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
Mykael Wright, CB, Oregon) (1-15-22): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2022-nfl-mock-draft-fragoza-january/
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/
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. 30. WR Drake London: The Lions need more wide receiver help, especially a consistent No. 1 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 that he 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, and has good suddenness and feel for his size. They also feel, however, that separating from NFL cornerbacks is going to be a problem for him. 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. 34. CB Jalyn Armour-Davis - With Jeff Okudah quickly heading towards bust status, the Lions could use a couple of cornerbacks for starting talent and depth. Armour-Davis is a big cornerback who has a good skill set. In 2021, he recorded three interceptions, 32 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 was a solid cover corner in 2021, showing some size, ball skills, athleticism and quickness.) (1-14-21): https://walterfootball.com/draft2022charlie.php
Tankathon (2. DE Kayvon Thibodeaux. 30. QB Malik Willis. 34. S Jaquan Brisker. 66. WR George Pickens) (1-14-22): http://www.tankathon.com/nfl/mock_draft
Draft wire (2. Detroit Lions - DE Aidan Hutchinson: The Lions could use a quarterback of the future, but this class doesn’t have one worthy of this spot. Hutchinson could have been a Day 2 pick in last year’s draft, but he made a wise decision to return to Ann Arbor for another season, and his dominant 2021 campaign has launched him into the top-three conversation. 27. Detroit Lions - WR Drake London: This might be the spot where the Lions consider at quarterback, but in this scenario, they’re better off waiting until next year. Instead, they continue to stock the roster with talent elsewhere, landing a huge, athletic pass-catcher in Drake London who would immediately be their best receiver. 34. Detroit Lions S Daxton Hill. 66. Detroit Lions QB Sam Howell) (1-13-22): https://draftwire.usatoday.com/lists/2022-nfl-mock-draft-3-rounds-updated-regular-season-playoffs/
CBS Trapasso (2. DE Aidan Hutchinson: Hutchinson feels like a Dan Campbell type. He's big, physical, with good pass-rush moves. He'll be welcomed locally coming from Michigan. 27. LB Devin Lloyd: Lloyd is a rocket on the field and would bring a fast, physical presence to the Lions defense.) (1-13-21): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2022-nfl-mock-draft-panthers-pick-malik-willis-inside-top-10-garrett-wilson-lands-with-justin-jefferson/
CBS Edwards (2. DE Kayvon Thibodeaux: For the second consecutive year, Detroit uses a first-round pick on a highly-touted prospect from Oregon. Paired with Romeo Okwara, Thibodeaux can bring one of the best edge rushing tandems to the NFC North. 28. DT Travon Walker: Detroit follows up their selection of Kayvon Thibodeaux with Walker. When you are a team that struggled, you try to develop strengths rather than having a good player here and there. A strong defensive line is going to make it easier on the secondary, whereas adding a player in the secondary might just lead the opposition to attack a different part of the unit.) (1-13-22): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2022-nfl-mock-draft-minnesota-continues-house-clean-with-kirk-cousins-philadelphia-goes-all-defense/
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
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. 27. 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 Johan Dotson: The Lions have a major void of talent at receiver, so they'll need to spend multiple early picks to address the position. Jahan Dotson caught 52 passes for 884 yards and eight touchdowns in just nine games in 2020. The 5-11 receiver made a big leap in production from the previous year. 65. CB Tariq Castro-Fields: Jeff Okudah looks like a bust thus far, but even if he pans out, the Lions still need cornerback help for their horrendous secondary. Tariq Castro-Fields has drawn comparisons to Marlon Humphrey. He has great ball skills and happens to be very fast.) (1-12-22): https://walterfootball.com/draft2022.php
Draft Tek (2. DE Aidan Hutchinson: While it didn't net many wins, Year One of the Lions' rebuild under GM Brad Holmes did produce a few encouraging signs. The O-Line appears poised to become one of the league's best, Deandre Swift is a budding star at halfback and Coach Dan Campbell is an intriguing motivator and risk-taking playcaller. But that defense! With a revolving door of injury replacements, the Lions were 30th in sacks and 29th in pressures. If the draft plays to expectations, the Lions will have their choice of two outstanding Edge Rushers, Michigan's Aidan Hutchinson and Oregon's Kavon Thibodeaux. Hutchinson gets the nod here, boosting the try-hard Campbell approach with his Watt-like effort level and prototypical size, and freakish athletic talent. He promises to anchor the Lions D-Line just as last year's first rounder Penei Sewell shapes up as a bedrock member of the O- Line. 27. WR David Bell: The Lions' roster in 2021 was a case study in need areas, but one stood out more than all the rest: the receiving corps was the NFL equivalent of the dreaded AAAA baseball roster. Fourth-round pick Amon Ra St. Brown set franchise records for rookie production, which is nice because there was virtually no one else for Jared Goff to throw it to. This spot isn't about which position to select, it's about which receiver. Purdue's David Bell could put St. Brown's record in jeopardy right away, as he is a filthy route runner with great hands. While Bell isn't a straight line burner, he has deluxe moves to work in the short- and medium-range passing game the Lions figure to feature as long as Goff is taking the snaps. 33. LB Christian Harris. 65. LB Brandon Smith. 161. WR Ty Fryfogle. 202. CB Isaac Taylor-Stuart) (1-12-22): https://www.drafttek.com/m/2022-NFL-Mock-Draft-Round1.asp
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. 27. WR Drake London: By the time we get to the actual draft, we'll much more clarity on what the Lions' QB plans might look like, though it feels like Jared Goff's job in '22. With its second first-rounder, we have Detroit adding London, who was one of the few bright spots in a disappointing USC season. He won't run a 4.3 but London is a high-point-catch machine who can take over games, and we love the idea of him playing alongside former college teammate Amon-Ra St. Brown, who has been a bright spot in the Lions' passing game.) (1-10-22): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2022-nfl-mock-draft-one-quarterback-goes-in-top-10-jaguars-go-defense-with-no-1-overall-pick/
PFF Renner (12. DETROIT LIONS: EDGE Kayvon Thibodeaux: Thibodeaux has a unique blend of physical tools that very few draft prospects possess. It’s also a tailor-made blend to play on the edge in the NFL. He showed out in a big way this season, earning a 91.5 pass-rushing grade in the process. 26. QB Desmond Ridder: With the Lions cap-committed to Jared Goff in 2022, they don’t need to reach for a quarterback. Still, if value falls into their lap, they won’t say no. Ridder qualifies as such at this point, as he took massive steps forward with his decision-making and processing speed in 2021, earning a 90.7 overall grade in the process.) (1-10-21): https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2022-nfl-mock-draft-carolina-panthers-north-carolina-tar-heels-qb-sam-howell-new-orleans-saints-sean-payton-ole-miss-qb-matt-corral-kayvon-thibodeaux-aidan-hutchinson
SN Iyer (2. Detroit Lions - DE Kayvon Thibodeaux: The Lions might be tempted should Hutchinson be available given the local angle, but they should be thrilled to get Thibodeaux at No, 2, too. 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. 26. 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.) (1-10-22): https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/news/nfl-mock-draft-2022-alabama-georgia-broncos-steelers/1ekcmkfledd7j121vmsbge429s
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
John Metchie III, WR, Alabama) (1-1-22): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2022-nfl-mock-draft-miller-january/
PFN Broback (2. Detroit Lions: Andrew Booth Jr., CB, Clemson: Detroit needs some assistance stopping the pass, and adding Andrew Booth Jr. to their secondary would be a great start. Booth has dominated nearly every matchup he’s faced, but Clemson’s offensive struggles this year overshadowed what turned out to be an impressive season from the defense. 28. Atlanta Falcons (from Detroit): Treylon Burks, WR, Arkansas: There’s just something with the Falcons and drafting explosive skill position players. Julio Jones, Calvin Ridley, and Kyle Pitts were all A+ picks, and they could hit another home run in Treylon Burks. Burks gives the Falcons’ passing attack another big body, but he’s capable of running past defensive backs too.) (12-29-21): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2022-nfl-mock-draft-1-round-broback-december/
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
PFF Sikkema (2. DETROIT LIONS: EDGE KAYVON THIBODEAUX, OREGON: While Hutchinson is the hot name for the No. 1 overall pick right now, Thibodeaux shouldn’t be far behind if he doesn’t end up going No. 1 himself. Though he was banged up this season, he still produced one of the highest pass-rush win rates in college football at the edge position. It can hardly be considered “settling” with Thibodeaux. 24. DETROIT LIONS (VIA LAR): WR George Pickens: Before his injury, Pickens gave you a WR1 profile during his sophomore season at Georgia. He was on the line of scrimmage and faced a good amount of press coverage. He has a big enough body to handle the physicality at the line yet the speed to stretch the field vertically to keep cornerbacks hesitant from pressing too hard. His hands were consistent throughout the season; he has the ability to come down with spectacular catches and tracks the ball well through contact. He tore his ACL back in the spring of 2021, so we haven't seen much of who he is as an athlete since then. But he’s been able to suit up late in the season, and if the player we’ve previously seen comes back, that’s first-round tape.) (12-20-21): https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2022-nfl-mock-draft-oregon-kayvon-thibodeaux-detroit-lions-kenny-pickett-pittsburgh-panthers-denver-broncos-quarterback
ESPN McShay (1. DE Aidan Hutchinson. 25. QB Sam Howell) (12-14-21): https://www.audacy.com/971theticket/sports/detroit-lions/lions-draft-quarterback-sam-howell-in-mcshays-first-mock
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/
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.) (11-30-21): https://touchdownwire.usatoday.com/lists/aidan-hutchinson-kayvon-thibodeaux-matt-corral/
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/
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/
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
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 (28 DE, 1 QB, 1 CB):
16 DE Kayvon Thibodeaux
12 DE Aiden Hutchinson
1 QB Kenny Pickett
1 CB Andrew Booth
Round 1 Pick 2 (14 WR, 12 QB, 2 LB, 1 S, 1 DT):
7 WR Drake London
5 QB Malik Willis
3 WR Treylon Burks
3 QB Sam Howell
3 QB Desmond Ridder
2 WR Chris Olave
1 WR David Bell
1 QB Kenny Pickett
1 LB Nakobe Dean
1 WR George Pickens
1 S Jaquan Brisker
1 DT Travon Walker
1 LB Devon Lloyd
Round 2 (5 WR, 2 CB, 1 QB, 1 S):
3 WR Jahan Dotson
1 S Daxton Hill
1 S Jaquan Brisker
1 WR David Bell
1 CB Martin Emerson
1 QB Malik Willis
1 CB Jalyn Armour-Davis
Round 3 (3 LB, 2 WR, 2 CB, 1 S, 1 QB):
1 WR Romeo Doubs
1 WR George Pickens
1 LB Christian Harris
1 CB Tariq Castro-Fields
1 CB Mykael Wright
1 QB Sam Howell
1 LB Henry To’o To’o
1 LB Brandon Smith
Round 3 Pick 98 (1 WR):
1 WR John Metchie
Round 6 pick 1 (1 WR):
1 WR Ty Fryfogle
Round 7 pick 1 (1 CB):
1 CB Isaac Taylor-Stuart
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