Lions Draft EDGE James Houston at No. 217 in Sixth Round

Lions have selected their third NFL Draft prospect on Day 3.

John Maakaron | Apr 30, 2022

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Detroit Lions

The Detroit Lions have selected an EDGE rusher in the sixth round of the 2022 NFL Draft.

Lions general manager Brad Holmes looked to an HBCU school to select Jackson State product James Houston at No. 217 in the sixth round.

"Houston is a big, rangy player that uses his length to his advantage. He will flow to the ball and stick his nose in the pile early and often. Houston does a stellar job dropping his hips and beating linemen around the edge or as a blitzed inside linebacker," SI's NFL Draft Bible detailed in its scouting report. "Hands are tools for him, showing a variety of placement and technique with them as he works his pass rush moves. Can really enforce with big hits in the open field where he is also adequate carrying tight ends up the seam."

In 2021, Houston led the FCS with seven forced fumbles, and was second with 24.5 tackles for loss. He also recorded 70 total tackles (52 solo), 16.5 sacks, two fumble recoveries, an interception and eight QB hurries.

Additionally, for his efforts, he was named first-team All-SWAC.

Barring any additional trades, Detroit will next pick in the seventh round, as the team possesses pick No. 237.

Picks made by Lions in 2022 NFL Draft

Round 1, Pick 2 -- Michigan DL Aidan Hutchinson
Round 1, Pick 12 -- Alabama WR Jameson Williams
Round 2, Pick 46 -- Kentucky DE Josh Paschal
Round 3, Pick 97 -- Illinois S Kerby Joseph
Round 5, Pick 177 -- Virginia Tech TE James Mitchell
Round 6, Pick 188 -- Oklahoma State LB Malcolm Rodriguez

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Published Apr 30, 2022

JOHN MAAKARON

John Maakaron has covered Detroit Sports since 2013. Brings a vast array of experience covering the Detroit Tigers, Detroit Lions, Michigan Wolverines, Michigan State Spartans, Detroit Mercy Titans, and Oakland University Golden Grizzlies. John brings a wealth of sports broadcast experience. In 2013, John had the vision to establish the Detroit Sports Podcast Network. Has recorded over 3000 podcasts analyzing Detroit Sports. In 2019, Sports Illustrated Media Group, a historical sports media outlet, partnered with Detroit Sports Podcast to provide daily Lions content for their growing and expanding digital media outlet. Our Lions content can also be read in the newspaper at The Oakland Passionate about Detroit Sports and it is reflected in his coverage of the local teams!