Lions' 2022 Draft Wants

Read more on the Detroit Lions' 2022 NFL Draft wants.

Every NFL offseason, draft enthusiasts always have favorite prospects they like more than most for their respective team in the NFL Draft. Whether you want to call them “draft crushes” or “sleepers,” everyone has them. 

Mine are typically more geared toward areas of need for the Detroit Lions, but I don’t exclude other players who I feel will be solid pros at other positions. 

Remember, the draft is a bit of a crapshoot when it comes to where players will ultimately fall off the board. No matter the case, though, these are my prospects -- and by round -- who I like for the Lions.

FIRST ROUND

Aidan Hutchinson, EDGE, Michigan

A very well-round prospect with not many flaws. Hutchinson has a high ceiling and a high floor – a true three-down player. His elite 3-cone time is better than many of the NFL’s best at getting around offensive tackles.

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Kayvon Thibodeaux, EDGE, Oregon 

I don’t think differences in personality should remove a talented player such as Thibodeaux from a draft board. Honestly, Hutchinson and Thibodeaux are in their own top-tier for me at the No. 2 pick.

Ahmad Gardner, CB, Cincinnati 

Position value aside, Gardner has a very high floor, and is difficult to find holes in his game. In a class filled with uncertainty, Gardner seems like one of the safest bets – if there is such a thing -- to succeed.

Kyle Hamilton, S, Notre Dame 

Much like Gardner, it’s tough to justify a safety second overall. The 4.59-second 40-time is a bit concerning as well. However, I feel safety is one position where the 40-yard dash is somewhat overrated. Instincts are paramount in the backend of a defense and Hamilton provides plenty in that department.

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Jermaine Johnson II, EDGE, Florida State 

If it wasn’t for being labeled a late bloomer, Johnson really checks all the boxes for what you want in an EDGE defender.

LATE FIRST/SECOND ROUND

George Pickens, WR, Georgia 

There are not many true outside No. 1 receivers with a high-end starter upside later in the draft. Pickens' college potential was zapped due to injury and spotty quarterback play the last two years. At 6-foot-3, Pickens has the ability to separate with plenty of impressive highlight-reel grabs.

Daxton Hill, DB, Michigan

The Lions could use a slot corner as well as a safety -- Hill could fill both roles. Yes, the nickel corner is basically a starter in today’s NFL, but even in the event of only two cornerbacks on the field, Hill has the ability to line up deep and still be a rangy defender.

Lewis Cine, S, Georgia

A deep free safety with the mentality of a box player. A very complete player with great coverage ability and physicality.

Arnold Ebiketie, EDGE, Penn State

Ebiketie would be my top choice on the EDGE if the Lions were to surprisingly pass on a pass rusher with their first pick. Even if they wanted to double up at the position, I would have no issues with that decision. Despite Ebiketie being on the shorter side, he still has great arm length as well as the requisite athleticism you want in a defensive end.

Leo Chenal, LB, Wisconsin 

Chenal is an old-school thumper. Sometimes that label carries a negative connotation synonymous with a plodder – not in Chenal’s case. He has high-end measurables across the board. Against the run, you won’t find many linebackers who are better. He has some work to do in pass defense, but you hope his quick feet can let him develop at the next level. If it doesn’t, Chenal still is an adept rusher in passing situations.

EARLY THIRD ROUND

Kerby Joseph, S, Illinois

A ball-hawking safety who had a breakout five-interception 2021 season. He has a knack for high-pointing and playing the ball in the air like a wideout. His wingspan was the second-longest behind only Hamilton at the NFL Combine.

Troy Andersen, LB, Montana State

The ultimate traits pick. Anderson is arguable the most athletic linebacker to ever show up at the combine. He played quarterback and running back before lining up solely on defense in 2021 – where he was a unanimous All-American.

Sam Williams, EDGE, Mississippi 

Williams is likely a pass-rushing specialist to start his career -- which is a pretty important role in today’s NFL. He has great burst and ran an impressive 4.46 forty-yard dash at 261-pounds. Long speed isn’t all that important for a defensive lineman, but it shows the type of athlete he is.

Cole Strange, IOL, Chattanooga 

The Lions could use some offensive line depth and Strange has the type of potential to take a risk on a reserve player at this point in the draft. Obviously, the goal would be for Strange to eventually take over at right guard in the future.

Zyon McCollum, CB, Sam Houston State 

Keeping the theme going, McCollum is yet another high-end athlete. He also has versatility as he played all over the defense. He projects well as an outside corner. Needless to say, he will be a bit of a project coming from a small school, but the ability is there.

LATE THIRD ROUND

Brian Asamoah, LB, Oklahoma 

An undersized coverage linebacker who can hit. He has sideline to sideline capability, but at only 226-pounds, there are some obvious limitations. The Lions currently don’t have someone who can do what Asamoah can, though.

Zach Tom, OL, Wake Forest 

I’m not entirely sure why Tom isn’t receiving more buzz. He has excellent mirroring ability and has experience playing center as well as left tackle the last two years. In a passing league, Tom can protect well. Maybe his play strength could improve, but strength is something that can be worked on.

Bryan Cook, S, Cincinnati 

Cook is just very good, but maybe not great, at everything. Size, speed, and good awareness to be in the right spot. Probably a little better against the run than in coverage, he might not be flashy but could be part of the safety rotation early with potential.

Jelani Woods, TE, Virginia 

Woods has been a riser after the combine. Used mostly as a blocker early in his college career while at Oklahoma State, the former quarterback never really excelled in the receiving game. When given more opportunities at Virginia, he produced. Given his 6-foot-7, 253-pound frame and off-the-charts athleticism, you bet on his traits that he can turn into something special at the next level.

Dameon Pierce, RB, Florida 

If there is one running back I wouldn’t mind the Lions taking a chance on in the middle rounds, it’s Pierce. Never seeing a full workload, Pierce still did more with his touches than many others did with more carries. His ability to break tackles and yards after contact was elite – which is what I want most out of a ball carrier.

LATE ROUND

Bo Melton, WR, Rutgers

Velus Jones Jr., WR, Tennessee

Keaontay Ingram, RB, USC

Kennedy Brooks, RB, Oklahoma

Daniel Bellinger, TE, San Diego State

Joshua Ezeudu, IOL, North Carolina

Marcus McKethan, OG, North Carolina

William Dunkle, OL, San Diego State

Percy Butler, S, Louisiana

Markquese Bell, S, Florida A&M

Joshua Williams, CB, Fayetteville State

Damarri Mathis, CB, Pittsburgh

Quandre Mosely, CB, Kentucky

Sam Webb, CB, Missouri Western

Eric Johnson, DL, Missouri State

Matthew Butler, DT, Tennessee

Curtis Brooks, DT, Cincinnati

Luiji Vilain, EDGE, Wake Forest

Mike Rose, LB, Iowa State

Devin Harper, LB, Oklahoma State

Chance Campbell, LB, Ole Miss

Damone Clark, LB, LSU