Lions 2021 NFL Draft: 7-round mock with a late round trade

Detroit drops down a handful of spots in the fifth round to pick up an extra pick in the sixth round pick. Here’s what they do.

Dan Campbell said he didn’t want turds in Detroit. Well, wide receiver Ihmir Smith-Marsette is somewhat of a turd. Starting with his arrest for speeding and operating a vehicle while intoxicated, all the way to a season-ending injury because of a touchdown celebration.

Yeah, I get it. Although Campbell did say, he’s willing to sit down with players to work things out.

Smith-Marsette is a round-three talent who will most likely be drafted in the fifth or sixth round because of two things. The first is off-the-field issues and the second is Iowa’s offensive being more focused on running the ball.

Obviously, I don’t get to sit down with these players in pre-draft meetings and whatnot. However, If I did have the chance to talk to Smith-Marsette, there is a scenario where I’d be confident in drafting him.

Route running is crisp, and his body placement allows him to beat corners consistently. He also has this big-play ability that makes him stand out from the rest. I would like to see him work on his separation, but on deeper routes, he’s able to break free

He reminds me of Robert Woods. Iowa used him in multiple ways, on end arounds, in the slot, on the outside, after the catch, and as a deep threat. Potentially a steal if he can behave himself on and off the field.

Yes, I traded down to draft a kicker. In 2018 and 2019 kicker Evan McPherson hit almost 90 percent of his field-goal attempts. In 2020, that did drop down to 78 percent. Despite that, the talent is there.

McPherson has range, logging a 55-yard field goal as his longest make. He’s also very reliable, missing only one extra point attempt in the last three years. The Lions have always had their way when it comes to kickers. McPherson could make a home in Detroit for a long while.