LionsWire
In the 2022 NFL Draft, the Detroit Lions made 8 picks. Overall, fans are happy with the selections made by the Lions front office, however there were some comparisons and concerns that raised some eyebrows.
Listed below are Detroit’s choices, along with interesting facts or concerns about the new player.
ROUND 1
2nd Overall Pick: Aidan Hutchinson, DE
University of Michigan (born in raised in MI as well)
The highest rated edge in the draft class, the Lions managed to snag Hutchinson after the Jaguars selected a DE from Georgia.
NFL Comparison: Watt Brothers
12th Overall Pick: Jameson Williams, WR
Alabama
The Lions traded up with Minnesota to get the top-rated wide receiver, but there is a big concern: he is recovering from a torn ACL. If he can emerge healthy, this could be a big win for Detroit.
NFL Comparison: Will Fuller
ROUND 2
46th Overall Pick: Joshua Paschal, DE
Kentucky
Concern: With Detroit’s need for other players, many fans wonder why the selection was made to select two DE’s so high in the draft when perhaps a more diverse draft class would be better for the long-suffering Lions.
NFL Comparison: Emmanuel Ogbah
ROUND 3
97th Overall Pick: Kerby Joseph, Safety
Illinois
A bit of an off-the-wall pick for the Lions, Joseph only played as a starter for Illinois for one year.
NFL Comparison: Steven Parker
ROUND 4
No picks.
ROUND 5
177th Overall Pick: James Mitchell, TE
Virginia Tech
Concern: This tight end is coming back from a season-ending ACL injury in 2021.
NFL Comparison: Not available.
ROUND 6
188th Overall Pick: Malcolm Rodriguez, LB
Oklahoma State
Concern: Rodriguez is on the smaller side of linebackers, clocking in at only 5’11 (with a shorter arm span at 30 1/2″) and 232 pounds. Hopefully this off-season he will bulk up and be a contender for the Lions.
NFL Comparison: Eric Hendricks
217th Overall Pick: James Houston, Edge
Jackson State University
A bit of a troubled player for the Lions to choose, Houston has a few things that could be standing in his way of playing. He was suspended for a year at Jackson State due to a fraud scheme, and also was injured during his senior year.
NFL Comparison: Not available.
ROUND 7
237th Overall Pick: Chase Lucas, CB
Arizona State
A good grab for the Lions in the seventh round, Lucas is a player with numerous honors throughout his college playing experience.
NFL Comparison: Shaun Wade