When it comes to NFL Draft guru Mel Kiper, I can take him or leave him. I respect his game but more often than not, I disagree with what he thinks the Detroit Lions will do.
In his NFL Mock Draft version 3.0, Kiper has the Lions making what I believe would be a monumental mistake by selecting a wide receiver when they are on the clock with the No. 7 pick in the 2021 NFL Draft.
Kiper has the Lions selecting WR DeVonta Smith. Smith, of course, won the latest Heisman Trophy after an epic season with Alabama. I do think Smith will have a solid NFL career but I don’t believe selecting him in the Top 7 would be a good value move for Lions GM Brad Holmes.
Here is Kiper’s rationale for the pick.
From ESPN.com:
DeVonta Smith, WR, Alabama
The Lions’ projected starters at wide receiver? New signings Tyrell Williams and Breshad Perriman. There’s not much else behind them, with Kenny Golladay and Marvin Jones Jr. both signing elsewhere. I would say this pick is likely going to the best wideout on the board, and Smith would be a tremendous choice. The Heisman Trophy winner doesn’t have the biggest frame (6-foot-1, 175 pounds), but you shouldn’t underestimate him. He is one of the best route runners I’ve scouted, and he beats any corner put in front of him. Detroit is clearly rebuilding, so I also wouldn’t be surprised if it trades down to pick up more draft capital.
As I said, Smith has what it takes to be solid, maybe even better than in the NFL, but I am not a fan of taking a wide receiver in the top 10 unless he is projected to be a Hall of Fame type player and Smith is not that.
Nation, would you like to see Brad Holmes select DeVonta Smith?
