In the very beginning of a new regime, the Detroit Lions faced a crossroads in the NFL Draft of 2021. After only a few weeks of employment, general manager Brad Holmes and coach Dan Campbell were faced with the most difficult decision of their careers at the most significant football position.
It was simple to trade Matthew Stafford and get draft assets since he was unwilling to go through another rebuild. Holmes did that admirably, obtaining a draft haul that exceeded most projections.
However, he was presented with another dilemma right away. Jared Goff, a previous first overall choice, was the quarterback that Holmes made sure the Lions received in exchange for Stafford, but could the team really construct a future around him?
The Lions had the seventh overall pick in 2021, two third-round selections, and additional first-round selections in the drafts of 2022 and 2023. They had the option to pick up a quarterback if they so desired. Despite Holmes having completed his preparation for the draft class, the Lions waited patiently for the board to fall to them on draft day, avoiding selecting a quarterback, and instead selecting offensive tackle Penei Sewell—arguably the greatest player in the draft.
This first, although crucial, choice made by Holmes and associates has turned out to be among their finest. The quarterback class for the 2021 NFL Draft has been a complete bust thus far. Only Trevor Lawrence, who was selected first out of five, is still with his original squad.
