Monday, May 16, 2022

Detroit Lions Post-Draft NFL Power Rankings Roundup

Throughout the 2022 NFL season, we will compile a consensus NFL Power Rankings that averages the rankings of all 32 NFL teams.

Here is where the Detroit Lions rank in terms of average, best and worst:

  • Average ranking: 27 (27th)
  • Best ranking: 24 (USA Today)
  • Worst ranking: 30 (ESPN)

Below you will find a post-NFL Draft roundup for the Lions in our consensus 2022 NFL Power Rankings.

ESPN -- Rank: 30

Player who benefited most from draft: QB Jared Goff

Although there was much speculation about what the Lions would do with two first-round picks, they didn't go in the direction of a younger quarterback. Not only has Goff benefited from the draft, he has benefited from free agency. The Lions' front office has shown its commitment to adding game-changing offensive threats around him this season, which was a big problem during last season's 3-13-1 finish. Detroit also traded up to get rookie wide receiver Jameson Williams at No. 12 and many believe he was arguably the most talented at his position prior to his ACL injury. When he returns, Goff will have plenty of playmakers to help him succeed. -- Eric Woodyard

NFL.com -- Rank: 30

The Lions are starting to feel like what the Browns were a few years back: a likable underdog on the come-up. The draft provided more reason to believe Detroit is on the right track. Aidan Hutchinson, the second overall pick, is a hometown kid who will provide an instant jolt to the team's moribund pass rush. Detroit then made a surprise trade up the board to grab Alabama stud Jameson Williams, currently recovering from ACL surgery but gifted -- like Hutchinson -- with All-Pro potential. Jared Goff will remain the bridge at quarterback for another year, but the Lions are building something here. Hard Knocks is going to be fun.

CBS Sports -- Rank: 27

They had an impressive draft, which has this team continuing to head in the right direction. Without a quarterback draft pick, it's Jared Goff again as the signal-caller.

USA Today -- Rank: 26

After following last year's winless start with a 3-3 finish, Detroit appears to be loading up nicely and should be ready to move on from biting kneecaps to delivering some body blows.

The Athletic -- Rank: 28

We shouldn't have huge expectations for the 2022 Lions, because this is a team in Year 2 of a rebuild. They drafted a building block in defensive end Aidan Hutchinson and a No. 1 receiver (when he gets healthy) in Jameson Williams. Next year, the Lions can focus on the quarterback and major progress.

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