Detroit Lions: Lowering the boom in my first and last 2021 mock draft
By Robert Jones
2021 Detroit Lions Mock Draft, Third Round
In the third round, I’m thinking about positions I’d like to address. However, I don’t want to sacrifice more talented players by putting on the blinders. As The Lions’ first pick of the third round approaches at number 72, I find myself weighing the options of an outstanding player coming off an average season and another player that needs developing.
I’m not ready to reach yet, so the Lions use pick number 72 to select Alabama linebacker Dylan Moses.
I like the idea of pairing Moses with our first-round pick Micah Parsons. Moses is an exceptional athlete that is coming off a disappointing season because expectations were so high. However, he was also coming off an injury and didn’t seem to have the explosion he had before.
Overall Moses was a disciplined player that did his job despite not making many big plays. I’m once again gambling that as the second-year back from his knee injury he will start regaining some of the explosion he exhibited before.
With Moses’ instincts and drive, the possibilities of what he can do in tandem with Parsons are incredibly enticing for a team desperate for improved linebacker play.
Now we move on to our additional third-round pick we acquired from the Rams as part of the Matthew Stafford trade. At number 101, I don’t have the fortune to still have the player I considered earlier, but I decide it’s the proper time to pull the trigger on a player that fits a need and I believe is underrated.
At number 101 the Lions select edge rusher Elerson Smith from Northern Iowa.
Smith is an athlete with a great first step. His motor is relentless and has the ability to contribute as a pass rush specialist from day one.
Smith does need to gain more strength, but he showed he belonged at the Senior Bowl as he put together impressive practice after impressive practice.
Smith has a very big upside and if he ever truly reaches it he will be the steal of the draft. If he falls just short, then he’ll still be an integral contributor.
The Lions defense is getting some bite and it could certainly use it.