Reporter grades Detroit Lions draft picks
May 1, 2021
7th Pick: Penei Sewell, OL, Oregon
Offensive line may not have been a need but the Lions got one of the best players in the draft, and they got him at pick No. 7. Sewell sat out last year at Oregon but that does not change the excitement of this pick. Lions got the best offensive lineman in this draft and now have both tackles locked up for the coming years.
Grade: A
41st Pick: Levi Onwuzurike, DL, Washington
The Lions get a pass rushing, defensive lineman at pick No. 41. Levi had 13 TFL and 7 sacks in his career. This was not a position of need for Detroit. The Lions needed some LB, Edge, and receivers, and they passed on some good ones. So, for that I give this a not so great grade.
Grade: C
72nd Pick: Alim McNeill, DL, Louisiana Tech
Going into this draft, the Lions wanted to set a new culture and drafting back to back tough, and physical defensive tackles will do it. Just like the prior pick, it’s not a need for Detroit but the Lions are in a rebuild and they are looking for a certain type player
Grade: C-
101st Pick: Ifeatu Melifonwu, CB, Syracuse
He has the size, length, and speed to become a very good player in the NFL. He put up 88 tackles, and three interceptions in his career. The Lions add a solid pick at 101.
Grade: B-
112th Pick: Amon-Ra St. Brown, WR, USC
His brother, Equanimeous, plays with the Packers and may not be as much of an athlete as him, but has better hands. The Lions addresses a huge need at receiver and get arguably the best receiver available.
Grade: A-
113th Pick: Derrick Barnes, LB, Purdue
The Lions traded up with Cleveland to get back to back picks. Barnes has injury concerns and is not great in pass coverage but can rush the passer and has great potential.
Grade: B+
257th Pick: Jermar Jefferson, RB, Oregon State
With the third to last pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, the Lions drafted the best available player on their board. Jermar Jefferson ran for almost 1400 yards in 2018, and hopes to contribute a good Lions backfield.
Grade: A-
The Lions were looking to change the culture and begin the rebuild under new GM Brad Holmes and HC Dan Campbell, and they did just that. It’s going to be a process but this draft was a good start.
Overall Grade: B