Todd McShay Draft Projection for Lions is Replacement for Kenny Golladay

For 18 of the 32 NFL teams, the 2020 season has come to an end. That doesn't mean it's time for a break, however, as teams are already turning their attention to the offseason ahead.

One of the most impactful events of the offseason is the NFL Draft, and naturally analysis on this year's draft has already started.

ESPN expert Todd McShay has also released his first 2021 NFL mock draft, and it includes a very interesting first-round pick for the Detroit Lions.

Detroit Lions Mock Draft

Todd McShay has the Lions selecting LSU wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase with the No. 7 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft.

If the Lions make this pick, it's hard not to read deeper into the meaning — that WR1 Kenny Golladay will likely be leaving in free agency.

The other interesting piece here is that picking Chase would likely mean the Lions plan to keep Matthew Stafford, who has been the target of trade rumors. That's especially true because McShay also expects Ohio State quarterback Justin Fields to be available when the Lions pick.

Chase is someone Lions fans can get really excited about. He opted out of the 2020 season, but at just 19 years old as a sophomore, Chase dominated to the tune of 84 receptions, 1,780 yards and 20 touchdowns while catching passes from Joe Burrow.

That kind of domination at such a young age is rare, and it makes Chase the kind of prospect that Lions fans could get really excited about.

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Jason Schandl is not a FanDuel employee. In addition to providing DFS gameplay advice, Jason Schandl also participates in DFS contests on FanDuel using his personal account, username Jaymun. While the strategies and player selections recommended in his articles are his personal views, he may deploy different strategies and player selections when entering contests with his personal account. The views expressed in his articles are the author's alone and do not necessarily reflect the views of FanDuel.