Walter football Charlie (1. Detroit Lions: QB Kenny Pickett - Detroit knows that Jared Goff is not the answer and must be replaced. If the Lions wait until the 2023 NFL Draft, there is no guarantee they will be picking in the right spot or have prospects worthy of that slot. Kenny Pickett's competitiveness, resilience, and work ethic make him a good fit to take on the job of the rebuild in Detroit. Pickett caught fire in 2021, ripping up opponents on a weekly basis and boosting his draft grade. He is a dangerous rhythm passer in the short to intermediate part of the field while also showing superb deep-ball accuracy. When plays break down, Pickett has mobility and is a willing, tough runner. Pickett shows excellent accuracy, developed field vision, an ability to work through progressions, can buy time with his feet, and is able to throw vertically with a soft deep ball that is easy to catch. He has definite NFL arm talent. While he generally shows good decision making, there are 2-3 passes per game where he makes poor choices. That issue could likely be worked on with development. In 2021, Pickett took the Panthers to new heights with their first ACC Championship, and he surpassed Dan Marino as the program's all-time leader in touchdown passes. Pickett completed 67 percent of his passes in 2021 for 4,319 yards, 42 touchdowns and seven interceptions. He notched five rushing touchdowns as well. The 6-foot-3, 220-pounder has quality size for the NFL and is known to have good character. One negative is Pickett is said to have small hands, which is why he wears gloves on his right hand. After seeing some action in 2017, Pickett was the Panthers' starter from 2018-2020, so he will enter the next level with a lot of starting experience, but he will also be a 24-year-old rookie. 24. WR Drake London - The Lions need more wide receiver help and a consistent No. 1 receiver for their offense. London brought in 88 receptions for 1,084 yards and seven touchdowns over his eight-game 2021 before a fractured ankle ended his year. The 6-foot-5, 210-pounder has mismatch size and is a dangerous 50-50 receiver with his ability to win contested catches. After the catch, London is a threat to pick up yardage because he is a physical runner who is tough for defensive backs to get to the ground. With his skill set, London is an asset in the red zone. London is a bit of a love/hate prospect in speaking with different scouts. The evaluators who don't like him feel that his speed is average at best and will struggle to get open enough in the NFL. The scouts who like London feel he is a cross between Keenan Allen and Mike Evans. They say he is a good route-runner, who iss surprisingly effective at uncovering for a big guy, and has good suddenness and feel for his size. Despite his season-ending broken ankle, some sources think London could still be a first-round pick next April in the 2022 NFL Draft. London was in a crowded depth chart in 2019 and 2020, but he still showed some intriguing ability. In 2020, he had 33 receptions for 502 yards and three touchdowns over six games with Amon-Ra St. Brown as the featured receiver. As a freshman, London had 39 catches for 567 yards and five touchdowns with St. Brown and Michael Pittman Jr. ahead of London in targets. 33. CB Jalyn Armour-Davis: Jeff Okudah is trending toward being a bust, and the Lions badly need some cornerback upgrades to go with Amani Oruwariye. Armour-Davis is a big cornerback who has a good skill set. In 2021, he has three interceptions, 30 tackles and four passes defended. The 6-foot-1, 192-pounder could improve as he gains experience. Armour-Davis won the starting cornerback spot opposite Josh Jobe as the replacement for Patrick Surtain. Armour-Davis has been a solid cover corner this season, showing some size, ball skills, athleticism and quickness.) (12-17-21): https://walterfootball.com/draft2022charlie.php
CBS Edwards (1. DE Kayvon Thibodeaux: There was a report that came out this week suggesting the Lions would take Thibodeaux if the event were held today and I agree with that line of thinking. Thibodeaux has more upside than other options in this class. I do not think he is Myles Garrett or the Bosas, but I believe he is on that next rung down on the ladder. 24. WR Chris Olave: Amon-Ra St. Brown has shown a lot of promise in recent weeks, but Detroit needs to add a potential alpha receiver. Olave is a selfless player and polished route-runner. There are still questions about the quarterback, but the team would have high level talent along the offensive line in addition to wide receiver, running back and tight end.) (12-16-21): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2022-nfl-mock-draft-jaguars-select-edge-rusher-at-no-2-jets-go-cornerback-wide-receiver-in-top-10/
Draft wire (1. Detroit Lions - Aidan Hutchinson EDGE: This spot has been earmarked for Kayvon Thibodeaux for quite a while, but Hutchinson’s dominant 2021 campaign has launched him into the conversation. He finished second in the Heisman Trophy voting, and would be a cornerstone for Dan Campbell to build around on defense. 24. Detroit Lions | Liberty QB Malik Willis: Wide receiver will get strong consideration here, but the depth of this year’s class should leave the Lions plenty of strong options at the top of the second round. They’re better off taking the quarterback of their choice here, and while there are flaws to be found in the remaining passers, Willis has the most potential. 33. Detroit Lions | Ohio State WR Chris Olave. 65. Detroit Lions | Northwestern S Brandon Joseph) (12-16-21): https://draftwire.usatoday.com/lists/nfl-mock-draft-2022-3-rounds-kenny-pickett-matt-corral-sam-howell-desmond-ridder-malik-willis/
CBS Trapasso (1. DE Aiden Hutchinson: We're entering "this is a lock" territory with Hutchinson and the Lions. Edge rusher is a need, and he's an elite prospect. 23. QB Malik Wilson: I'll actually be surprised if the Lions are able to nab Willis here -- his talent is too tantalizing -- but if there's a scenario in which he's available, Detroit needs to jump all over the opportunity to draft him.) (12-15-21): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2022-nfl-mock-draft-jets-bolster-secondary-offensive-line-with-top-10-picks-saints-add-playmaker-for-new-qb/
Walterfootball (1. Detroit Lions: QB Kenny Pickett : I haven't mocked a quarterback to the Lions this entire time, but after thinking about it, I'm on board with Charlie Campbell's report in the NFL Hot Press. Multiple sources believe Kenny Pickett will be the No. 1 overall pick. The Lions could take Kayvon Thibodeaux if this 2022 NFL Draft were on this day, but they may eventually talk themselves into drafting a franchise quarterback. Kenny Pickett is an accurate passer with nice size. He was on fire in 2021. He has put himself into top-10 consideration. 24. Detroit Lions: Treylon Burks: The Lions have absolutely nothing at receiver, so they must address this liability. Treylon Burks is a 6-foot-3 receiver with good speed. 33. Detroit Lions: Wan'Dale Robinson: The Lions have a major void of talent at receiver, so they'll need to spend multiple early picks to address the position. Wan'Dale Robinson has game-breaking speed. 65. CB Jayln Armour-Davis: Jeff Okudah looks like a bust thus far, but even if he pans out, the Lions still need cornerback help for their horrendous secondary. Jayln Armour-Davis is a 6-1 cornerback with a good skill set.) (12-15-21): https://walterfootball.com/draft2022.php
Draft Tek (1. DE Aidan Hutchinson: In 1986, Jim Harbaugh the quarterback, guaranteed victory over Ohio State. It happened. 35 years later, after a win over Ohio State as Head Coach, he's made a different guarantee. Harbaugh guaranteed to the football world (and in front of OSU fans) that Aidan Hutchinson will be the "number one pick in the draft", a statement he made during the Heisman ceremony. As Hutchinson unfortunately couldn't notch another achievement in his belt by actually winning the coveted award, finishing second behind Alabama's Bryce Young is just another reason why Harbaugh's guarantee might be right, again. Without a QB truly separating themselves from the pack this season, the least Detroit could do is set their sights on a player who is wreaking havoc on opposing QBs. There's no doubt that Detroit has many defensive holes and this move at least plugs one hole in the defenisve sieve. - Doug Hyde, Lions Analyst. 25. WR David Bell: It's kind of crazy to think that just last season Detroit boasted a competent, NFL-level receiver corps in Marvin Jones and Kenny Golladay. Let's also not forget about contributions from Quintez Cephus and Danny Amendola last season too. With the likes of rookie Amon-Ra St. Brown, Josh Reynolds, and Kalif Raymond, it's nowhere near what it was only a season ago. No offense to St. Brown who has been the team's most productive receiver this year with 57 catches and over 500 yards receiving. The lack of depth (and skill) is the main reason David Bell is being tabbed here to Detroit. Bell is a dynamic playmaker and big time YAC guy. His route running is also, how do we say, crafty. His footwork and ability to work in double moves mid-route is nothing short of special and obviously something Detroit lacks with its current group of receivers. This season, Bell has posted 93 catches for over 1,200 yards and tacked on 6 touchdowns. In his Boilermaker career, Bell would have had over 1,000 yards receiving in every season if not due to a COVID shortened season in 2020. I would personally love to see David Bell in a Lions uniform and give us a flashback to what once was a team with a consistently respectable passing attack. - Doug Hyde, Lions Analyst. 33. LB Nakobe Dean. 65. WR Romeo Doubs. 161. LB Zakoby McClain. 202. QB Taulia Tagovailoa) (12-15-21): https://www.drafttek.com/m/2022-NFL-Mock-Draft-Round1.asp
Fox sports McIntyre (1. Detroit Lions: DE Aidan Hutchinson: No draft-eligible QB has distinguished himself as the No. 1 pick. Perhaps one will emerge over the next eight weeks leading up to the NFL Combine. For now, though, let’s go with the most dominant lineman in the sport, who wasn’t even a top-100 recruit out of high school in 2018. 24. Detroit Lions (via Los Angeles Rams): Sam Howell: After a dominant junior year, Howell was projected as a Heisman contender and even a potential top pick in the draft. Now, even though he started for three years for the Tar Heels, he’s still only 21, so he could begin his NFL career as Jared Goff's backup.) (12-15-21): https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nfl/nfl-mock-draft-3-0-michigans-aidan-hutchinson-to-the-detroit-lions-at-no-1
ESPN McShay (1. DE Aidan Hutchinson. 25. QB Sam Howell): https://www.audacy.com/971theticket/sports/detroit-lions/lions-draft-quarterback-sam-howell-in-mcshays-first-mock
CBS Wilson (1. DE Aidan Hutchinson: Hutchinson is a great example of a player who got better each and every season, and instead of coming out early he stayed in school, balled out as a senior, and made himself into arguably the best player -- on either side of the ball -- in the country during the '21 college football season. The exclamation point came the last three weeks; first a three-sack performance against Ohio State, then helping Michigan win the Big Ten Championship Game a week later, and on Saturday, he finished second in Heisman voting. 24. WR Jahan Dotson: By the time we get to the actual draft, we'll much more clarity on what the Lions' QB plans might look like. For now, there's not a quarterback worth taking first overall, and there likely won't be a worthy one on the board at this point, either. So instead, Detroit adds top-flight wideout Dotson. He was electric this season for the Nittany Lions, and he threatens the defense at all three levels. He's not going to break a lot of tackles but that assumes defenders are able to get their hands on him; he's as fast as he is elusive, and a legit home run threat every time he touches the ball.) (12-13-21): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2022-nfl-mock-draft-panthers-and-saints-land-qbs-only-two-signal-callers-selected-in-round-1/
SN Iyer (1. Detroit Lions - DE Kayvon Thibodeaux: There will be some local push to go after Michigan superstar Aidan Hutchinson, a native of the state, but he's a better fit in a 4-3 front as a defensive end. But Thibodeaux, on top of the being the more athletic and disruptive pass rusher overall, is more versatile to thrive in Aaron Glenn's front seven. 24. QB Sam Howell: The nature of this draft should allow for some good value for a potential long-time starting quarterback late in the first round. This would be ideal for the Lions to land Thibodeaux earlier and land their passer of choice here. Howell is a smart, seasoned and accurate pocket passer.) (12-10-21): https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/news/nfl-mock-draft-2022-steelers-broncos-vikings-jets/1wfoyg8kvjikg1tuxp1d4kewsn
PFF Renner (1. DETROIT LIONS: EDGE Aidan Hutchinson: Hutchinson has taken his game to a level that has been untouched by anyone else in this class. He just hasn’t been blocked the past two weeks, and his 94.6 overall grade is in the Chase Young range. The Michigan star stays home and gives the Lions a certified game-changer. 26. WR Drake London: London was a shoo-in for the Biletnikoff Award before breaking his ankle in Week 9 against Arizona. He piled up 1,084 yards on 88 catches with 22 broken tackles and 19 contested catches in only eight games.) (12-6-21): https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2022-nfl-mock-draft-kayvon-thibodeaux-no-1-detroit-lions-ole-miss-qb-matt-corral-washington-football-team
PFN Mellor (1. Detroit Lions: Kayvon Thibodeaux, EDGE, Oregon: While there may be some doubt as to who the best edge defender is in this class, there is no doubting the skill set that Kayvon Thibodeaux possesses. A pure athlete with elite traits, Thibodeaux should instantly upgrade the Detroit Lions pass-rush unit and more. He has incredible production and bounced back from an injury this season, showcasing his toughness. 24. Detroit Lions (from LA Rams): Kenny Pickett, QB, Pittsburgh: Finally, another quarterback off the board! The Detroit Lions select the 2021 college football season’s best quarterback despite his projected hand measurements. Kenny Pickett has proven time and time again that he is one of the toughest, gutsiest, and most accurate quarterbacks in the class. And no hand-size measurements are going to stop him from continuing to smash doubters. Detroit officially moves on from Jared Goff as Ford Field becomes Pickett’s Place.) (12-6-21): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2022-nfl-mock-draft-mds-december-thibodeaux-hutchinson/
PFN Platte (1. Detroit Lions: Kayvon Thibodeaux, EDGE, Oregon: It’s become somewhat sexy for Aidan Hutchinson to supplant Kayvon Thibodeaux as the No. 1 pick lately. For me, it comes down to disruption. While Hutchinson is certainly disruptive, he is playing across from another possible first-round pick in David Ojabo, forcing every team he faces to account for both. Thibodeaux, on the other hand, has no such benefit and faces slide protection or double-teams virtually every snap he’s on the field. Other times, opponents simply run away from him or throw the ball as fast as possible to avoid him. The Lions have a weak roster, and they need anyone who can wreak havoc while they rebuild their roster. 23. Detroit Lions: Drake London, WR, USC: If the Detroit Lions wanted to show faith in Jared Goff, they’d go out and find a receiver who can highlight the areas that he wins as a passer. Drake London does not fit the mold. Yet, he does help set the team up extremely well for 2023 and beyond. At 6’5″ and 210 pounds, London would join his former teammate, Amon-Ra St. Brown, and would play largely the same role in Detroit as he did at USC once the Lions land a quarterback who can stretch the field vertically. While London has plenty of speed and athletic traits, he truly thrives in situations where he can go up and get the ball. While that doesn’t play to Goff’s strengths, London is a good enough prospect to still find targets while the Lions continue to search for a signal-caller. 33. QB Malik Willis) (12-4-21): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2022-nfl-mock-draft-platte-december/
Tankathon (1. DE Kayvon Thibodeaux. 23. WR Drake London. 33. QB Sam Howell. 65. S Jalen Catalon) (11-30-21): http://www.tankathon.com/nfl/mock_draft
Dane Brugler (1. DE Aidan Hutchinson. 23. WR Treylon Burks) (11-30-21): https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/nfl/lions/news/dane-brugler-lions-nfl-mock-draft-hutchinson-burks
Touchdown wire (1. Detroit Lions: Kayvon Thibodeaux, EDGE, Oregon: With a multitude of pressing needs, the Detroit Lions can go in any number of directions with the first-overall selection. Given the importance of quarterback, one might consider that the Lions would look to QB with this pick, but this might not be the class to look at quarterback in the top spot. That leads Brad Holmes to the EDGE position, which is a very impressive group. Aidan Hutchinson regular-season finale against Ohio State might push the Michigan pass rusher to the top of that position group, but Kayvon Thibodeaux went into the season as the EDGE1 on many boards, and nothing he did during this campaign has moved me off that idea. 23. Detroit Lions (from Los Angeles Rams): Malik Willis, QB, Liberty: After watching the Detroit Lions offense the past few weeks, I am sure most would agree that quarterback remains a need. Jared Goff might be a nice bridge to the next option, but if the Lions want to get of the NFC North basement, they need a dynamic player at the position. A few weeks ago, the idea of Malik Willis sliding this far in the first round seemed outlandish, but in the wake of a few tough games, you can see him sliding a bit. The Liberty passer has an incredible arm and is the kind of dynamic playmaker that teams are looking for, but mistakes and turnovers might see some teams want to get more of a second look. Willis has earned an invitation to the Senior Bowl, so he’ll get that opportunity. In Detroit, he’ll get a chance to learn and develop as the Lions look to rebuild the roster around him. For more on his game, you can dive into these breakdowns.): https://touchdownwire.usatoday.com/lists/aidan-hutchinson-kayvon-thibodeaux-matt-corral/
PFN Miller (1. Detroit Lions: Kayvon Thibodeaux, EDGE, Oregon: This pick is starting to become boring. I want to mix things up, but you’re nuttier than a nun on bath salts if you think I’m taking a quarterback anywhere near the top pick in this draft. Aside from that, I don’t see many differing options. The tackle situation in Detroit is good, and they have some talent at cornerback. Adding a pass rusher with Kayvon Thibodeaux‘s skill set is a massive addition to a team that will get Romeo Okwara back in 2022 and is already seeing flashes from his brother, Julian. Additionally, based on last season, Dan Campbell and Brad Holmes like to build in the trenches. A defensive front with young talents like Thibs, Okwara, McNeill, and Onwuzurike is potent. 27. Detroit Lions: Carson Strong, QB, Nevada: I don’t love the idea of a late first-round quarterback, but the Lions should fold the franchise if they go into 2022 with Jared Goff, David Blough, and Tim Boyle as their quarterbacks. Just demolish the Ford Center, lock all the key cards, and stop showing up. Lions fans need something, anything really, to root for. Carson Strong lives up to his name in arm talent. He isn’t incredibly mobile, which somewhat limits his upside as a younger player growing into the position, but he can move about the pocket and create throwing hallways. The Lions still need weapons, and if they want to, they can still start Goff in the meantime. But they have to start taking swings at the future, or they risk alienating what fan base they have left. 33. WR David Bell. 65. LB Quay Walker) (11-27-21): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2022-nfl-mock-draft-miller-november/
PFN Rolfe (1. Detroit Lions: Kayvon Thibodeaux, DE, Oregon: The Lions’ situation is tough because EDGE is not their biggest need right now. The problem is a player doesn’t fit better than Kayvon Thibodeaux. Some teams reportedly have concerns about Thibodeaux, but that could just be a smokescreen to try and get the Lions to pass on him. Detroit might look at a corner, but they took Jeff Okudah just two seasons ago. Right now, there is no clear candidate for the first selection among the quarterbacks, and the Lions do not need to target offensive tackle. Given the situation, it is hard to pass up on a premier pass rusher. 28. Detroit Lions (from Rams): Kenny Pickett, QB, Pittsburgh: The Lions passed up a QB at the top of the first round, but they cannot do so again at the back end of the round. Another fast riser this season has been QB Kenny Pickett, and he could rise even higher in the first round yet. Question marks remain around several elements in Pickett’s game, but he has certainly opened eyes so far with his play in 2021.) (11-23-21): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2022-nfl-mock-draft-rolfe-october-26/
PFF Treash (1. DETROIT LIONS: EDGE KAYVON THIBODEAUX, OREGON: Thibodeaux is Michelangelo's David of pass-rushers. The 6-foot-5, 258-pound edge defender has every trait NFL teams want on the edge at the next level. From a collegiate production standpoint, Thibodeaux has grown immensely this season after earning an 80.9 pass-rush grade as an underclassman. He’s showing some refinement within his rushes, as he no longer relies on tools alone. The Oregon Duck has earned a 90.8 pass-rush grade in 2021 despite missing a couple of games early in the season due to injury. Heck, opposing teams have started to scheme away from Thibodeaux to take him out of the game completely — just like we saw with Chase Young a couple of years ago. 27. DETROIT LIONS: WR TREYLON BURKS, ARKANSAS: Burks has been a big-play threat over the last couple of years thanks to his size, physicality and speed. The 6-foot-3, 225-pound wide receiver has averaged 9.3 yards after the catch per reception and broken 23 tackles on 108 receptions since 2020. He’s hauled in all 19 of his catchable vertical route targets in that span for 697 yards and nine touchdowns.) (11-22-21): https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2022-nfl-mock-draft-qb-sam-howell-washington-football-team-houston-texans-michigan-aidan-hutchinson-detroit-lions-kayvon-thibodeaux
ESPN Jordan Reid (1. DE Kayvon Thibodeaux. 2nd first round pick - WR Treylon Burks) (11-17-21): https://www.freep.com/story/sports/2021/11/17/detroit-lions-michigan-football-2022-nfl-draft-david-ojabo-todd-mcshay/8653666002/
PFN Broback (10-19-21) (1. Detroit Lions: Kayvon Thibodeaux, EDGE, Oregon: While Oregon continues to cling to a College Football Playoff berth, Kayvon Thibodeaux keeps wrecking his competition. Washington State decided to let Abraham Lucas go one-on-one with Oregon’s star, and Thibodeaux took advantage. He finished the game with 2 sacks and reminded everyone why you can’t block him with just one guy. 27. Detroit Lions: Nakobe Dean, LB, Georgia:
If there’s an argument for someone as the best linebacker in the country who’s not named Nakobe Dean, I’ve yet to hear it. Dean leads an absolutely loaded Georgia defense, so it’s easy to see why he is a late riser. With so many potential draft picks on one unit, it’s tough to stand out. Not only has Dean stood out, but he continues to be the Bulldogs’ most important defender. A leader before the snap, Dean ensures that Georgia is in the correct position everywhere on the field, and flies as soon as the ball is snapped. Do you want him to tackle the running back? He’s got you. Drop back in coverage and make a play on a pass? He’s got you. Detroit’s getting a great player who can do it all.) (11-17-21): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2022-nfl-mock-draft-mds-october-2/
PFN Hodgkinson (1. Detroit Lions: Kayvon Thibodeaux: Back in the early 2000s, Canadian pop-punk sensation Avril Lavigne asked us: “Why’d you have to go and make things so complicated?” Well, Avril, we don’t have to. While the Detroit Lions are an obvious contender for a quarterback in this class, there isn’t an obvious QB worthy of the first overall selection. As a result, they take the best player available in the class, Oregon’s Kayvon Thibodeaux. The junior defensive end is a glorious mixture of size, speed, explosion, and agility wrapped up in a lean 6’5″, 250-pound, pass-rushing machine. Calling him just a pass rusher, however, doesn’t do justice to the damage he can do in the run game. 28. Detroit Lions (from Rams): WR Drake London: Hopefully, USC wide receiver Drake London returns to full fitness in time to test at the NFL Combine. His heart-breaking ankle injury interrupted a breathtaking season for the Trojans. At 6’5″, he makes 50/50 balls more like 80/20, posing a threat at any level of the field. Moreover, he’s a deceptive athlete who’s just as likely to break a tackle and make 50 yards after the catch as he is to snag a 50-yard pass out of the air. London would be a valuable addition to a Lions’ WR room that is more empty than their 2021 win column. 33. S Lewis Cine. 65. CB Martin Emerson) (11-13-21): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2022-nfl-mock-draft-hodgkinson-november/
NFL Real GM (1. Lions: Kayvon Thibodeaux, EDGE, Oregon. The most impactful talent in the draft is an obvious choice for a Lions team in dire need of impact talents on both sides of the ball. It’s hard to ignore Detroit’s desperation at quarterback, but it’s harder to ignore what Thibodeaux could do for a young defense that has some nice pieces but needs the centerpiece. 30. Lions (from Rams): Jaquan Brisker, S, Penn State. Detroit’s painfully most glaring defensive need is a competent, do-it-all safety that can create an occasional takeaway. Brisker is a lot better than that base shell description. Took me less than 5 seconds to make this projection the way the board fell here. 33. WR Jahan Dotson. 65. WR Romeo Doubs) (11-3-21): https://football.realgm.com/analysis/3401/2022-NFL-Mock-Draft-Version-10
Yahoo (1. Detroit Lions - Oregon EDGE Kayvon Thibodeaux: In a year when the QB class looks like a muddled lot, there’s a defensive prospect worth taking atop the draft. General manager Brad Holmes likely watched plenty of practice tape of his 2021 first-round pick, Penei Sewell, going against the best pass rusher in college football. Thibodeaux could help rebuild a defense that needs more game-changers. We suspect that Thibodeaux's final grade will come out similar to what Chase Young earned two years ago, which would warrant him going first overall. The Lions also have a need at quarterback, but they have the Rams’ first-round selection plus their own (likely) high second-rounder to maneuver for addressing that. 28. Lions (via Los Angeles Rams)
Cincinnati QB Desmond Ridder: Will the pick the Lions received in the Jared Goff-Matthew Stafford deal turn out to be a QB? That would certainly be something. We did not expect another five-QB first round when we sat down to start this mock, and we’re still warming up to the idea of Ridder landing in the top 32, but it’s not at all out of the question. Ridder might not have an immense ceiling, but he’ll enter the NFL with outstanding experience, tangible growth throughout his successful college career and the type of dual-threat playmaking ability that’s sweeping the league. Our only question with this pick: Does Ridder have a superpower? It’s a thing GM Brad Holmes looks for in prospects, and certainly in quarterbacks. If the knee of Nevada’s Carson Strong checks out medically, he could be in play in this range, too.) (10-28-21): https://sports.yahoo.com/2022-nfl-draft-surprisingly-theres-another-qb-run-in-the-first-round-182014006.html
PFF Sikkema (1. DETROIT LIONS: EDGE KAYVON THIBODEAUX, OREGON: The 6-foot-5, 260-pound Thibodeaux has been turning heads since his true freshman season, and he’s been at his best in his first draft-eligible year. He’s missed some time due to injury, but his 91.6 pass-rush grade is top-10 in the country. With no quarterback in the first overall pick conversation this year, most signs point to Thibodeaux being the first player taken. 28. DETROIT LIONS (VIA LAR): QB SAM HOWELL, NORTH CAROLINA: Howell came into this season with top-five potential, but we always knew it was going to be tough for him. He lost his top two wide receivers in Dazz Newsome and Dyami Brown, plus his top two running backs in Javonte Williams and Michael Carter to the 2021 draft. With this situation, we were wondering how much Howell could elevate the rest of the new cast. He has played fine but hasn’t exactly elevated them to a level where we’re thinking he can consistently do that in the NFL. His 72.2 passing grade is much lower than the 91.5 grade he earned last year. It’s not over for Howell by any means — it’s just not as easy as some hoped it would be to pencil him into the top 10.) (10-20-21): https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2022-nfl-mock-draft-kayvon-thibodeaux-first-overall-detroit-lions
PFN Olson (1. Detroit Lions: Kayvon Thibodeaux, EDGE, Oregon - The Lions have had a string of bad luck to begin the 2021 NFL season. They need a game-changing playmaker on the defensive side of the ball. Enter Kayvon Thibodeaux. The 2022 NFL Draft is stockpiled with pass-rushing talent, and he’s the best of the bunch. Expectations will be high for Thibodeaux in Detroit, especially with the lack of offensive talent on the roster. However, the Lions will get another chance to address that side of the ball later in Round 1. 24. Detroit Lions (from LA Rams): Drake London, WR, USC - After addressing the defense with the first overall pick, the Lions shift gears and go offense with their second first-round pick. By the time April rolls around, we’ll have a better idea of quarterback Jared Goff’s future in the Motor City. But for now, we’ll give him some help. Help is exactly what Goff needs. While he’s played fine thus far in Detroit, he needs help before you can make a case to move on. At 6’5″ and 210 pounds, Drake London is going to be a name to watch throughout the draft process and how he’ll test. Being drafted in Detroit would be a great compliment and reunion with fellow wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown.) (10-13-21): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2022-nfl-mock-draft-olson-october/
Round 1 Pick 1 (24 DE, 2 QB):
16 DE Kayvon Thibodeaux
8 DE Aiden Hutchinson
2 QB Kenny Pickett
Round 1 Pick 2 (13 WR, 11 QB, 1 LB, 1 S):
6 WR Drake London
4 WR Treylon Burks
4 QB Sam Howell
3 QB Malik Willis
2 QB Kenny Pickett
1 WR Jahan Dotson
1 WR David Bell
1 WR Chris Olave
1 QB Desmond Ridder
1 QB Carson Strong
1 LB Nakobe Dean
1 S Jaquan Brisker
Round 2 (4 WR, 2 QB, 1 S, 1 CB, 1 LB):
1 WR Jahan Dotson
1 WR David Bell
1 WR Wan'Dale Robinson
1 WR Chris Olave
1 LB Nakobe Dean
1 QB Sam Howell
1 QB Malik Willis
1 S Lewis Cine
1 CB Jalyn Armour-Davis
Round 3 (2 WR, 2 CB, 2 S, 1 LB):
2 WR Romeo Doubs
1 CB Martin Emerson
1 CB Jayln Armour-Davis
1 S Jalen Catalon
1 S Brandon Joseph
1 LB Quay Walker
Round 6 pick 1 (1 LB):
1 LB Zakoby McClain
Round 7 pick 1 (1 QB):
1 QB Taulia Tagovailoa
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