Day 1 draft moves that would create nightmares for the Vikings

Pitts slides to the Lions

A young Vikings secondary, an aging Harrison Smith, and some questionable pass coverage from linebackers not named Eric Kendricks might not have what it takes to suppress an enhanced Detroit Lions passing game featuring two highly regarded tight ends in T.J. Hockenson and Florida’s Kyle Pitts.

Now, the Lions don’t appear to be much of a threat heading into next season. They’re entering the 2021 draft with a new coaching staff, and likely the weakest roster in the division.

Key departures in free agency highlighted by Marvin Jones and Kenny Golladay leave Detriot with quite a few holes to fill before they even ponder playoff contention. But they can still hand Minnesota an upset loss or two in 2021 with some luck.

Some analysts and personalities across the league believe Pitts could be the best non-quarterback prospect in this year’s draft, and they’re probably right.

Not only does Pitts have the ideal build for his position, but his route running is also sharper than most of the 2021 pass-catching prospects, and his freak athleticism proves to be too much for many defenders to handle, especially in contested catch situations.

With some saying Pitts could perform at a similar level to elite tight ends like Travis Kelce of the Kansas City Chiefs and George Kittle of the San Francisco 49ers, the highly-touted pass-catching prospect could provide Detroit’s newly acquired quarterback, Jared Goff, with an excellent security blanket to build an offense around.

The Lions have five first-round picks over the next three drafts, which means a rebuild in the Motor City will probably happen sooner than later.