Detroit Lions Draft Grades
How did the Lions do in the 2021 NFL Draft? Let’s give the Detroit Lions draft grades for every pick they made.
Round 1, Pick 7 — OT Penei Sewell
Offensive tackle was not the Lions biggest need, in fact it’s one of the only position groups where they were pretty well set. However, Penei Sewell is the best football player in this draft. If he falls to you at seven, you’ve got to take him. The only other option would be getting tons of picks from the Chargers or Vikings to trade up. Grade: A
Round 2, Pick 9 (41) — DT Levi Onwuzurike
Levi is a great athlete at the defensive tackle position. He had two good years at Washington overall, but was inconsistent. Onwuzurike is also raw, he needs to be coached up in order to reach his potential. I think it was too early for Onwuzurike to be taken, as Christian Barmore was the only defensive tackle off the board. I don’t believe him to be the second best defensive tackle in the class, though he was in both analysts Top 5. Grade: B-
Round 3, Pick 8 (72) — DT Alim McNeill
Well would you look at that, it’s the guy I believe is the second best defensive tackle in the class. A very nice value here in the third round for Detroit. While Onwuzurike is a little smaller defensive tackle, McNeill is the space eating big boy in the middle. He instantly upgrades the Lions’ run defense, and he had 11 hurries on the quarterback last year as well. Don’t let his size fool you, McNeill is still a good athlete and can penetrate into the backfield. Grade: A
Round 3, Pick 38 (101) — CB Ifeatu Melifonwu
Melifonwu went the pick after Dallas took Nahshon Wright, which is noteworthy because Melifonwu is a better version of Wright. He’s a big corner, 6’2”, 205 lbs. His vertical jump, broad jump, and bench numbers are all very high and he still ran a 4.48 second 40. Melifonwu needs some polish, but his tools are elite. It’s also interesting he went to Detroit because he reminds me of a young Quinton Dunbar. Hopefully Dunbar mentors him and elevates his game. Grade: B+
Round 4, Pick 7 (112) — WR Amon-Ra St. Brown
I was surprised that Ra St. Brown fell this far, I didn’t expect him to last past the third. This guy has hands, you don’t have to worry about him catching the ball. He’s also explosive and quick, though not fast in a straight line. He created a lot of explosive plays after the catch by making people miss. Amon is also an excellent run blocker at receiver. I would line him up in the slot and watch the yards pile up. Grade: A
Round 4, Pick 8 (113) — LB Derrick Barnes
Derrick Barnes is an interesting case. He didn’t really stand out in college, but he’s a good size and excellent athlete. He put up the kind of numbers you expect to see a smaller linebacker achieve. Barnes is a three year starter, but he never really put it all together. He intrigues me, and I believe he has a very high ceiling, though I would have preferred Jabril Cox here. Grade: B+
Round 7, Pick 30 (257) — RB Jermar Jefferson
Jefferson is young, 21 years old. He’s not that big, but he runs like a big running back. His hands are also solid, I would not be worried about him catching the ball out of the backfield. He’s not a great athlete, but he was productive at Oregon State and they have their struggles as a program. I was going to write that the Lions already have D’Andre Swift, Kerryon Johnson, and Jamaal Williams, but the Lions just released Johnson. That gives Jefferson a good shot to make the roster as a third running back and possible third down back. However, there were other running backs I would have preferred in this spot. Grade: B-
Overall Grade: A
