Detroit Lions 2022 NFL Draft Preview, Analyzing Top Picks

DETROIT — For the fourth straight year, the Detroit Lions hold a top ten pick in the NFL Draft. The Lions will pick second in Thursday's NFL Draft, hoping to land a future superstar talent. However, the 2022 NFL Draft is shaping up as one of the most unpredictable selections in recent memory, mainly due to the lack of a potential franchise quarterback.

ESPN's Adam Schefter recently reported that many teams near the top of the draft were trying to trade back. The Lions were probably one of those teams because they have many needs, particularly on defense. But without a potential franchise altering talent, there's hardly any takers. Just the Lions luck huh?

So the Lions will be forced to make a selection at number two, and they'll more than likely go defense. Although the 2022 NFL Draft lacks a sexy superstar talent, there's plenty of defensive talent on the board, including local Aidan Hutchinson.

Aidan Hutchinson, Michigan

The standout pass rusher from Michigan was a Heisman finalist and led Michigan's defense to the college football playoff last season. Hutchinson was favored to go either number one overall or drop to number two. Although some scouts were concerned about Hutchinson's arm length, he showed a good mix of speed and power in getting to the quarterback.

Ahmad "Sauce" Gardner, Cincinnati

The 6-foot-3, 200 pound cornerback might be the best player in the entire draft. Gardner, who was born in Detroit, lock downed and stuck to wide receivers all year. Although Gardner didn't play in a power five conference, his rare combination of length, size and athleticism draws comparisons to pro-bowl cornerback Patrick Peterson. Pairing Gardner up with Amani Oruwariye could make for a standout secondary.

Travon Walker, Georgia

Probably the most versatile pass rusher in the entire draft. The 6-foot-5 defensive lineman was quick off the ball, whether standing up or down in a three-point stance. Walker was an outstanding run stopper as part of Georgia's national championship defense. But he showed concerns as a pass rusher, sometimes missing an initial move to quickly get after the quarterback.

Kayvon Thibodeaux, Oregon

Thibodeaux is probably the quickest pass rusher in the draft, something the Lions desperately need. 6-foot-5, 258-pound pass rusher combines Walker's versatility and Hutchinson's speed to make for one of the draft's most promising prospects. However, reports from around the league indicated Thibodeaux "doesn’t play with the same fire as some other top prospects," something that's a cause for concern.

Jermaine Johnson, Florida State

Johnson doesn't get the same attention as some of the other top pass rushers in the draft, but he should. He's roughly the same size as the other top prospects and showed promising defensive leadership throughout the season at Florida State. He played with active hands and long strides, helping him win ACC defensive player of the year. Johnson is a typical dark-horse, and will quietly go in the first-round, probably in the top ten.

The Pick

The Lions should be tempted to pick Gardner with the second pick. But they won't, because they'll essentially be giving up on Jeff Okudah, who the Lions selected with the third overall pick in 2020. Although Okuduh hasn't been the player the Lions hoped for, he has battled injuries and the Lions cannot give up on him right now.

If Walker is available at number two, the Lions should pass. Although Walker is probably the most versatile defensive lineman in the draft, he played alongside Jordan Davis, who is also a potential first-round pick. Although playing alongside a big man like Davis doesn't diminish Walker's skills, it does create for better one-on-one opportunities, something Walker won't get in Detroit.

If Jacksonville passes on Hutchinson, the Lions should also pass on Hutchinson and pick Thibodeaux. Although some Lions fans would love to see the Divine Child native in the honolulu blue, Campbell needs talent at the second pick, and that's Thibodeaux. The modern NFL game is built on speed, and Thibodeaux's quick long frame gives him the most potential to swing around offensive tackles and get after the quarterback.