Detroit Lions draft picks 2021: Round-by-round selections
Here is a 2021 NFL draft pick-by-pick breakdown for the Detroit Lions:
Round 1 (No. 7 overall) - Penei Sewell, OT, Oregon: The first pick of the new regime in Motown is Sewell, who won the Outland Trophy at age 19 in 2019 before opting out last year. A 6-5, 331-pounder, Sewell moves shockingly well for a man his size and will likely force Detroit OT Taylor Decker to the right side. This pick also signals a new philosophy in Detroit, where new coach Dan Campbell and offensive coordinator Anthony Lynn want to run the ball, something this franchise hasn't done effectively since Barry Sanders retired more than two decades ago. Draft tracker
Round 2 (41) - Levi Onwuzurike, DT, Washington: He can defend the run and penetrate on passing downs and should be willing to bite a few kneecaps for new coach Dan Campbell. He was an all-Pac-12 selection in 2019 before opting out last year. Detroit has now picked two linemen from the conference after going with Oregon OT Penei Sewell in Round 1. Draft tracker
Round 3 (72) - Alim McNeill, DT, North Carolina State: A highly mobile interior havoc wreaker. Detroit continues to devote this draft to the trenches ... tells you something about how they're rebuilding. Draft tracker
Round 3 (101, from Rams, compensatory) - Ifeatu Melifonwu, CB, Syracuse: Another big corner at 6-2, 205. He's the brother of 2017 combine star Obi Melifonwu, who didn't turn out to be much of an NFL player. Ifeatu had 19 pass break-ups and three INTs in his three years with the Orange and should get a shot to play early in a depleted Detroit secondary. Draft tracker
Round 4 (112) - Amon-Ra St. Brown, WR, USC
The Lions finally add some WR help with Amon-Ra St. Brown. Given what little else Detroit has there, he could play a huge role as a rookie for Jared Goff, who needs a trusted target.
— Michael Schwartz (@MikeMSchwartz) May 1, 2021
Round 4 (113, from Panthers through Browns) - Derrick Barnes, LB, Purdue
Round 7 (257, from Bills through Browns) - Jermar Jefferson, RB, Oregon State
Detroit Lions' last five top draft picks:
2020 (No. 3 overall): Jeff Okudah, CB, Ohio State
2019 (No. 8 overall): T.J. Hockenson, TE, Iowa
2018 (No. 20 overall): Frank Ragnow, C, Arkansas
2017 (No. 21 overall): Jarrad Davis, LB, Florida
2016 (No. 16 overall): Taylor Decker, OT, Ohio State
2021 NFL draft: Team-by-team picks
AFC East: Bills | Dolphins | Jets | Patriots
AFC North: Bengals | Browns | Ravens | Steelers
AFC South: Colts | Jaguars | Texans | Titans
AFC West: Broncos | Chargers | Chiefs | Raiders
NFC East: Cowboys | Eagles | Giants | Washington
NFC North: Bears | Lions | Packers | Vikings
NFC South: Buccaneers | Falcons | Panthers | Saints
NFC West: 49ers | Cardinals | Rams | Seahawks
If you enjoy talking football, we have the perfect spot for you. Join our Facebook Group, The Ruling Off the Field, to engage in friendly debate and conversation with fellow football fans and our NFL insiders. Do the right thing, sign up now!
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Detroit Lions' 2021 NFL draft picks
