The Detroit Lions have a lot to watch at the NFL Combine this week. They currently sit with three picks inside the top 35 selections and five inside the top 100. That capital is especially needed given that they have a lot of holes to fill on both sides of the ball. Let’s take a look at some of the 2022 NFL Draft prospects the Lions should be watching this week.
NFL Draft prospects the Detroit Lions should be watching
The first question for the Lions is what they should do with the second overall selection. With a number of pass rushers highly ranked in this class, the Lions have a decision to make. Of course, they could also take their pick of the top quarterbacks available if they feel one merits a selection that high.
Let’s take a look at which QB and pass-rush prospects the Lions front office will have their eye on. Additionally, with needs at wide receiver, linebacker, and safety, there will be other players Detroit could select with their three picks in the top 35.
Kayvon Thibodeaux, EDGE, Oregon
The top-rated player right now in PFN’s Mock Draft Simulator is anything but a slam dunk selection at this point. Early on in the process, it seemed the No. 1 selection was a one-man race for Kayvon Thibodeaux. However, that narrative has changed recently.
A number of other pass rushers are sought-after in this class, and an offensive tackle is in play for the Jaguars. Therefore, the Lions could find Thibodeaux falling into their laps at No. 2. There have been concerns raised around Thibodeaux, and for the teams picking in the top three, the way he interviews could actually be more important than his performance on the field in Indianapolis.
Aidan Hutchinson, EDGE, Michigan
One of the pass rushers that could step up in Thibodeaux’s place is Aidan Hutchinson. Therefore, the Lions will have a close eye on him this week. Hutchinson’s star seemed to grow bigger every week in the college season, to the point he was challenging Thibodeaux.
While that star has fallen a little as people dig deeper into the tape, a good showing at the NFL Combine could remind teams just how good he looked on the field this year for Michigan. Additionally, if Thibodeaux does go first, the Lions will be looking to have narrowed down their options. With Detroit unlikely to be in the market for an OT, it really does seem like defense will be the pick for them at No. 2.
Sam Howell, QB, North Carolina
The one thing that could stop a defensive player from going second overall is a slam dunk performance from a QB this week. Malik Willis not working out reduces that chance, but Sam Howell and the other QBs will be desperate to show the Lions that they are a prospect the Lions cannot risk missing out on.
The expectation is that the Lions pass on QB at No. 2 and make a move for one later in the first round. However, things in the NFL Draft world are always fluid, and with the Lions not picking until 32, they might not be willing to risk losing out on their preferred selection.
Kenny Pickett, QB, Pittsburgh
Kenny Pickett was always going to make headlines before he even stepped on the field this week. Twitter exploded on Thursday morning with Pickett’s hand measurements and the concern they seemingly bring. The Lions will have to factor all of that into the bigger picture. They likely had a good opportunity to speak with Pickett this week, and now they will want to see him on the field in the drills.
While second overall might not be in play for Pickett, a pick later in the first round or early second round very well might be. Detroit may have to make some tough choices when it comes to a potential trade up in April, and Pickett could force their hand if he impresses everyone on the field in Indianapolis.
Kyle Hamilton, S, Notre Dame
Another player in contention for that second overall selection by the Lions is Kyle Hamilton out of Notre Dame. The safety is viewed to have a wide range of outcomes in mock drafts and has proven polarizing among draft analysts and fanbases.
Right now, we do not have a real idea of how each team views Hamilton, both in terms of role and value. However, the Lions have a need at both safety and linebacker. Thus, they may view Hamilton as a perfect solution to fill one of those needs and have the flexibility to help at both levels.
Ahmad Gardner, CB, Cincinnati
There are a number of corners that the Lions could have their eye on this week. Andrew Booth Jr. and Derek Stingley Jr. choosing not to perform at the NFL Combine could reduce the chance we see anything in Indianapolis that makes them pull the trigger at No. 2. However, with the talent Ahmad Gardner possesses, it is certainly not out of the question.
Additionally, the Lions could also have Kaiir Elam and Trent McDuffie circled as potential selections later in the first round or early second round. If one of them performs well and the Lions believe they will be available later, it could ease potential thoughts of going with a corner at the top of the draft.
Garrett Wilson & Chris Olave, WR, Ohio State
It seems like an outside shot that the Lions target a wide receiver with the second pick. However, the success of Ja’Marr Chase and Justin Jefferson in the past two years have shown the value a young receiver can add to an offense. There are perhaps three names in the frame, but only Garrett Wilson and Chris Olave will be on the field this week.
The alternative options in Indianapolis could be Treylon Burks and Jahan Dotson. Much like the cornerback situation, good performances from those two could mean the Lions are willing to wait on a receiver. However, if the fringe first-round prospects see their stock diminish, it could increase Wilson and Olave’s perceived value if they perform well this week.
Chad Muma, LB, Wyoming
With Nakobe Dean not set to test fully at the NFL Combine, Chad Muma could stake a claim as the second linebacker off the board. Of course, if Devin Lloyd‘s perceived value falls over the next six weeks, Muma could even be the first selection. While the NFL Combine can only change a player’s value by a finite amount, Muma could answer any outstanding questions that might be limiting him from being seen as a late first-round prospect.
Alongside Muma, Christian Harris will be a player the Lions might have half an eye on at the NFL Combine. Again, good performances from a couple of these prospects viewed as second-round options would help the Lions balance their board and prevent them potentially moving up if they felt a player like Lloyd was the best in the class by a distance.
Sam Howell is gonna be a bust.. lions should trade their 1st rd pick to anywhere between 8-12, receive an early 2nd rd pick for that, grab the best linebacker, hopefully Lloyd or Dean, (maybe Hamilton slips to them) then take Matt corral, ridder, or Willis with the 32nd pick.. 34th- big WR.. then another 2nd rd pick from the first rd trade to grab a safety, and then you get 2 3rd round picks (early 3rd rd pick) at that. 6 picks in the first 3 rounds would instantly make us worst to 1st if they can draft right this year. Which honestly seems like the year that changes this organization with this front and back office. QB is a must this year. Goff would be the best back up and mentor ever. This is the year that the organization needs to capitalize on to make the real change we need to being a winning organization for years too. Not just 1-2 good seasons. Literally the next decade relies on this draft. Even without the trade in the first rd, 5 picks in the first 3 rounds is game changing. Please make this a winning culture for once Detroit… if I’m wrong on anything I just said I’ll never make another opinion on what anyone should do with their life. I guarantee if they do exactly what I’m saying to do well be a top 5 team in the NFL within 2 seasons.