Lamorandier: Detroit Lions 2022 Mock Draft 1.0
The Detroit Lions are currently in NFL Draft mode, and will kick off their offseason by coaching the Senior Bowl. It will be a great opportunity for the staff to get a hands-on look at some of the best seniors in the country. However, there are plenty of underclassmen who are highly touted, as well.
The easier part of general manager Brad Holmes' job is done, as he tore down the previous regime’s mistakes. Now, the difficult part begins where he must find talent and build a winning football team. He must continue to unearth mid-to-late-round gems, as well as not miss on the higher selections. No general manager is perfect, but Holmes needs to be better than most.
Remember, the complete NFL Draft order has not been set quite yet. Compensatory picks are just projections. Free agency could completely change the team’s needs, as well. No matter the case, though, here is my first 2022 mock draft for the Lions.
ROUND ONE
No. 2 overall -- Aidan Hutchinson, EDGE, Michigan
The Lions don’t need to overthink things at the top of the first round. There are two very talented defenders who play at a premier position at a spot of need. At least one, or maybe both, will be available for the taking.
At this time, it seems like splitting hairs on who the better player is between Hutchinson and Kayvon Thibodeaux. Both are great athletes, and both can get to the passer. Hutchinson might be a more well-rounded player, while Thibodeaux may be the better EDGE-bender, with a slightly higher pass-rushing ceiling.
Kirthmon F. Dozier, USA TODAY NETWORK
Los Angeles Rams first-rounder (via Matthew Stafford trade) -- Nakobe Dean, LB, Georgia
At linebacker, the Lions still have plenty of work to do. They would be lucky for Dean to fall to the end of the first round, in my opinion.
Last year’s fourth-round pick and former EDGE defender, Derrick Barnes, showed flashes of dominance against the run, yet struggled in the passing department. Outside of Barnes at off-ball linebacker, the Lions have some decisions to make in free agency, or will have to turn to some serious developmental projects. Insert Dean into the lineup, and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn would have a couple of young, sideline-to-sideline backers, with Dean also possessing the potential to excel in coverage.
The big knock on the 2021 Butkus Award winner is his size. Listed at 6-foot-0, 225 pounds, he is definitely not a linebacker who would fit in the previous coaching staff’s scheme. Fortunately, Glenn is more "new school," and Dean’s stature is becoming more common across the NFL.
Brett Davis, USA TODAY Sports
ROUND TWO
No. 34 overall -- Jaquan Brisker, S, Penn State
Another defensive pick incoming. Whether Tracy Walker leaves in free agency or not, the Lions currently need to upgrade the safety room.
Brisker is 6-foot-1 and a true enforcer in the middle of the field. His role in the box increased during his time at Penn State. He isn’t necessarily a true single-high deep safety by any means, but the Lions often run two-deep looks anyways. Despite a strong safety's value being a little diminished, Brisker was still able to make plenty of plays in coverage, as well. He only allowed a 46.8 passer rating against, and boasted one of the best forced incompletion rates in the country.
ROUND THREE
No. 66 overall -- George Pickens, WR, Georgia
I know many were wondering when I would have the Lions selecting a wideout. As in most drafts, the value at receiver is so much better than most other positions in the middle rounds. Look no further than guys like Kenny Golladay and Amon-Ra St. Brown.
Meanwhile, Pickens is a big-bodied, former five-star recruit who burst on to the scene as a freshman. He seems like the forgotten man in a deep class, after iffy quarterback play in 2020 and missing most of last season with an ACL tear. He has the size/speed combination, the highlight-reel grabs and could fill the No. 1 WR role on the outside for the Lions.
No. 97 overall (projected compensatory pick for N.Y. Giants signing Kenny Golladay) -- Skyy Moore, WR, Western Michigan
Back-to-back receivers – again, just great value in the middle rounds. While lining up both in the slot and outside with the Broncos, Moore dominated the MAC. With elite speed, quickness and reliable hands, his biggest question mark will be his 5-foot-10 frame.
Still, he has shown he can make difficult catches in traffic and break tackles. He was tied for the most forced missed tackles after the catch in the country in 2021. Moore could be a legit deep threat for quarterback Jared Goff and also someone who can create quick separation underneath.
Charles LeClaire, USA TODAY Sports
ROUND FOUR
None
ROUND FIVE
No. 176 overall (projected compensatory pick) -- Charlie Kolar, TE, Iowa State
At Iowa State, Kolar was a highly productive receiver at 6-foot-6 and almost 260 pounds. Kolar won’t be considered a great athlete at the NFL level, by any means. Yet, he still has soft hands and great body control to help box out defenders at the catch point. Even though he has the size, he is known more for his receiving prowess out of the slot, rather than his blocking. He is a willing blocker, but there could be some improvement in that aspect of his game.
In saying that, Holmes may look for someone who is a little better in the run game. However, the Lions need a dependable backup to T.J. Hockenson and someone who is well-rounded for their two tight-end sets. At this stage in the draft, it’s all about finding role players, though. Obviously, you can hope for more, but finding a player who sees decent playing time this late in the draft should be considered a win.
ROUND SIX
Projected No. 181 overall -- Josh Rivas, OG, Kansas State
Lions don’t have much offensive line depth. They did have plenty of reserves step in and do an admirable job, but it could still be better.
Rivas doesn’t appear to provide much in terms of versatility, which is usually important for backups. He has only lined up at guard in his college career.
Still, he has the length to maybe be cross-trained at tackle. Despite being labeled as more of a run-blocker, he still never allowed a sack over the last three seasons.
No. 218 overall (projected compensatory pick) -- Cordell Volson, OT, North Dakota State
Going back to the offensive line, Volson is another offensive lineman to come out of the Dakota schools.
Like Rivas, Volson hasn’t allowed a sack the last three years -- albeit against weaker competition. Volson dominated at North Dakota State, and played all over the line.
Lining up predominantly at right tackle, the 6-foot-6 lineman checks all the boxes for size and length. His athleticism will be a big factor for his draft stock.
ROUND SEVEN
Projected No. 233 overall -- Decobie Durant, CB, South Carolina State
Durant has a very slender build for a corner at the next level – 5-foot-10, 175-ish pounds . He played on the outside, but could be moved more inside at the next level.
The Lions could use some instinctive playmakers, and Durant’s 10 interceptions since 2019 could help in that department. Despite receiving the MEAC Defensive Player of the Year Award, 2021 could be considered a down year for Durant, after he allowed a passer rating of 65.5. The previous two seasons, his passer rating against was a stingy 36.4 and 23.4. This could be a case where a player is just a better football player than his measurables suggest. In the seventh round, it’s worth a shot.
Mickey Welsh, Advertiser, USA TODAY NETWORK
Projected No. 238 overall – Ellis Brooks, LB, Penn State
Brooks has good size and athleticism that the Lions could try to develop. He has the foot speed to be all over the field and hang with tight ends and some running backs.
However, the 2021 second-team All-Big Ten linebacker appears to lack some instinct at the position – mostly with angles of pursuit. That trait can often be tough to overcome.
Perhaps the most worrisome is his penchant for missed tackles, which can be a byproduct of his poor angles at times. Considering the need at linebacker, the Lions could take a chance on a player with some nice potential late in the draft. At the very least, he could contribute on special teams, while they attempt to bring him along at linebacker.
