NFC North Roundtable: Most Important Lions Rookies
In this story:
The 10th in a series of articles from NFC North FanNation team reporters explores the most important rookies for each NFC North squad in 2022.
WR Velus Jones Jr. and CB Kyler Gordon
Neither of the most important Bears rookies will be the most successful one, as safety Jaquan Brisker looks to make the biggest impact. However, Jones and Gordon are the most important first-year pros, because their roles are more crucial to the team's success on each side of the ball.
Gordon is critical, because last year's defense played with only one legitimate starting cornerback and he'll give the Bears one on each side when put on the field with Jaylon Johnson.
The Bears were last in passer rating against in 2021, and have had one interception by cornerbacks each of the last two seasons. So, getting the type of playmaking they anticipate from Gordon would be huge.
Jones' role on offense would be as an all-around type of target who can gain yards after the catch or even rush with the ball, in order to help open up the attack.
With 4.31-second speed in the 40-yard dash at 6-foot, 204 pounds, the Bears would like to think that Jones can be a Deebo Samuel type, although this seems a bit optimistic. It's a key role, also, because their No. 2 receiver after Darnell Mooney, as in Byron Pringle, is unproven. And, they'll need an insurance policy if the former Chiefs receiver falters.
DE Aidan Hutchinson and LB Malcolm Rodriguez
The Lions’ roster does not feature many players on defense that are considered the best at their respective position.
Over the past couple of seasons, Detroit general manager Brad Holmes and the personnel department have made a concerted effort to retool the defense.
Aidan Hutchinson represents everything the organization is seeking to become, as he is known as a relentless, hard-working player who has the potential to contribute on the defensive line for the next decade.
Junfu Han, USA TODAY NETWORK
His success will be imperative for the rebuilding process, as the team has invested several high draft picks in players on the defensive line.
Linebacker is a position that supporters question the most, as the team hasn’t had a dominant linebacker since Chris Spielman.
Rodriguez has an opportunity to make an impact early in his career.
The coaching staff even sees the potential for Rodriguez to lead, and he eventually could be tasked with donning the green dot for Aaron Glenn’s defense.
LB Quay Walker, WRs Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs
Quay Walker, the first of the team’s first-round picks, could really change the way the Packers have done their defensive business for years. Teams can talk until they’re blue in the face about the need to stop the run, but really, the key is stopping the pass.
To accomplish that, defensive coordinator Joe Barry and his predecessor, Mike Pettine, played a lot of dime defense the past few seasons. That’s six defensive backs, with a safety taking the place of the second inside linebacker.
More speed on the field, in theory, means better coverage. The drawback is it leaves the team with not enough big guys to consistently stop the run.
Because Walker is so big and fast, the Packers might be able to have the best of both worlds, with the size to stop the run but the speed to slow down quarterbacks. Better run defense on first down means more third-and-longs, and that should play into Barry’s hands.
Meanwhile, everyone knows the Packers’ predicament at receiver, following the offseason trade of Davante Adams. In response, the Packers drafted three receivers, including Christian Watson in the second round and Romeo Doubs in the fourth round.
At 6-foot-4 and with 4.36 speed in the 40-yard dash, Watson has an elite set of tools.
Watson’s Relative Athletic Score rivals that of former Lions star Calvin Johnson. That’s not to compare a rookie to a Hall of Famer, but Johnson’s size-speed skill made him one of the most uncoverable receivers in NFL history. Offensive coordinator Adam Stenavich predicted Watson would become a “problem” for opposing defenses.
Doubs isn’t quite as big or fast, but he was one of the best deep-ball prospects in this year’s draft. He got behind the defense on several occasions during the offseason practices.
Whether it’s Watson, Doubs, seventh-rounder Samori Toure or a combination of the three, the Packers will need at least one of their rookie wideouts to become a reliable playmaker by the time the calendar turns to December.
S Lewis Cine and CB Andrew Booth Jr.
The Vikings' top two draft picks are the obvious answers here, since fellow top-70 picks Ed Ingram (RG) and Brian Asamoah (ILB) seem unlikely to have major roles early in their rookie seasons.
Cine, who the Vikings picked after controversially trading down 20 spots in the first round, should be expected to beat out Camryn Bynum for the starting spot next to Harrison Smith.
The Georgia product brings a remarkable blend of football IQ, downhill violence and coverage ability to the table. Assuming he starts, he'll be a big part of Ed Donatell's defense, which has its safeties begin almost every play in a two-high shell before rotating into various looks after the snap.
There may be some growing pains for Cine, but he has all of the physical tools and talent to be an upgrade over Xavier Woods right away. He couldn't have asked for a better situation than landing in Minnesota, where he'll get to learn from Smith while playing alongside him.
Don't be surprised if Cine stuffs the stat sheet with tackles, pass breakups and a few turnovers created in year one.
Booth, selected 10 picks later in a trade-up move, might not be a Week 1 starter, as he'll have to beat out third-year corner Cameron Dantzler.
At some point, though, whether due to injuries or coaching decisions, the former Clemson star's number will almost certainly be called.
Patrick Peterson is 32 years old, and Dantzler has missed time due to injury in both of his NFL seasons. Booth doesn't turn 22 until after Week 3, but his elite athleticism and ball skills should help him hold his own on the outside as a rookie. If he can stay healthy, he'll have a chance to establish himself as one of the steals of this year's draft.
