Walter football Charlie (2. Detroit Lions: DE Aidan Hutchinson - My mock drafts are what I think teams will do, and not what I think they should do. I think the Lions should take Pittsburgh quarterback Kenny Pickett, but my opinion on players is irrelevant. I work hard to talk to as many NFL sources as possible to project what I believe teams will do. Based on that, I think Detroit is trending toward passing on taking a quarterback at this time. It is still early in the draft process, however, so things could change. Right now though, I think the Lions would be more inclined to stick with Jared Goff again in 2022. They could use more talent in their front seven, so their choice could come down to Kayvon Thibodeaux or Aidan Hutchinson. With Thibodeaux off the board, Detroit could default to Hutchinson. 31. QB Sam Howell: The Lions grab their replacement for Jared Goff. Howell can sit behind Goff for a season, or Detroit could trade Goff if a team gives the franchise a quality pick in return.
Howell completed 63 percent of his passes in 2021 for 3,056 yards, 24 touchdowns and nine interceptions. His supporting cast was not as good as in 2020, and he underwhelmed in losses to Virginia Tech and Georgia Tech. For the NFL, Howell is a poor man's Baker Mayfield. Team sources from around the league feel Howell belongs on Day 2 of the 2022 NFL Draft, but with the way teams reach on quarterbacks, Howell has a shot at going in Round 1. Howell (6-1, 225) produced two prolific seasons for the Tar Heels to open his college career. As a freshman, he completed 61.4 percent of his passes for 3,641 yards, 38 touchdowns and seven interceptions. He then completed 68.1 percent of his passes for 3,586 yards, 30 touchdowns and seven interceptions as a sophomore. Howell throws accurately and has an adequate arm and some mobility, but he lacks size or dominant physical traits. 34. WR Jameson Williams - The Lions badly need more playmaking wide receivers.
The Ohio State transfer was an electric playmaker for the Crimson Tide in 2021, averaging 19.9 yards per catch for 1,572 yards and 15 touchdowns on 79 catches. The 6-foot-2, 189-pound Williams has quality height and explosive speed alongside suddenness and a burst that catches defensive backs by surprise. Williams put himself in contention to be a potential top-20 pick, but his ACL tear in the National Championship game could push him lower in the first round. 66. S Lewis Cine: Detroit could use more safety talent. Cine was a valuable defender for the Bulldogs in 2021, locking down the deep middle of the field. He totaled 73 tackles, an interception and nine passes batted. As a sophomore in 2020, Cine had 52 tackles and three passes broken up. The 6-foot-1, 200-pounder has a good skill set with upside, and some sources think he could be a nice value on Day 2 of the 2022 NFL Draft. 97. WR Jalen Tolbert - PROJECTED COMPENSATORY PICK: PROJECTED COMPENSATORY PICK: Per team sources, the Lions are likely to get a compensatory pick for losing Kenny Golladay in free agency last year. Detroit could use multiple receiving upgrades for starting talent and depth. Tolbert collected 82 catches for 1,474 yards and eight touchdowns in 2021. The 6-foot-1, 194-pounder showed some serious big-play ability in his previous seasons, averaging 17 yards and 19.3 yards per reception. It would also help him to impress at the Senior Bowl against a higher caliber of competition.) (1-28-21): https://walterfootball.com/draft2022charlie.php
CBS Edwards (2. DE Aidan Hutchinson: Jacksonville's decision makes Detroit's relatively easy in my opinion. With Kayvon Thibodeaux off the board, the Lions snare Hutchinson from Ann Arbor. He is a hard-working, physical defensive lineman and the type of player who should endear himself to head coach Dan Campbell and that community from Day 1.
31. DT Travon Walker: Dan Campbell opened his introductory press conference with the well-traveled knee-cap-biting line, and that just described his style of play. How do hard-nosed coaches want to win? They win in the trenches. Detroit's offensive line is set, so the team turns its attention to the defensive line where it first selected Aidan Hutchinson and now Walker. It will not fix the entire defense, but you're able to start scratching some areas off the to-do list.
) (1-27-22): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2022-nfl-mock-draft-titans-move-on-from-ryan-tannehill-eagles-replace-retired-all-pro-brandon-brooks/
Draft wire (2. Detroit Lions - DE Aidan Hutchinson: The Lions are likely to punt on this year’s quarterback class, opting to ride with Jared Goff for another year while stocking up on talent elsewhere. It’s a tough choice here between Hutchinson and Oregon’s Kayvon Thibodeaux, but the former has is a more well-rounded player right now.
31. Detroit Lions - WR Drake London: It’s possible the Lions could take their quarterback of the future here, but it’s more likely they stick with their strategy of rebuilding the rest of the roster and waiting until next year. Whoever ends up being their long-term answer at quarterback, that guy will be happy to arrive and see London waiting for him, with his massive frame and dominant track record in the red zone.
34. Detroit Lions S Daxton Hill. 66. Detroit Lions WR Romeo Doubs) (1-27-22): https://draftwire.usatoday.com/lists/2022-nfl-mock-draft-3-rounds-updated-playoffs-senior-bowl-shrine-game/
Walterfootball (2. Detroit Lions: QB Kenny Pickett: The Lions would probably select Aidan Hutchinson if the draft were held today, but they have almost four months to fall in love with a quarterback, namely Kenny Pickett. Perhaps they'll eventually believe that Pickett should be the choice because they need a franchise quarterback. Pickett is an accurate passer with nice size. He was on fire in 2021. He has put himself into top-10 consideration. 31. Detroit Lions: WR Chris Olave: The Lions have absolutely nothing at receiver outside of Amon-Ra St. Brown, so they must address this liability. Chris Olave has a good mix of size (6-1, 185) and speed. He was a big play-maker at the end of 2019. 34. Detroit Lions: WR George Pickens: The Lions have a major void of talent at receiver aside from Amon-Ra St. Brown, so they'll need to spend multiple early picks to address the position. George Pickens has nice size (6-3), tremendous athleticism and a wide catch radius. 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.) (1-26-22): https://walterfootball.com/draft2022.php
Draft Tek (2. DE Aidan Hutchinson: With every LA Rams victory this postseason, the Lions' second first round pick loses its value. This puts even more pressure on the front office to absolutely nail the #2 overall selection. Had the Rams not made the postseason or simply lost in the Wild Card round, this pick for Detroit would have held more value as they would have more players to choose from.
As we march towards the Super Bowl and eventually the NFL Draft, it will be interesting to see just how this dynamic between Jacksonville and Detroit plays out as both are in need of pass rushers. Who are the Jaguars "actually" targeting at #1? Is it truly between 3 players for them? Evan Neal, Kayvon Thibodeaux, and Aidan Hutchinson? Could they trade out of the pick with a new coaching staff? Who the Lions are able to select here at #2 will be directly dependent on whatever route Jacksonville chooses to go down. A dream scenario would be Evan Neal to the Jaguars and Detroit would have their pick of the litter (no pun intended for these kitties) of Hutchinson or Thibodeaux. Either way, the Lions have a ton of holes to fill and no matter which route Jacksonville goes, the Jags can only take 1 pass rusher of the two. Detroit would have to "settle" for the other. I still hold to it that Detroit and the Michigan-native Aidan Hutchinson, would be a match made in Heaven considering his playstyle, demeanor, and how he fits the team. - Doug Hyde, Lions Analyst 27. CB Kyler Gordon: Changing some things up for the Lions' late first round slot, we have the team addressing CB with Washington Huskie Kyler Gordon. In past mocks, we've had the Lions going the route of receiver, but our ability to grab Jahan Dotson from Penn State in the start of the third round allowed us this mock.
Addressing CB with Gordon, the Lions now have the ability to give Amani Oruwariye an increased role in the defensive back group. Meaning, with Jeff Okudah's early struggles, Oruwariye could possibly compete for CB1 in 2023. Granted, Oruwariye has already stepped in this year as the team's #1 cornerback when Okudah went down with an injury and completely balled out. Oruwariye had a breakout campaign with 11 passes defended and snatching 6 INTs this year (3rd amongst all CBs in the NFL). With Okudah's struggles in technique and adapting to NFL speed being well-documented, and considering Oruwariye's play, it wouldn't hurt to take out an insurance policy at CB if Okudah can't step up. - Doug Hyde, Lions Analyst 34. WR Jahan Dotson. 66. LB Brandon Smith. 162. WR Alec Pierce. 202. LB Ellis Brooks) (1-26-22): https://www.drafttek.com/m/2022-NFL-Mock-Draft-Round1.asp
NFL.com Bucky Brooks (2. DE Aidan Hutchinson: Detroit coach Dan Campbell could fall in love with the ultra-athletic, high-motor pass rusher with Michigan roots. Hutchinson's relentlessness and superb technique could make him a double-digit sack artist early in his career.
31. WR David Bell: The ultra-productive pass-catcher is not flashy but is effective as a No. 1 option in the passing game. Bell's crafty route-running skills would make him a nice complement to Amon-Ra St. Brown.)
(1-25-21): https://www.nfl.com/news/bucky-brooks-2022-nfl-mock-draft-1-0-kenny-pickett-matt-corral-only-qbs-selected
PFN Mellor (2. Detroit Lions: Aidan Hutchinson, EDGE, Michigan:
A Michigan man headed to the Detroit Lions. In a match made in Motor City, Aidan Hutchinson embodies head coach Dan Campbell’s attitude with his play on the field. Hutchinson is a power rusher with incredible strength and balance. He’ll push the pocket with ease while also presenting a challenge to scheme against in all facets. Hutchinson has great hands and a better motor. He’ll command double teams and allow mismatches elsewhere on defense. The Lions grab a good one. 31. Detroit Lions (From LAR): Kenny Pickett, QB, Pittsburgh: The future is here for the Detroit Lions as Kenny Pickett‘s slide stops at 31. Pickett will have to answer the inevitable “small hands” questions throughout the draft circuit, but one thing is certain about the former Pitt Panther: he’s a gamer. Pickett gives his team the best chance to win the game by protecting the football and slinging it into places only a few can. He will throw his receivers open, buy time in the pocket with his athleticism, and find receivers downfield with accuracy to every level. He’ll need some help from his weapons, but Pickett is no stranger to elevating his cast around him.) (1-24-21): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/cam-mellors-2022-nfl-mock-draft-matt-corral-kenny-pickett-sam-howell-become-first-round-franchise-quarterbacks/
SN Iyer (2. Detroit Lions - DE Kayvon Thibodeaux: The Lions might be tempted should Hutchinson be available, given the local angle, but they should also be thrilled to get Thibodeaux at No, 2. On top of the being the more athletic and disruptive pass rusher, Thibodeaux is more versatile. He could thrive in Aaron Glenn's front seven.
31. QB Sam Howell: After getting Thibodeaux as the cornerstone for their defense early in the first round, it's time for the Lions to address franchise QB. They can wait and still get a potential long-term starter here. Howell is a smart, seasoned and accurate pocket passer. Looking for Howell or Ridder late would be a much smarter play than passing on Thibodeaux for Corral, Willis or Pickett.
) (1-24-22): https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/news/nfl-mock-draft-2022-packers-buccaneers-dolphins-titans/kw6654fqa6zo166xbqybgosrf
CBS Wilson (2. DE Kayvon Thibodeaux: The Lions would probably love to trade down because for as good as Thibodeaux has been, he won't be the final piece to turning things around in Detroit. But since there are no trades in this mock draft, and there may end up being no team moving up this high for, say, a QB in the actual draft, the Oregon pass-rusher remains the choice here.
30. QB Malik Willis: We have a second-round grade on Willis but -- and stop us if you've heard this already -- that doesn't mean teams looking for a quarterback won't take one 15 to 30 picks before perhaps they should. If the Lions do, in fact, target Willis here it has to be with the understanding that he'll be a backup in '22, while Jared Goff continues to hold down the job. Willis has all the tools you look for in an athletic, strong-armed QB but he's also extremely raw. It would be reckless to throw him into the lineup as a rookie.
) (1-24-22): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2022-nfl-mock-draft-only-one-quarterback-taken-early-edge-rusher-and-o-line-dominate-top-10/
PFF Sikkema (2. DETROIT LIONS: EDGE DE Aidan Hutchinson: With the Lions happy at offensive tackle, they’ll look to the defensive trenches. This pick will come down to who is higher on their big board, Aidan Hutchinson or Kayvon Thibodeaux.
I have a hunch it will be Hutchinson. The Michigan player “staying home” after a stellar season — which included a trip to New York City as a Heisman finalist — feels like the most likely outcome. The 6-foot-6, 265-pound senior racked up 74 pressures and three batted passes across 429 pass-rush snaps in 2021. 31. DETROIT LIONS (VIA LAR): S Jaquan Brisker: The Lions could opt for a receiver here, but with most of the top receivers off the board, I think they’ll broaden their options, especially with how well Amon-Ra St. Brown played down the stretch. Their secondary needs work, but cornerback isn’t the worst part of it. There’s reason to hold out hope with Jeff Okudah, and Amani Oruwariye showed improvement. Brisker could be a Day 1 player for them. He has experience in both single-high and robber roles, but his best work seems to come as a downhill defender.
) (1-24-22): https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2022-nfl-mock-draft-jacksonville-jaguars-alabama-offensive-tackle-evan-neal-aidan-hutchinson-pick-2-detroit-lions
CFN (2. Detroit Lions
2022 Mock Draft First Call: DE Kayvon Thibodeaux, Oregon. 29-32. Detroit Lions (from Los Angeles Rams)
NFL.com Jeremiah (2. DE Aidan Hutchinson: The Lions shouldn’t waste any time turning in the card if the Jags pass on Hutchinson. The Heisman Trophy runner-up is a perfect fit for their needs and the culture they are building.
29. QB Malik Willis: The Lions' situation would be perfect for Willis: Jared Goff can handle the starting duties until the LIberty passer is ready to play. I love Willis' arm strength and athleticism, but he needs to clean up his decision-making and accuracy. He has the most upside of the QBs in this class.) (1-21-22)
: https://www.nfl.com/news/daniel-jeremiah-2022-nfl-mock-draft-1-0-kenny-pickett-malik-willis-among-3-qbs
PFN (2. Detroit Lions: Kayvon Thibodeaux, EDGE, Oregon: People have begun to overthink Kayvon Thibodeaux as one of the top prospects in the 2022 NFL Draft. For most pass rushers, 12 tackles for loss, 7 sacks, and 2 forced fumbles would be a statistically satisfactory season. However, many have bemoaned the Oregon edge player’s lack of production this season compared to other prospects in this class. Let’s clear up a few negative misconceptions. First, Thibodeaux wasn’t 100% healthy this season. Secondly, a lot of his work wasn’t reflected in the box score. The Oregon standout possesses superior athleticism, excellent length, and standout technical ability as a prospect. He’s as adept at stopping the run as he is at rushing the passer. For a Detroit Lions team that needs to make improvements all over the roster, taking one of the top prospects is a no-brainer, slam-dunk move. 28) Detroit Lions (from LA Rams): Treylon Burks, WR, Arkansas: The Lions’ second pick in the first round is one of the most intriguing and hotly anticipated selections in the 2022 NFL Draft. Could they strike for a quarterback here? While I wouldn’t rule it out, the most likely scenario is that they ride Jared Goff under center, target a game-changing pass catcher in April, and wait until next year’s class to find a new QB. As a result, they grab Arkansas WR Treylon Burks to pair with outstanding rookie Amon-Ra St. Brown. Burks is a do-it-all threat who has physicality at the catch point, but he also showcases deceptive athleticism as an after-the-catch weapon who can be used out of the backfield. 34. Detroit Lions
Jaquan Brisker, S, Penn State. 66. Detroit Lions
Brandon Smith, LB, Penn State. 98. Detroit Lions
PFF Gayle (PICK NO. 2: DETROIT LIONS: EDGE KAYVON THIBODEAUX, OREGON -
The 6-foot-5, 260-pound Thibodeaux earned a 91.3 PFF pass-rushing grade that ranked fourth among all Power Five edge defenders in 2021, behind only Hutchinson (93.6), South Carolina’s Kingsley Enagbare (92.5) and Oklahoma’s Nik Bonitto (92.5). Thibodeaux is a premier player at a premium position — throw need out the window if he’s available at No. 2 overall. PICK NO. 28: DETROIT LIONS (VIA L.A. RAMS): EDGE DAVID OJABO, MICHIGAN -
There’s no debating that Michigan edge defender David Ojabo had an absurd 2021 campaign. Having started his football career in 2017, he played just 26 defensive snaps for the Wolverines in 2020 before exploding with 41 pressures and an 88.2 pass-rushing grade this season. He’s a raw prospect who will need to test through the roof at the combine to go in the first round come April, but that’s well within the realm of possibility for the young superstar.) (1-17-22): https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2022-nfl-mock-draft-denver-broncos-select-first-quarterback-sam-howell-north-carolina
PFN Fragoza (2. Detroit Lions: Kayvon Thibodeaux, EDGE, Oregon: While Detroit has the second pick of the litter, Kayvon Thibodeaux is no consolation prize. His blend of physicality and athleticism is tailor-made for All-Pro production off the edge. Thibodeaux’s bend is second to none in the class, and he already has a diverse pass-rush repertoire at his disposal. 27. Detroit Lions (from LA Rams): Malik Willis, QB, Liberty: Malik Willis is like those assorted chocolates everyone gifts on Valentine’s Day. Some are the best you have ever tasted, some are downright bad, but you never know what you are going to get. That potential is what the Lions are banking on here. With Jared Goff in-house for at least one more season, Willis can learn from a Super Bowl QB for a year before taking the league by storm in 2023. 34. Detroit Lions
Jahan Dotson, WR, Penn State. 66. Detroit Lions
CBS Stackpole (2. DE Aidan Hutchinson: There are a lot of reasons Hutchinson to the Lions make sense. For one, he's among the two best pass rushers in the class, and the Jags just took the prospect he's competing for that title with. But even if Jacksonville opts for an offensive lineman, head coach Dan Campbell and the Lions could be ecstatic to land a defender as relentlessly energetic and technically sound. A homegrown product who has spent his entire life in the state of Michigan, Hutchinson could make a significant impact for Detroit right away. 27. QB Desmond Ridder: Even if the Lions believe Jared Goff is their quarterback of the future after his late-season surge, that's a lot of money to be paying a below-average starter on a rebuilding franchise. So they go with Ridder, an experienced dual-threat quarterback with above-average traits. Then they let him learn behind Goff until either he's ready or Goff shows he's not worth that massive contract.
) (1-14-22): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2022-nfl-mock-draft-new-giants-brass-replaces-daniel-jones-with-top-five-qb-jets-get-zach-wilson-another-wr/
PFN Hodgkinson (2. Detroit Lions: Kayvon Thibodeaux: Forget the rapid ascension of a certain Michigan pass rusher this season. Forget the romanticism of keeping said defensive end in his home state. Oregon’s Kayvon Thibodeaux is the real deal.
At 6’5″, 250 pounds, he’s a juggernaut of athleticism, explosion, and football intelligence. In addition to his exceptional pass-rush ability, Thibodeaux is an underrated run defender. Don’t allow statistics to mask his standing as the best edge player in the class. 27. Detroit Lions (from Rams): WR Drake London: Are the Detroit Lions set at quarterback? No. Do they need to entertain the position in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft? Also, no. But do they need to add offensive playmakers? Absolutely. In USC wide receiver Drake London, the Lions land one of my favorite players in the entire class. A 6’5″ stud who removes “contested” from the phrase “contested catch,” London is a Frankenstein-like player with the playmaking ability of a smaller WR.) (1-12-22): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2022-nfl-mock-draft-mds-january-1/2/
Fox sports McIntyre (2. Detroit Lions: DE Aidan Hutchinson: Hutchinson's disappointing showing against Georgia in the playoff won’t hurt his draft stock, as the Heisman Trophy runner-up stays home to play for the Lions. Dan Campbell has a nice collection of pass rushers in Julian Okwara, Charles Harris and Trey Flowers (assuming the Lions don’t get out of his contract). 27. Detroit Lions (via Los Angeles Rams): Malik Willis: The Lions can take a flier on a QB late in the first round if they grade him out as a prospect who can sit for a year and then step in for Jared Goff. Willis is a massive boom-bust prospect with tantalizing upside. But he’s extremely raw and is largely untested against top-flight competition.) (1-12-22): https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nfl/nfl-mock-draft-3-0-michigans-aidan-hutchinson-to-the-detroit-lions-at-no-1
USA Today Middlehurst-Schwartz (2. Lions – Aidan Hutchinson, DE, Michigan: Scoring three wins in the final six weeks precluded Detroit from earning the No. 1 pick for the first time since 2009, but Lions fans need not worry about having to settle for a consolation prize. Thibodeaux and Hutchinson might be ranked as No. 1 and 1a by some, and Hutchinson presents a solid case that he's not necessarily the latter. After returning for his senior season, the 6-6, 265-pound defensive end overwhelmed opponents from start to finish en route to 14 sacks, a College Football Playoff berth and recognition as Heisman Trophy runner-up. Whether it's the local product or Thibodeaux who lands here, the Lions can't lose in scooping up a top-tier edge rusher who will change the complexion of their front. 26. Lions (from Rams) – Chris Olave, WR, Ohio State: Jared Goff ended the season on an upswing, thanks in large part to Amon-Ra St. Brown's late breakout. Maybe it would be a shrewd move, then, to invest in another polished and prolific target who can upgrade an otherwise flimsy receiving corps. Olave offers savvy beyond his years in his precise route-running, and he should add a needed vertical element to the passing attack.) (1-12-22): https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/draft/2022/01/12/nfl-mock-draft-2022-first-round-quarterbacks-steelers/9182888002/
FTW McDonald (2. Detroit Lions: Aidan Hutchinson, EDGE, Michigan:
The Lions get a local pick to add to their pass rush. Aidan Hutchinson projects as a lead off pass rusher in the NFL that can win one-on-one matchups. 27. Detroit Lions (via Rams): Desmond Ridder, QB, Cincinnati:
The Lions finally take a swing at quarterback. Ridder could end up being the steal of the draft. He’s a high-upside prospect that has experience working in an offense that asked him to make tough throws.) (1-12-22): https://ftw.usatoday.com/lists/nfl-mock-draft-2022-kayvon-thibodeaux-aidan-hutchinson-jaguars-lions
PFF Treash (2. DETROIT LIONS: EDGE KAYVON THIBODEAUX, OREGON: Thibodeaux is the 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, and he has grown immensely from a production standpoint after earning an 80.9 pass-rush grade as an underclassman.
Thibodeaux has started to show genuine refinement within his rushes and no longer relies on tools alone. As a result, he earned a 91.5 pass-rush grade in 2021 despite missing a couple of games early in the season due to injury. Opposing teams even started to scheme away from Thibodeaux to take him out of the game entirely — just as teams did with Chase Young a couple of years ago. 30. DETROIT LIONS: QB Malik Willis: From a tools perspective, Willis is in a class of his own. He is the most dangerous quarterback in college football from an athleticism perspective, and he possesses outstanding arm strength. He has recorded an 11% big-time throw rate and 94.5 rushing grade this season, both of which lead all FBS quarterbacks by a substantial margin.
At the same time, though, Willis is still fairly raw and going to be a bit of a project at the NFL level. This risky pick bodes well for a team like Detroit, who will have to stick with Jared Goff for the short term.) (1-3-22): https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2022-nfl-mock-draft-jacksonville-jaguars-michigan-edge-aidan-hutchinson-no-1-overall-pick-denver-broncos-quarterback-matt-corral-ole-miss
PFN Miller (2. Detroit Lions: Kayvon Thibodeaux, EDGE, Oregon: Do I think Hutchinson will be drafted before Kayvon Thibodeaux come April? No. However, one of them is playing in the College Football Playoff and will almost certainly be put on a pedestal for about 30 days if he has a good outing in what I expect to be a one-and-done for the Wolverines against Georgia. Then, the circle will be complete, and every mock draft will once again have Thibodeaux at the top. Thibodeaux is long, athletic, flexible, and explosive. He’s not as technically proficient as some of the freaks we’ve seen in recent drafts, but that doesn’t mean he’s unrefined, either. Lions head coach Dan Campbell and general manager Brad Holmes started building in the trenches last season with Penei Sewell, Levi Onwuzurike, and Alim McNeill. With the Okwara brothers (when Romeo can return from his Achilles injury) around alongside the two defensive tackles, the Lions are rather quickly building a formidable defensive line. 28. Detroit Lions: QB Sam Howell: Before the season, many said that Sam Howell reminded them of Baker Mayfield. I thought they were nuts! And then Mayfield went out to have the season he’s having and it made a bit more sense to me. Except it still doesn’t. There was a bit of a role reversal. Yes, Howell’s numbers didn’t look nearly as good in his junior season, but he’d lost so many NFL players from that UNC team that it was always going to be impossible to replicate his production. He was forced to grow and carry a team, and although he’s still not perfect, that growth seemed to be on display. Howell has the arm talent you look for in a franchise QB, and he has the athletic mold you want. He also turned into a more high-volume runner in 2021, and he was physical along the way, something I’m sure Dan Campbell will respect. 34. WR David Bell. 65. LB Henry To’o To’o. 98. Detroit Lions
Fox sports Rob Rang (
2. Detroit Lions: Kayvon Thibodeaux, DE/OLB, Oregon -
Clearly, the Lions have big decisions to make at quarterback, but gambling on a passer from this class this early would be foolish. Expect Detroit to stick to the plan laid out by GM Brad Holmes and coach Dan Campbell a year ago and build through the trenches. Disregard Thibodeaux's mediocre statistics this season at Oregon, as opponents game-planned to minimize him. He is a game-wrecker off the edge who would provide an immediate upgrade to a pass rush that has accumulated just 22 sacks this season, fourth-worst in the NFL. 27. Detroit Lions (from Los Angeles Rams): Nakobe Dean, ILB, Georgia -
The Lions' top two tacklers at linebacker — Alex Anzalone and Jalen Reeves-Maybin — are pending free agents and might not be priorities to re-sign as the roster rebuild continues. Dean, the reigning Butkus Award winner, would be an ideal replacement should he still be on the board here.) (12-22-21): https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nfl/nfl-mock-draft-edge-rushers-hutchinson-thibodeaux-go-top-two
Yahoo (2. Detroit Lions - Michigan EDGE Aidan Hutchinson: You say the Lions can’t even win for losing. We say they’ll be fine with either Thibodeaux or Hutchinson. Either they take the local kid — who just so happened to be a Heisman Trophy finalist — or they double up with another Duck after taking OT Penei Sewell in the first round this past April. General manager Brad Holmes’ maiden draft looks like a strong effort, and the Lions could be building a good d-line with 2021 draft picks Alim McNeill and Levi Onwuzurike, and veterans Romeo Okwara and Charles Harris on the edges. Hutchinson might not quite possess the rare burst, handwork and finishing ability of the Watt brothers, but he’s pretty darned close to that level of prospect. 24. Lions (via Los Angeles Rams)
USC Drake London: Yes, there’s a quarterback-of-the-future need to address (Desmond Ridder? Carson Strong?), but the Lions also own the second pick in Round 2 that could help them do so. There’s also a void at receiver, however, even with Amon-Ra St. Brown emerging in the slot and Josh Reynolds appearing to be found art on the outside. London
is a tantalizingly raw prospect whose best football is in front of him. After wavering between basketball and football at USC, the 6-foot-5 wideout stuck with the gridiron and caught a ridiculous 88 passes in eight games before suffering a broken ankle. The injury is believed to be a short-term worry, however, and could end up the Lions’ long-term gain if he fell this far.) (12-21-21): https://sports.yahoo.com/2022-nfl-mock-draft-only-three-q-bs-land-in-round-1-prior-to-senior-bowl-202315074.html
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/
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.) (11-30-21): https://touchdownwire.usatoday.com/lists/aidan-hutchinson-kayvon-thibodeaux-matt-corral/
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
Round 1 Pick 1 (33 DE, 1 QB):
17 DE Kayvon Thibodeaux
16 DE Aiden Hutchinson
1 QB Kenny Pickett
Round 1 Pick 2 (17 QB, 11 WR, 2 S, 1 LB, 1 DE, 1 CB, 1 DT):
6 QB Malik Willis
6 QB Sam Howell
4 WR Drake London
3 WR Chris Olave
3 QB Desmond Ridder
2 WR David Bell
2 WR Treylon Burks
2 S Jaquan Brisker
1 LB Nakobe Dean
1 DE David Ojabo
1 QB Carson Strong
1 QB Kenny Pickett
1 CB Kyler Gordon
1 DT Travon Walker
Round 2 (7 WR, 2 CB, 2 S, 1 QB):
4 WR Jahan Dotson
1 WR David Bell
1 WR George Pickens
1 WR Jameson Williams
1 S Daxton Hill
1 S Jaquan Brisker
1 CB Martin Emerson
1 QB Malik Willis
1 CB Roger McCreary
Round 3 (4 LB, 2 CB, 2 WR, S, 1 QB):
2 LB Brandon Smith
2 WR Romeo Doubs
1 CB Jayln Armour-Davis
1 CB Mykael Wright
1 LB Channing Tindall
1 S Lewis Cine
1 LB Henry To’o To’o
Round 3 Pick 98 (2 WR, 1 CB):
1 WR John Metchie
1 WR Jalen Tobert
1 CB Tariq Woolen
Round 6 pick 1 (1 WR):
1 WR Alec Pierce
Round 7 pick 1 (1 LB):
1 LB Ellis Brooks
