The 2022 NFL Draft is in the books, and weāve had some time to digest everything that went on. In this article, we take a look at how the weekend played out for the Detroit Lions! Who did they select in the Draft? What undrafted free agents did the team sign? How do these rookies fit the team this season? The answers to all these questions and more in the Detroit Lions 2022 NFL Draft Review! If you want to bet on the NFL this coming season check out the best sports betting sites!
Detroit Lions 2022 NFL Draft Class
1.2 – Aidan Hutchinson, EDGE,Ā Michigan
1.12 –Ā Jameson Williams, WR, Alabama
2.46 –Ā Josh Paschal, DL, Kentucky
3.97 –Ā Kerby Joseph, S, Illinois
5.177 –Ā James Mitchell, TE, Virginia Tech
6.188 –Ā Malcolm Rodriguez, LB, Oklahoma State
6.217 –Ā James Houston, OLB,Ā Jackson State
7.237 –Ā Chase Lucas, CB,Ā Arizona State
Ā
Detroit Lions 2022 Undrafted Free Agent Signings (as of 5/8/22)
Greg Bell, RB, San Diego State
Corey Sutton, WR, Appalachian State
Kalil Pimpleton, WR, Central Michigan
Josh Johnson, WR, Tulsa
Derrick Deese Jr., TE, San Jose State
Nolan Givan, TE, SE Louisiana
Obinna Eze, OT, TCU
Zein Obeid, IOL, Ferris State
Kevin Jarvis, OG, Michigan State
Demetrius Taylor, DL, Appalachian State
Cedric Boswell, CB, Miami (OH)
Jermaine Waller,Ā CB,Ā Virginia Tech
Ā
Detroit Lions 2022 NFL Draft Review
Detroit came into the 2022 NFL Draft with clear needs on defense, and at wide receiver. Sitting second overall, the Lions were in a great position to take one of the top edge rushers in this class. After Jacksonville took Travon Walker, Detroit had to keep Michigan edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson in the state. Hutchinson was the top prospect on many boards and an absolute no-brainer safe pick. Hutch can be penciled in as a starter on the edge from day one.
The front office saw an opportunity to fill the gaping hole at wideout and traded up to 12th overall to select star Alabama receiver Jameson Williams. Detroit ended up trading the 32nd, 34th, and 66th picks to Minnesota for the 12th and 46th picks. Williams was on the fast track to being the WR1 in this Draft class before tearing his ACL in the college football title game in early January. According to reports, he is ahead of schedule in his recovery and is the big-play threat this offense has been missing. His speed and playmaking ability downfield will open things up for Amon St. Brown, TJ Hockenson, and DāAndre Swift.
Defensive lineman Josh Paschal and safety Kerby Joseph will both likely see plenty of playing time early on as rookies. Paschalās size/strength combo will allow him to fill multiple roles along the defensive line. He will rotate at defensive end on early downs, and move inside on passing downs to take advantage of his quickness/versatility in multiple sets. Joseph is a coverage safety, who will play the high/center field role, and in three safety looks as a rookie. He isnāt much of a factor in the run game, but he is a playmaker (5 interceptions last season) who should only get better with more playing time (2021 = first full year as a starter).
The rest of the class helps out at spots where the depth was needed and boosts special teams. James Mitchell is coming off of a torn ACL, but he is a good all around tight end prospect. He can potentially help fill in for Hockenson if he were to miss time again due to injury. Malcolm Rodriguez and James Houston add depth to the linebacking corps. Both are undersized for their respective roles – Rodriguez is a 5ā11āā inside linebacker and Houston is a 6ā1ā, 241 lbs. pass-rushing specialist – but at the very least can contribute on special teams as rookies. Chase Lucas might be a long shot to make the final roster due to all of the competition ahead of him at the corner. He is very experienced (53 games played in college) and offers the ability to play outside or in the slot. He also could also contribute on special teams as a rookie – both on the coverage unit and as a punt returner. Check out the top new sportsbooks!
Detroit has also signed 12 undrafted free agents thus far. None of these players is guaranteed to make the final roster, but the team did give out $100,000+ guaranteed contracts to four players, indicating how the team views their potential. The four players are RB Greg Bell (San Diego State), TE Derrick Deese Jr. (San Jose State), OT Obinna Eze (TCU), and OG Kevin Jarvis (Michigan State). Of those four, Eze is the most likely to come out of camp competing for a spot on the final roster. He has excellent size/length and will be competing for the swing tackle spot with veteran holdovers Matt Nelson and Dan Skipper.
Final Thoughts
The Detroit Lions continue to rebuild the roster with another quality Draft class. Each of the top four picks should be rookie starters, or at least key contributors. Lions fans should be pleased with what the Brad Holmes led front office has done thus far. Detroit had one of the very best Draft classes this year. #DefendTheDen
21+ and present in VA. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.