Thursday, April 14, 2022

Detroit Lions 2022 NFL Mock Draft Roundup 7.0

Throughout the year and leading up to the 2022 NFL Draft, we will update our Detroit Lions Mock Draft Roundup showing picks for the Detroit Lions from several prominent sites and draft analysts.

The following are picks in recent mock drafts for the Lions:

ESPN - Mel Kiper (4/13)

2. Ahmad Gardner, CB, Cincinnati

Can I interest you in a 6-foot-3 corner with long arms and 4.41 40-yard dash speed who didn't allow a single touchdown in coverage in college? That's Gardner. The Lions have several needs and would likely jump at Aidan Hutchinson if he somehow fell here. If they can get something out of Jeff Okudah, the No. 3 overall pick in the 2020 draft who has played just 10 games in two seasons, they could have a much-improved secondary.

32. Lewis Cine, S, Georgia

The more I talk to people in the league, the more I think the Lions will stand pat on a quarterback with their three picks in the top 34. Jared Goff can be the starter in 2022, and if he struggles, chances are Detroit will be right back in the mix for the No. 1 overall pick, which it can use on a signal-caller. Cine is the fifth Georgia defender in the top 32 picks here (with more to come). He's a good cover safety who is rising after he ran a 4.37 40 at the combine.

The Draft Network - Keith Sanchez (4/13)

2. Malik Willis, QB, Liberty

I believe the Lions make the splash pick of the draft and take Malik Willis. Willis has shown to have a great arm combined with the ability to make big plays with his legs.

The Lions currently have Jared Goff, but it's time they upgrade the position and take a shot at a quarterback that has playmaking ability. Last year, Lions fans watched their former QB Matthew Stafford leave and win a Super Bowl in his first year, so they have to find their next guy and re-energize this fan base for the future.

32. Devin Lloyd, LB, Utah

With their first pick, the Lions drafted the leader for their offense in Willis. With this pick, they draft the leader of their defense in linebacker Devin Lloyd.

Lloyd is an extremely instinctual player who plays well against the run well, can drop in zone coverage to intercept the ball, and also rush the passer on third downs. He's a truly versatile linebacker.

NFL.com - Lance Zierlein (4/12)

2. Aidan Hutchinson, EDGE, Michigan

Dan Campbell's squad fought hard all year in 2021. Adding Hutchinson at a position of need does nothing but bolster the culture the Lions are building.

32. Matt Corral, QB, Mississippi

I have a funny feeling that the Lions may get frisky and jump up the board for a QB at some point, but if they sit tight, Corral has plenty of talent to become their future starter.

CBS Sports - Will Brinson (4/12)

2. Travon Walker, EDGE, Georgia

Maybe the Lions consider a quarterback, but with Jared Goff remaining a fave of the front office it seems more likely to me they continue building depth and talent in the trenches.

32. George Karlaftis, EDGE, Purdue

Everyone assumes the Lions will pivot off the trenches but I'm not sure they're going to do that for at least another year.

PFF - Anthony Treash (4/11)

2. Kayvon Thibodeaux, EDGE, Oregon

Thibodeaux isn't the most refined pass-rusher in this class, and opposing offenses spent a lot of time trying to scheme away from him. But, despite all that, the 6-foot-4, 251-pounder still earned a 91.5 pass-rush grade last year.

He boasts all the tools NFL teams desire on the edge and showed improvement throughout his college career. If he can continue on that path of refinement, he can reach NFL All-Pro status.

32. Jalen Pitre, S, Baylor

Slot corners are valuable pieces to the defense, and Pitre was one of the best slot corners in college football over the last two years at Baylor, producing a top-three slot coverage grade among Power Five defensive backs in that span.

The former Baylor Bear didn't allow a single touchdown in the slot while producing the second-most passing stops (20) and 11 combined plays on the ball. Pitre was also a stout run defender and an excellent pass-rusher, whether in the slot or on the occasions he moved closer to the ball at outside linebacker. He posted a 92.7 run-defense and 83.6 pass-rush grade in 2021.

Pitre has the skill set to be a more versatile player in the league than he was at Baylor, but at a minimum, he should be a strong slot defender. He has the physical instinct, quickness and processing ability to do so.

ESPN - Jordan Reid (4/11)

2. Malik Willis, QB, Liberty

As I wrote in my QB mock draft last week, either you love this idea or you're absolutely against it. Jared Goff is under contract for two more seasons, which would allow the Lions to bring Willis along slowly.

There's no guarantee that the franchise can position itself next year to be in contention for a top 2023 signal-caller. This is an ideal situation for Willis, as the team is set to have plenty of draft capital to continue to build the roster in the future.

32. Nakobe Dean, LB, Georgia

At the controls of one of the best defenses in college football history, Dean is a magnetic Energizer bunny who doesn't stop. The Lions could stick to their board of taking the best prospect available here.

Dean would provide an instant vocal leader on a defense that lacks that quality right now. His physicality and infectious energy make him the exact type of player general manager Brad Holmes and coach Dan Campbell want to continue to build this roster.

CBS Sports - Ryan Wilson (4/11)

2. Aidan Hutchinson, EDGE, Michigan

Hutchinson starred at Michigan and now he moves a few miles down the road to join the Lions. He's the best player in this class and talk that he has already reached his ceiling is just that. He's 21 and he's only going to get better.

32. Kenny Pickett, QB, Pittsburgh

Pickett made the right decision to return to Pitt for the '21 season, and in the process, he worked himself into the first-round conversation. The question is where does he get selected because, depending on who you talk to, it could be anywhere from top-10 to bottom of Round 1.

MORE TEAMS: All NFL Team Mock Draft Roundups

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