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Detroit Lions 2021 NFL Mock Draft: Projecting Through Round 3

The Detroit Lions, like several other NFL teams, have more than the typical three picks in the 2021 NFL Draft’s first three rounds. The Lions, who will draft with a brand new coaching staff this year, will pick four times in the NFL Draft’s first three rounds.

Detroit pretty much needs every position except for the quarterback position in all honesty, and they could look to address a lot of their needs in the NFL Draft. The 2021 NFL Draft Class is loaded with deep levels of talent at every position and the Lions will certainly have ample opportunities to acquire some additional talent.

Dan Campbell is creating a no-nonsense mentality out there in Detroit and the team is expected to see a lot of improvement in his first year with the team. Campbell isn’t going to draft guys who aren’t going to work hard and aren’t tough and fans should expect to see a lot of unexpected Lions picks in the draft this year.

There’s no doubt that the Lions need to add some help to their roster and bringing in some talent through the NFL Draft is a great way to do that.

Let’s dive into what a three-round mock draft for the Lions could look like this year.

Round One, #7 Overall: Caleb Farley, CB, Virginia Tech

The Lions are going to put a strong emphasis on both sides of the ball this offseason, but they could start by addressing the obvious void at the cornerback position. They should bring in Virginia Tech cornerback Caleb Farley to help create a young tandem with he and Jeff Okudah, who was selected in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft.

Farley is as tough and physical as they come and in my opinion he is the best cornerback in the draft this year. He was the staple of the Virginia Tech defense and will now take his talents to the next level.

He sat out the 2020 season due to COVID-19 concerns and to prepare for the 2021 NFL Draft, so the Lions would be getting an NFL ready player with their seventh overall selection.

In two seasons at Virginia Tech, Farley accumulated 56 total tackles, one tackle for a loss, one sack, 19 passes defended, six interceptions, and one defensive touchdown. If the Lions draft Farley, they’ll be getting a Pro Bowl cornerback to help out their defense.

Round Two, #41 Overall: Rondale Moore, WR, Purdue

If there’s any team that makes sense to draft Rondale Moore early in the second round, it’s the Detroit Lions. The Lions not only have a dire need at the wide receiver position, but they also are looking for some tough, physical, hard-working guys at the position as well.

Moore is as tough as they come at the wide receiver position. He never gives up on a play and never takes the easy route and steps out of bounds (unless he needs to stop the clock, etc.). Moore is always fighting for extra yardage and is likely the hardest receiver to tackle in this entire draft despite his smaller stature.

He could easily be a starting wide receiver for the Lions and he could thrive with Jared Goff throwing him the football. Adding Moore to an offense that has Goff and TJ Hockenson could be an exciting young core to build around, especially if they can bring back Kenny Golladay.

Round Three, #72 Overall: Chazz Surratt, LB, North Carolina

You want to talk about a guy who’s willing to do whatever it takes to help the team, look no further than North Carolina linebacker Chazz Surratt. Surratt, who stands at 6-foot-2, was originally a quarterback who saw a lot of action his freshman and sophomore years at the position before the team asked him to switch to linebacker.

Surratt could be a very intriguing third-round target for the Lions who are in need of a revamped linebacker corps. He could even serve as the team’s emergency quarterback if need be. In addition, he could give Campbell and Aaron Glenn a lot of interesting options on their team and should be considered in the early third-round portion of the draft.

He didn’t just make the move to linebacker and play okay, he dominated in his new position. Surratt, in two seasons as a linebacker, racked up 207 total tackles, 22.5 tackles for a loss, 12.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, two fumbles recovered, five passes defended, and two interceptions. There is no doubt that he needs to be an option for the Lions at this position in the draft.

Round Three, #89 Overall: Spencer Brown, OT, Northern Iowa

Spencer Brown has been labeled as the best FCS offensive tackle in the 2021 NFL Draft and he could find himself as a member of the Lions next season. Brown, who stands at nearly 6-foot-9, uses his size to his advantage all the time to help create separation.

Brown won’t need much grooming before he is ready to be a starting caliber offensive tackle in the NFL and the Lions have a need at the tackle position. He is as chippy and hard working as they come and he would fit the mold perfectly in Detroit.

He may not be very well known right now, but he’s been sky rocketing up the NFL Draft boards for a reason. Brown is a purely dominant offensive tackle who is going to make a major impact for an NFL offensive line very soon. The Lions should make sure he’s making that impact on their offensive line.

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