out of that spot to accumulate more picks. I saw a mock draft yesterday that had Patriots moving up and giving Lions #15, 2nd rounder, and 1st rounder next year. That seems mind boggling to me but I would do that trade in a heartbeart and maybe package 2nd rounder to move back up a few spots to get Parsons, Slater or Waddle. Smith produced a ton but that is one I avoid for some reason.
this scenario is exactly why I'm hoping Justin Fields drops to the Lions, to force NE's hand
I just don't see New England making trading up that far for a QB, especially one that's as polarizing as Fields. The only teams I could see realistically trading up for Fields is Denver or Chicago (and Chicago would have to move up quite a bit).
April 27th, 2021 at 10:57 AM ^
Yep, it is certainly true that Belichek avoids polarizing guys.
Aaron Hernandez
Gronk
Randy Moss
Antonio Brown
Cam Newton
Josh Gordon
April 27th, 2021 at 11:41 AM ^
Is Gronk really polarizing? The other guys, yes I would agree...
You didn't understand anything of what I said....Why are you comparing Fields to guys who had off-the-field issues?
Fields is polarizing because he clearly has the physical talent, but there are a lot of scouts and experts who doubt his ability in the NFL.
My point is, the Patriots don't usually trade up for anyone. I doubt they would this time for a player who has mixed reviews.
My ideal situation is Chase falls to 7 and if he does, that's my first choice. If Chase is gone, then Sewell would be my second choice.
I'm hoping QBs go 1 through 3 or 4, and then Denver or Chicago feel bold enough to trade up to get Fields before Carolina could take him at 8. In that case, Detroit could realistically move back and still get a tackle or WR.
Atlanta holds the key to your 1st or 2nd choice happening. If the number #4 slot is a QB, then by the time the Lions draft, 1 of Pitts, Sewell, or Chase would be available. I just think Atlanta will take Pitts. If all 3 are gone, hopefully Lions will find a QB needy team to trade down a few spots.
Yeah the hope is if Atlanta takes Pitts (which I think they will), then some trades will happen with 2 of Lance, Fields, and Mac Jones being available.
If it's
1.) Lawrence
2.) Wilson
3.) Jones
4.) Pitts
Then I could see teams like Denver, Carolina, New England, and Chicago looking to potentially trade up to 5 or 6 to get a QB. I don't think the Bengals will trade and will likely take one of Chase/Sewell.
But I could definitely see the Dolphins trading back with Denver or Carolina so then Fields or Lance go at 6. Then the Lions can draft whoever the Bengals don't pick of Chase/Sewell and Fields goes at 8 or 9.
I haven't thought much about Miami trading out to QB needy team but if they did, Lions would be drafting next with the last QB available. I would hope there would be a bidding war between 2-3 teams for that last QB but who knows. I expected Lions to do something last year as well but we ended up with Okudah instead. Different regime I know but the trade down is the dream scenario considering Lions are in a rebuild.
That's the dream scenario for sure. I hope it happens. Now I'll be watching what Atlanta does with a great deal of interest.
Trade up for Mac Jones.
They have an extra #1 pic to burn and Goff is only going to be here 2-3 years.
Sewell or fields, If they aren't there trade down if possible. I'm not as down as everyone on fields, I think he will be very good.
Obviously I think MOST of us would agree that we all want a trade down because there are so many holes on this team.
The better question is if you HAD to pick someone, who would you want?
I still want a QB. Have felt that way since the new GM/coach took over and haven't changed my mind. If Fields/Lance is there, that's my guy.
See, that's why I am not a big fan of what the Lions did this off-season. Yes, I am in the minority on this, but I do not understand what good it did to get Goff in a trade if they are married to him for two years (and it would be a big pill to swallow if they cut him after year 2 - 10 Million in dead cap space, goes down to 5 after year 3) if they were going to gut the offense.
I've heard several people say Goff has a two year audition. Okay, fine. But Goff's play has sunk the last couple of years for a variety of alleged reasons (not having an elite Gurley, conflict with the coaches, etc). So now you're going to bring in a QB that's owed a ton of money for two years, with no right tackle and no WR worth a shit and expect him to audition? How does this help Goff or the Lions?
The follow-up to that is usually: "Well if he sucks, after two years, draft a QB!". I doubt the Lions will not be good enough as a team in three years to hand the team over to a rookie QB and expect them to be any good. So then a two to three year rebuild has now turned into four or five.
If it were me, I would have torn the band aid off completely this year and flipped Goff, even if they only got a 7th round pick for him and drafted a QB. The Lions should have taken a lesson from their 0-16 season, because they are basically in the same spot now. They took Stafford after that season, had him take his lumps the first two years while he grew as a QB and then in 2011 he threw for 41 TD's and 5,000 yards and the Lions went to the playoffs.
Part of me thinks the Goff part of this is for the front-office to have an excuse to Ownership why they are still 'rebuilding' after 4 years, but maybe that's just my tin hat talking this morning...
April 27th, 2021 at 10:04 AM ^
I think it's clear that Holmes brought Goff with him from LA because he thinks Goff can play.
Think of it this way: you get a 26 year old QB who took a team to the Super Bowl and won a playoff game LAST YEAR.
Why are people writing him off so easily?
Another factor in his favor is the contract. It has 4 years to run. By next year, he's going to be paid in the lower half of QB salaries, and by year 4 he's going to be an absolute steal.
I'm all in with Goff until he proves he can't play
April 27th, 2021 at 10:25 AM ^
The problem is you're referencing team stats as the reason Goff is good. Is Goff going to magically make this team win a playoff game the next two years? 0.0% chance.
The Rams went from third in offensive scoring in 2018 to 12th in 2019 to tied for 22nd in 2020. The Rams defensive ranking last year were as follows: First in points allowed, total yards, passing yards, passing touchdowns, third in rushing yards, fourth in rushing touchdowns. Think the Lions will have a defense like that in the next year or the year after? 0.0% chance.
If you want, dive into Goff's own stats since 2018 (https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/G/GoffJa00.htm) and you'll see he's getting worse, not better. Aaron Donald and company have driven that team for the last two years, not their offense.
I'd love for Goff to come here and regain his Pro Bowl form; I certainly want the Lions to win a much as anyone. But I don't see how Goff's play the last two years inspires confidence, notwithstanding he is now going from the best defense in the league to probably the worst along with having no Marvin Jones or Golladay.
April 27th, 2021 at 10:32 AM ^
I'm not saying Goff is a star or a guy that can win games by himself.
I do think the Holmes may be trying to recreate the LA model. Run the ball and play defense and Goff can do the rest.
I think if the Lions added Sewell they could already be monsters running the ball.
Trading down and adding Parsons might be great too as a step towards building a defense.
WR's are a dime a dozen. Even if you have none, you can always sign serviceable guys in free agency. Only idiots draft WRs this high.
Note: no one drafts more receivers in the 1st round than the Lions.
April 27th, 2021 at 10:42 AM ^
If that's the Lions plan, I am certainly fine with it. I am not convinced the team (including Goff's play) will be all that good for the next two years and public pressure for a new QB (even if it is the right or wrong decision because the average fan has no clue) is going to be very loud.
There's where I was going with it earlier; in two years the front-office may have to decide at that point if they want to risk their jobs on Goff or try to buy more time from ownership with a rookie QB. God forbid it works out that way but I see that as a realistic scenario and why I am not the biggest fan of this offseason.
April 27th, 2021 at 10:54 AM ^
I thought the trade was brilliant, but we shall see.
One thing you may have overlooked. The Lions already have 4 1st round picks in 2022 and 2023. A trade down likely nets them a 5th 1st rounder.
If Goff doesn't work out, the Lions will have plenty of ammo to move up the draft board should they need to do that in the future.
My hope is they won't need to do that, but they will certainly have the draft capital to do so in the future if they wish to.
April 27th, 2021 at 11:53 AM ^
Not only do they have 4 - 1st round picks, I believe (sadly) that of them (their own picks) will still be Top 10 picks. Trade down, get more picks (particularly if they can grab another 1st next year). This is part of the complete rebuild that fans have been begging for.
A complete tear down means being trash for 2 years while stockpiling picks.
April 27th, 2021 at 11:16 AM ^
Goff really isn't so bad. He's proven that he's capable in the right circumstance, and he's still young. He's certainly good enough to serve as a bridge to the next QB while the team tries to rebuild. It's not going anywhere for the next year or two anyway.