2021 NFL Draft winners: 10 teams that crushed it

Detroit Lions

The Lions should not have been in a position to draft Penei Sewell seventh overall, but Detroit benefited from questionable decisions from the Cincinnati Bengals and the Miami Dolphins to land the best offensive line talent in the draft.

Sewell should be the Lions’ left tackle for the next decade. They may not get the same level of longevity out of second-round pick Levi Onwuzurike but he can provide a penetrating force from the interior of the defensive line for a Lions team that has struggled to generate a consistent pass rush over recent years.

In Ifeatu Melifonwu, the Lions landed a corner with starter potential at the back of the third round, while another steal came in the form of USC wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown.

St. Brown was not expected to last until the third day of the draft, but the Lions were able to grab him in the fourth round and give Jared Goff a well-rounded weapon who can be an immediate contributor as a slot receiver.

Detroit is not anticipated to compete in 2020 and will have more capital with which to continue their rebuild next year following the Matthew Stafford trade, but their picks this year could ensure the transitional period is not as long as some expect.