2021 NFL Mock Draft 3.0: Miami Dolphins trade back again
By Dakota Cox
2021 NFL Mock Draft 3.0
7. Detroit Lions: Ja’Marr Chase, WR, LSU
While Detroit might be looking to add a quarterback, this is actually a great scenario for the Lions. They have Jared Goff under contract, so they don’t have to reach for a quarterback yet. Instead, they have their pick of every defensive player and receiver in the class.
Detroit lost Kenny Golladay during NFL free agency, so they have to determine what’s next. With no logical partner to trade back with besides maybe New England, I have them staying put and taking a wide receiver.
Ja’Marr Chase hasn’t played football competitively since the national championship at the beginning of 2020. However, he had one of the best seasons in college football history in 2019. If he can prove that he is still as good as he was with Joe Burrow, he has a case to be the first receiver drafted in the 2021 NFL Draft.
Chase would be a good fit in Detroit’s offense. With no true talent at receiver, they need someone who has a chance to take over games and be the best player on the field. Chase has that type of explosieness. He just has to show it after a year out of football. If not, the Lions might take Alabama football’s DeVonta Smith instead.