Lions' 2022 Draft Provides Reason for Real Hope
The Lions are a better team today than they were going into round one of the 2022 NFL Draft on Thursday.
They, to my liking and the liking of many Detroit fans, took a defensive-heavy approach (whether planned or not) with their eight total selections, adding six players to that side of the ball.
As many of you already know, Detroit has been perennially bad as a defense for several years now, dating back to the days of the failed Matt Patricia-Bob Quinn era.
So, the organization direly needed to add play-making talent, especially at pass rusher, and did just that with the selection of Michigan EDGE Aidan Hutchinson at No. 2 overall.
Along with Hutchinson, through this year's draft, Lions general manager Brad Holmes acquired two other EDGEs (Kentucky's Josh Paschal at No. 46 and Jackson State's James Houston at No. 217), two defensive backs (Illinois safety Kerby Joseph at No. 97 and Arizona State cornerback Chase Lucas at No. 237) and one linebacker (Oklahoma State's Malcolm Rodriguez at No. 188).
It's part of a significant overhaul of a defense that allowed 27.5 points per game a season ago (31st in the NFL), plus ranked just No. 24 in passing yards allowed (4,160) and No. 28 in rushing yards permitted (2,296).
Holmes explained Detroit's draft strategy at the conclusion of Day 3.
"We knew that we had, if you could say, more questions, especially in terms of depth on the defensive side of the ball. You know, even maybe some questions above that," Holmes explained to reporters. "Again, we don't go into it anchored and saying, 'Hey, look, man, we have to just draft defense.' If that's the best player, then that's the best player. We had a sense that with all the things we wanted to do, we had a sense that it might tilt a little bit defense. But, we didn't think like, we had eight picks, if it was four defensive guys, four offensive guys, if that's how it fell, then that's how it fell."
At the end of the day, for Holmes and the Lions, it was still about taking the best player available with each pick.
"When I looked up, I didn't even count it until after we drafted Chase (Lucas). I looked and I was like, 'Oh, we were two (offensive players) and six (defensive players).' But again, that's just how we roll. We just want to get the best player. But, you know, we didn't want to be anchored going into it. But, we're happy with how it turned out," Holmes said.
Kirthmon F. Dozier, USA TODAY NETWORK
As much talk as there was pre-draft regarding what the Lions would do to address their various defensive woes, there was also chatter about Holmes & Co. needing to make some improvements on offense (and for good reason).
Remember, Detroit scored just 19.1 points a game last season, ranking 25th out of 32 NFL franchises. And, a large portion of the blame for the team's offensive woes a season ago was placed upon the shoulders of starting signal-caller Jared Goff.
Goff posted career-low marks -- for a season in which he suited up for at least 14 games -- for both passing yards (3,245) and touchdowns (19) in his first season in a Lions uniform.
Holmes and Detroit's front office are still confident that he's good enough to right the ship in Motown. However, going into the draft, there was no doubt that the Lions needed to aid their starting QB with further weapons.
Subsequently, several receivers were mocked to Detroit at No. 32 overall, including the likes of Penn State's Jahan Dotson (went No. 16 to the Washington Commanders) and Georgia's George Pickens (selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers at No. 52).
Holmes, realizing the offense's huge need for a big-time vertical threat, took a bold approach, and traded up to nab star Alabama wideout Jameson Williams at No. 12. It was part of a draft-day trade that saw the Lions deal within the NFC North with the Minnesota Vikings. The Lions also dealt the No. 34 and No. 66 picks to complete the trade, which saw Detroit's front office also receive pick No. 46.
Robert Scheer, USA TODAY NETWORK
I know that Williams tore his ACL in the Crimson Tide's national title game loss to Georgia. However, prior to that, he was arguably the No. 1 WR in this year's draft class. So, Holmes & Co. should be applauded for refusing to sit back and see how the draft played out.
With the run of receivers that preceded the trade (USC's Drake London was one of three pass-catchers drafted) and followed it, including Dotson being taken at No. 16 and Arkansas wideout Treylon Burks at No. 18 by the Tennessee Titans, it looks like there's no way that Williams would have still been on the board once the Lions' second of two original first-rounders rolled around at No. 32.
To me, that makes the deal a risk that was well worth taking for the organization. And, Detroit's receivers room all of a sudden, once Williams is fully healed, doesn't look that bad. The unit will now boast three very capable pass-catchers in free-agent acquisition DJ Chark, Williams and second-year pro Amon-Ra St. Brown, a fourth-round pick of the Lions in 2021 (No. 112 overall).
Detroit also added a tight end later in the draft, with the selection of Virginia Tech's James Mitchell in the fifth round (No. 177 overall).
Likes Williams, Mitchell is presently recovering from an ACL tear. However, once healthy, he could slide right into the No. 2 TE spot on the Lions' depth chart, behind Pro Bowler T.J. Hockenson.
Now, the hope is that the new offensive weapons will lead to Goff having a more productive second season in the Motor City.
“The more weapons and the better resources that you surround your quarterback with is just better, and it helps them out more,” Holmes said. “You could say that for any quarterback. He will obviously have more coming into this year. I really admire and appreciate what he did with what he worked with last year. I wouldn’t say it’s no excuses, but we just expect him to be set up for success, which (head coach) Dan (Campbell) and I said we were going to do for Jared.”
Enough of the excuses. Goff and Detroit, as a team, need to have a more productive campaign this upcoming season.
The franchise needs to take the next step in its rebuild, and there needs to be tangible signs of that step forward being taken, with not only improved play but also an uptick in wins.
It begs the question: Will the Lions be a more competitive team in 2022?
I believe the answer is yes, and I'm willing to bet that this year's draft class will play a significant part in making it a reality.
