Re-grading the Lions 2021 NFL Draft class now that their rookie deals are done
Re-grading the Lions 2021 NFL Draft class now that their rookie deals are done
Back in 2021, the new Detroit Lions regime of GM Brad Holmes and head coach Dan Campbell was a wildly unknown commodity. Fans didn't know what to expect from the new-look Lions other than to hope it would be nothing like the previous "Patriot Way" path to the bottom.
Little did anyone know that the first NFL draft class of the Holmes/Campbell era would be the foundation of a perennial playoff team and two-time NFC North champion, one that is favored to win a third straight division title in 2025. That first group of draftees in Detroit has now all moved beyond the rookie contracts, which makes it a good time to grade how well the Lions draft class of 2021 looks in retrospect.
From their contributions in Detroit to the value of their second NFL contracts, the first Holmes draft class has left quite a mark on not just the Lions but the league as a whole...
First round: Penei Sewell
The No. 7 overall pick in the draft, Sewell quickly proved to be a standout at right tackle. Now he's a two-time first-team All-Pro and generally regarded as the best young offensive lineman in the game. Oh yeah, the former Oregon Duck is not even 25 years old yet.
Second contract: 4 years, $112 million
Second round: Levi Onwuzurike
Taken at No. 41 overall out of Washington, Onwuzurike emerged as a part-time player as a rookie along the Lions defensive line. A back injury slowed his progress as a rookie and then wiped out his second year. He's admirably fought back from spinal fusion surgery to earn a second contract from Detroit as a versatile, useful reserve defensive lineman with 3.5 sacks in his four years.
Second contract: 1 year, $4 million
Third round: Alim McNeill
Taken at No. 72 overall from North Carolina State, McNeill earned a starting DT gig early in his rookie season. He broke out in 2022 after reshaping his body and has emerged as one of the NFL's better interior pass rushers since. A knee injury ended his 2024 campaign early, but McNeill appeared headed for his first Pro Bowl berth prior to that. He just turned 25 and has 11.5 sacks, 23.5 TFLs and 147 total tackles in 61 career games.
Second contract: 4 years, $97 million
Third round: Ifeatu Melifonwu
A cornerback at Syracuse, the Lions quickly switched the No. 101 pick in the 2021 NFL Draft into a safety. Injuries have dogged Melifonwu throughout his career, limiting him to just 37 games and 14 starts. Other than a torrid finish to the 2023 season, he's struggled to make an impact.
Second contract: 1 year, $3.01 million with the Miami Dolphins
Fourth round: Amon-Ra St. Brown
The No. 112 pick in the draft blew away his draft position from the get-go. After a 90-catch rookie season that netted 912 yards and five TDs, St. Brown has spent the next three seasons hauling in at least 106 catches and 1,150 yards every year. Two-time first-team All-Pro, and no player has more catches since 2021 than St. Brown's 430.
Second contract: 4 years, $120.01 million
Fourth round: Derrick Barnes
Selected one pick after St. Brown, Barnes continued a transition started in his final collegiate season at Purdue from hand-in-dirt pass rusher to an off-ball LB role in Detroit. After two up-and-down seasons, Barnes moved to the starting SAM LB role in his third season and found his niche with 81 tackles. An injury in Week 3 ended his 2024 season far too soon.
Second contract: 3 years, $24 million
Seventh round: Jermar Jefferson
The running back from Oregon State was the No. 257 pick in the draft. He managed 15 carries for 74 yards and two TDs as a rookie reserve, his only NFL action to date. Struggles in pass protection and an inability to make a dent on special teams have limited his chances as a reserve RB. Currently a free agent.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
36 minutes ago
- Yahoo
NFL insider on Indianapolis Colts QB Anthony Richardson's shoulder injury
NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero provided an update on Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson, who is going to miss minicamp this coming week with a shoulder injury. As Shane Steichen described prior to Thursday's final OTA practice, Richardson experienced shoulder pain the week prior. Upon further evaluation, the testing revealed that the pain was related to the same AC joint that Richardson injured during his rookie season. Advertisement Steichen did not put a timeline on Richardson's return, other than saying they hope to have him back at some point during training camp. But among NFL insiders, the belief seems to be that Richardson will be ready for training camp. On a recent appearance on the 'Rich Eisen Show,' Pelissero provided additional insight regarding Richardson. "They just made the decision, 'hey, we're going to back off him right now,' Pelissero said. "Shane Steichen saying he'll be back sometime in training camp is not really what I want to hear if I'm somebody rooting for Anthony Richardson to beat out Daniel Jones for that job. "Now I was separately told yesterday that he'll 1,000 percent be ready for training camp, but that doesn't necessarily mean the Colts will let him loose. You're going to want to ramp him up after he misses the end of OTAs and minicamp. You're not just going to go out and have him throw 600 balls on the first day of practice. So these are reps that now go to Daniel Jones, and he gets more of an opportunity." Advertisement Pelissero continued: "I know that the coaches in Indianapolis were really excited at the prospect of bringing in Daniel Jones, even though they've got this remarkable ball of clay in Anthony Richardson. It's a ball of clay that's spent so much time in the training room over the past couple of years that it's cost him those reps that he sorely needed as a young player who had only started 13 college games and really hadn't played a ton." In addition to Pelissero's reporting that Richardson will be ready to go for the start of training camp, which for the Colts begins on July 22nd, it's important to note that there may be an easing back in process for him. So even though he's on the practice field on Day 1, it may not mean he's leading the first team offense and alternating reps with Jones. Steichen alluded to that during Thursday's press conference, saying that the team will "ease him back into throwing" once he returns. Once a full-go, Richardson will have the opportunity to compete with Jones for the starting job, but winning it does become more difficult with the time he's missed during OTAs, minicamp, along with potentially being limited early on in training camp, if that is how things play out. With fewer reps overall, Richardson will have to make up for lost time. This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: NFL insider on Colts QB Anthony Richardson's shoulder injury
Newsweek
an hour ago
- Newsweek
Why Malik Nabers Is Missing NY Giants' OTAs
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. With a new situation under center, the New York Giants hope to bring stability to their passing game. It could do wonders for the emerging superstar, Malik Nabers. The Daniel Jones era ended on a tough note. After 10 games of struggling, the former Duke star was benched before ultimately parting ways with the Giants' organization. The Giants had four quarterbacks under center at one point throughout the 2024 season. Drew Lock attempted 181 passes over eight games. Tommy DeVito threw 44 passes in three games, while Tim Boyle attempted 24 passes. Nabers proved his stardom by producing in any scenario. As a rookie, the first-rounder managed to put together a Pro Bowl campaign after three seasons at LSU. Heading into year two, the Giants have added a notable veteran quarterback in Russell Wilson to help with the continued development of the wideout. So far, Nabers and Wilson haven't had a chance to put it together at OTAs. As Wilson gets to work with his new weapons in New York, Nabers has been a non-participant due to health reasons. According to Nabers is currently recovering from a toe injury. The Giants aren't operating with the belief that Nabers' setback is severe. The team is simply being cautious at this time. Malik Nabers #1 of the New York Giants warms up prior to the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium on October 28, 2024 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Malik Nabers #1 of the New York Giants warms up prior to the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium on October 28, 2024 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Justin K. Aller/Getty Images "Of course, it would be great if Nabers was out here catching passes from Wilson during OTAs. But the most important thing for the 21-year-old is to get fully healthy for the start of the season," writes Giants analyst Matt Citak. "I cannot imagine it will take long for Wilson and Nabers to build a connection of their own, and once they do, the sky is the limit for the star wideout. For right now, though, the veteran quarterback's growing chemistry with the other targets has been on full display these last couple of weeks." Throughout the 2024 NFL season, Nabers appeared in 15 games. He caught 109 passes for 1,204 yards and seven touchdowns. The closest receiver on the team in terms of production was Wan'Dale Robinson, who caught 93 passes for 699 yards and three scores. While Nabers' absence still provides a hint of concern simply due to the fact that he's a cornerstone player, there are slight positives in his absence. Wilson now gets an opportunity to find comfort with other weapons on the depth chart, figuring out his other options beyond Nabers, who will undoubtedly garner a high volume of targets throughout the 2025 NFL season. Last week, Robinson sent a lot of praise Wilson's way after catching passes from the veteran quarterback throughout the early phase of spring practices. A lot of buzz has been built around the veteran Jalin Hyatt, as he's been dubbed a potential breakout candidate for the upcoming season. The Giants haven't offered a timeline on Nabers, but the assumption is that there isn't much to worry about.
New York Post
an hour ago
- New York Post
Dak Prescott makes clear what his Cowboys priority is: ‘Be damned if it's just for my legacy'
Dak Prescott wants a championship ring, no matter the cost. Prescott told reporters on Thursday that it is his primary goal, regardless of the legacy he leaves in the NFL. 'Yeah, I want to win a championship,' Prescott said. 'The legacy, the things, whatever comes after I finish playing will take care of itself. I want to win a championship. Be damned if it's just for my legacy, or if it's for this team, for my personal being, for my sanity. Yeah, the legacy will take care of itself. I have to stay where my feet are.' Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott is entering his 10th season with the Cowboys. AP Prescott is getting ready for his 10th NFL season, and only Hall of Fame quarterback Troy Aikman has had a longer tenure in Dallas while starting under center. While Prescott, 31, has led the Cowboys to five playoff appearances, those trips have always ended before the team reached the NFC championship. Prescott has recently faced some tough injury luck, missing games in four of the last five seasons due to different setbacks. Last season, he missed nine games due to surgery on his hamstring. Now, as the 2025 season is approaching, Prescott seems to be feeling good about things in Dallas, with whom he signed a four-year, $240 million extension before last season, which has already been restructured. 'These OTAs, just the way that I've been seeing minicamp, the communication with [coach Brian Schottenheimer], with the quarterbacks or the quarterback room, just a lot of good things,' Prescott said. 'A lot of really good things that have me in a great place. I'm healthy. Excited as hell.' First-year head coach for the Dallas Cowboys Brian Schottenheimer AP With a new head coach in Schottenheimer, maybe they can complete Prescott's goal and bring a Lombardi Trophy back to the Lone Star State.
