Lamorandier: Detroit Lions 2022 Mock Draft 2.0
The NFL Draft is quickly approaching, and the Detroit Lions have been busy in the pre-draft circuit.
Lions general manager Brad Holmes has once again chosen to build through the draft instead of free agency this offseason. Honestly, it's a wise strategy in the early stages of a rebuild, yet it requires the fanbase to be patient -- something that Lions fans are sick of hearing.
Now, the pressure is on Holmes to actually find talent via the draft. It's not just hitting on the early picks, either. There needs to be some diamonds in the rough unearthed, as well.
Without further ado, here is my latest seven-round mock draft.
ROUND ONE
No. 2 overall – Kayvon Thibodeaux, EDGE, Oregon
The freakish athlete, Travon Walker, is a very popular pick for the Lions, but the Lions’ staff still appears very interested in Thibodeaux. However, there have been plenty of personality and character questions seemingly dropping him down draft boards.
I would have liked Thibodeaux’s 3-cone (7.23 seconds) to be a bit quicker, as well. No matter the case, though, the flashes on film are hard to ignore, and he demonstrates an incredibly high ceiling at one of the most important positions on the field.
© Ben Lonergan/The Register-Guard / USA TODAY NETWORK
No. 32 overall – Daxton Hill, DB, Michigan
Most assume that Hill will be gone before the Lions' second first-round draft pick. I lean that way, as well. Still, there is a possibility he could be available, and I think the Lions would love Hill’s versatility at a position of need.
The slot corner position is not set in stone by any means, either. Incumbent slot corner, A.J. Parker, started the 2021 season strong, but faded fast down the stretch and to a level of play that's more commonly expected from an undrafted rookie free agent.
Hill has the position flexibility to move closer to the line of scrimmage in the slot, while also possessing the necessary athleticism and ball-hawking instincts to play deep. In short, Hill is a playmaker, and the Lions are sorely lacking in that department.
Matthew OHaren, USA TODAY Sports
ROUND TWO
No. 34 overall – Christian Watson, WR, North Dakota State
The Lions seem to love speed on the outside. And, who doesn't? The 6-foot-4 Watson is one of the fastest wide receivers in the draft.
To me, Watson has sky-high upside, but he still has quite a bit of work to do in order to become a complete X-receiver.
Free-agent acquisition DJ Chark's one-year contract would allow Watson some time to acclimate himself to the NFL level from the FCS. At this point, if the Lions want Watson’s type of size/speed combination, it’s going to be difficult to find any player with a similar skill set later in the draft.
ROUND THREE
No. 66 overall – Greg Dulcich, TE, UCLA
I know drafting tight ends is a sensitive subject with Lions fans. In saying that, the team still has a huge hole behind starter T.J. Hockenson. Dulcich would be an actual threat to catch the ball in the Lions' heavy sets.
In terms of blocking, there is work to be done, as is the case with plenty of pass-catching-oriented tight ends. Who knows, the Lions' brass may prefer a more traditional in-line second tight end, with more blocking aptitude. But, you can find blocking types in later rounds. The athletic tight ends go early.
No. 97 overall – Luke Goedeke, OL, Central Michigan
Goedeke is a local product and former tight end. Despite excelling at right tackle, his shorter arms and penchant for physicality in the run game project him to the interior at the next level.
The Lions' starting offensive line is solid, yet the depth leaves a lot to be desired. Goedeke could cross-train at both guard and tackle.
Also, starting right guard Halapoulivaati Vaitai’s exorbitant price tag balloons to $11.2 million in 2023, yet he doesn’t carry much dead cap if he were to be released. That’s a recipe for a future cap casualty.
The guard spot is a potential need down the line, and Goedeke is an appealing developmental prospect who could use a little bit of seasoning.
ROUND FIVE
No. 177 overall -- Terrel Bernard, LB, Baylor
The Lions have plenty of size at linebacker -- Bernard is not that. Weighing in at 224 pounds and almost 6-foot-1, Dan Campbell himself said that he doesn’t care how big a linebacker is if they make plays.
Bernard is all over the field, and possesses sideline-to-sideline capabilities. Despite his diminutive stature, Bernard is still able to slip blocks and take ball-carriers down in the backfield.
At this stage in the draft, there are always plenty of concerns with prospects. Bernard isn’t perfect, but if used properly, he can provide plenty of value in this range.
Chuck Cook, USA TODAY Sports
ROUND SIX
No. 181 overall – Bo Melton, WR, Rutgers
Yet another burner at the wideout position, Melton is 5-foot-11 with 4.34 speed. However, his wheels weren’t always put on display in the offense at Rutgers. Even though he isn’t very big, he played plenty on the outside, which gives him some alignment flexibility.
There is some craftiness to his route running, and he has plus ability after the catch. Melton has the type of measurables that make it easy to take a chance on him in the later rounds.
No. 217 overall – Percy Butler, S, Louisiana
It would be no surprise if the Lions doubled up on safeties, especially if the coaching staff wants Will Harris to continue to see more time at corner. With the No. 32 overall pick, I had the Lions selecting Hill. Butler is more of a traditional free safety, though.
Keeping the theme going, Butler is another exceptional athlete. He may not be overly instinctive in coverage, but he offers range and an eagerness to come up and hit ball carriers. And perhaps most importantly, he excelled on special teams. The third phase of the game is often overlooked, and Butler could contribute right away in that department.
ROUND SEVEN
No. 234 overall – Noah Elliss, NT, Idaho
A little Lions connection, Noah is former Lions defensive tackle Luther Elliss’ cousin and adopted son.
Elliss is just a massive human being. Listed at 367 pounds on Idaho’s website, Elliss “slimmed down” to 346 pounds at the combine. With his frame, he will undoubtedly be pegged more as a nose tackle.
Yes, the Lions are moving away from the 3-4 defensive scheme, and a true nose tackle might not be as important in their scheme. Still, the Lions want to emphasize stopping the run and beefing up the defensive line to keep their linebackers free. Elliss could help in both of those categories.
In all likelihood, Elliss wouldn’t give much interior pass-rush help, outside of bull-rushes. That doesn’t mean having a powerful 350-pounder inside wouldn’t come in handy in certain situations.
