With The First Pick
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Lions: 3 free agents that could change 2021 NFL Draft plans

By Mark Sipos

Oct 4, 2020; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Lions principle owner and chairman Sheila Ford Hamp before the game against the New Orleans Saints at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 4, 2020; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Lions principle owner and chairman Sheila Ford Hamp before the game against the New Orleans Saints at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports /
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Lions target Josh Reynolds. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Josh Reynolds, WR

Sticking with the familiarity theme, Josh Reynolds would come in knowing new general manager Brad Holmes, who was with the Rams when they drafted Reynolds in 2017. The fourth year man from Texas A&M has been waiting to break out, but being stuck behind Cooper Kupp and Robert Woods has prevented that so far.

Reynolds is coming off of a career year, hauling in 52 catches for 618 yards and a pair of touchdowns. Of those 52 catches, 29 of them resulted in a first down. That’s good for 56% of his catches resulting in moving the chains. Reynolds, who only has eight drops in the past three seasons, is a reliable target that new quarterback Jared Goff is very familiar with. Although he has only started 24 games, the 26 year old has played in every game of his career, including six playoff matchups.

The need for wide receiver is an obvious one. Homegrown talent Kenny Golladay is expected to leave in free agent, and former big time free agent signing Marvin Jones Jr is rumored to follow Golladay out the door. Golladay, a former fourth round pick in 2017, was plagued by injuries this past season, only playing in five games. He will be looking for a fresh start- and a big contract. Jones Jr, turning 31 in March, is looking to play on a contender. In addition to these two, Danny Amendola, Jamal Agnew and Mohammad Sanu are all free agents. The Lions should try and bring back Agnew, who is a threat in the return game and has the speed to take the top over the defense.

While he won’t change the draft plans to draft a true #1 wide receiver with the seventh overall pick, signing Reynolds would be a great addition to this rebuilding team. Having a wide receiver who is young with experience and a familiar target of his quarterback would pay huge dividends for the Lions. Campbell and Holmes wouldn’t have to worry about drafting another wide receiver to be the #2 option, and could focus on getting more talent brought over to the defensive side of the ball.

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