In a normal NFL offseason season, we would be preparing right now for the Detroit Lions’ preseason opener later in the week. But with practices open to the media starting new week, and everything else behind schedule, there just’s not much to talk about that is not yet exhausted.
Enter 2021 NFL Motif Draft Season.
A few college football conferences may have called it quits, but that hindered ESPN’s Todd McShay of ESPN’s way-too-early 2021 mock concept. And since I know you’ll be crazy about this, let’s be clear about his methods. Draft order was simply determined by ESPN’s Football Power Index, which ranks the Lions 26th in the NFL – as the seventh pick in the 2021 draft.
As for the player selection, McShay Minnesota wide receiver Rashod Bateman joins the Lions. Since the Big Ten canceled their fall season, we’ve probably seen the last of Bateman’s collegiate career (he decided to retire at least a week ago).
Last year, Bateman averaged 60 passes for 1,219 yards and 11 touchdowns as a member of the Golden Gophers. He was named third-team All-American.
While not the most athletic receiver, the 6-foot-2 receiver has the sticky hands and disputed catching skills that the Lions seem to love. But do not sleep on his skill over route. He is already somewhat polished there and has been able to make consistent separation at the Big Ten level.
It may not seem like an offensive skill player is exactly what the Lions need next year. After all, the Lions seem to have a very nice set of weapons for 2020. But as we discussed on the PODcast this week, wide receiver remains a very real need for 2021. While contract extensions are certainly possible, at the moment Kenny Golladay, Marvin Jones Jr., and Danny Amendola are all on their final year of deals. In terms of young, top-tier talent, the Lions really only have Golladay on a wide receiver with the potential of someone like Quintez Cephus growing into a contributing role.
If you’re jealous, McShay’s mock also has the Chicago Bears down in the quarterback pool again, the Packers are finally getting a wide receiver of their own and the Vikings are adding another defensive piece to their roster. Check out the full mod here.
