The Lions Need to Draft Ja'Marr Chase

The Detroit Lions head into the 2021 NFL season with a new regime leading the way. Former NFL tight end Dan Campbell is already setting the tone as head coach and Detroit moved on from franchise institution Matthew Stafford this offseason, landing Jared Goff in the process. The Lions also saw top wideouts Kenny Golladay and Marvin Jones Jr. move on via free agency.

Detroit seems headed for a rebuild. They have the worst odds on WynnBET to win the Super Bowl at +15000 as they deal with roster turnover. But Detroit's active offseason might keep them from being truly terrible in 2021. Goff is a former Pro Bowl QB and they have a prime opportunity to land him WR help with the No. 7 pick in the draft.

Few players make more sense for the Lions at seven than LSU star Ja'Marr Chase.

Chase put on an absolute display at his Pro Day that should make him the most coveted WR prospect in April. His ridiculous 41-inch vertical and 4.38 40-yard dash showcase why he's an elite talent that teams shouldn't pass up on. And that could be a problem for the Lions, as the Cincinnati Bengals (No. 5) and Miami Dolphins (No. 6) are serious threats to poach Chase.

The LSU star being available at No. 7 is the best-case scenario for Detroit. He racked up 84 catches for 1,780 yards and 20 TDs as a sophomore in 2019. He sat out the 2020 college football season amidst COVID.

The Lions need to figure out what their exact direction is. Goff could be good enough to keep this team in playoff contention, but they're weak on receiving talent even after landing Tyrell Williams and Breshad Perriman in free agency. The QB also carries $40 million and $30 million in dead cap hits over the next two seasons. He's likely going to stick around until at least the end of 2022.

There's no sense in evaluting the new arrival without true weapons to throw to. Chase could immediately step in as WR1 and allow Detroit to get the full picture on Goff's capabilities.

Defense is certainly another area to address. But passing on Chase, or other top pass-catchers like Kyle Pitts and DeVonta Smith, at that spot would be a mistake.