The Detroit Lions possess the second and 32nd picks in the 2022 NFL Draft, making their predictions twice the fun. For a while, it seemed the QB class would slip a bit, allowing the Lions to draft the second or third signal-caller off the board with that second first-round pick. But with the importance of the position, it’s unlikely they can accomplish that. If they want to secure their QB of the future, they’ll need to do so with their first pick. But they don’t have to. Here are our projections for the Lions in the 2022 NFL Draft.
Detroit Lions 2022 NFL Draft predictions
There are a few ways the Lions could go about the first night of the draft if they have a specific quarterback in mind. They could stand pat and draft a QB with their early pick, trade down and hope their QB is still around, or trade up from their late first-round pick to select their guy.
Prediction 1: Staying where they are
If Detroit stays where they are and is dead set on drafting one of the top quarterbacks, there’s only one realistic option. In this NFL Draft prediction, the Lions draft Liberty QB Malik Willis to eventually replace Jared Goff.
Willis has the physical upside that is practically required to be a high-functioning NFL QB in this era. But he is more of a project as a top QB prospect than we’ve seen from previous classes. Sitting behind Goff for the entire season — or until late in the year — should be expected.
However, just because the Lions need a quarterback doesn’t mean they must draft one. If they aren’t in love, they could simply punt until 2023, when the class looks stronger.
If the Lions are committed to building long-term, David Ojabo would be a high-upside pick who would redshirt his rookie season due to an Achilles tear. The pass rusher had arguably the highest ceiling in the class before injuring himself at Michigan’s Pro Day.
In this NFL draft prediction, they could also look at a few safety options. Lewis Cine, Jaquan Brisker, and Daxton Hill could all be enticing. Receivers like Jahan Dotson, George Pickens, or Jameson Williams. Williams shouldn’t be there at 32, but a torn ACL in the CFP National Championship Game could see him slide a bit.
Prediction 2: Trading back trade up
If the Lions trade back from No. 2, it would be because they aren’t locked in on any of the quarterbacks and feel comfortable waiting. Either that or they don’t like the class and are willing to pass on the position in the 2022 NFL Draft. A trade back from second overall could give them the assets to move up in 2023.
However, if there are a few quarterbacks they fancy in this class, they could use some of their capital to move back up into the 20s to take a signal-caller if they start coming off the board quickly. This NFL Draft prediction requires a team needing to trade up for Willis.
Trading back with Carolina at No. 6 makes sense. They’re QB needy. Matt Rhule’s backside must feel like it’s been planted on a heated driver’s seat after last season. However, it’s been rumored on Panthers-focused sites that David Tepper wants Kenny Pickett. It’s unlikely anybody looks to draft him before that sixth pick, so moving up seems unnecessarily aggressive.
But Seattle could use the ninth pick and more to move all the way up for Willis if they fall in love. That puts Detroit in a position to possibly take the top receiver off the board. They could then trade up from 32 to draft a QB like Desmond Ridder, Sam Howell, or another quarterback they deem worthy.
Prediction 3: Staying put and trading up from 32 for a QB
Nothing changes from the last NFL Draft prediction regarding trading up for a quarterback. Now, the only pesky question is, what to do at No. 2? Jacksonville is probably set on Aidan Hutchinson at this point. Detroit could continue to build in the trenches, or they could add a piece to the back end.
Kyle Hamilton is a perfect fit for any situation. The Notre Dame defensive back is athletic enough to play as a single-high safety but could flourish doing anything. Hamilton is a chess piece. He can fit the run from depth and cover half the field. Detroit could also add to a decent pass-rushing unit with a high-end prospect like Kayvon Thibodeaux or Travon Walker.
Detroit Lions 2022 NFL Draft needs
The Lions’ need at QB is obvious. Aside from a struggling rookie class, only Ben Roethlisberger and Sam Darnold had a lower expected points added/completion percentage over expectation composite in 2021 than Goff. The Lions’ quarterback ranked 20th in Football Outsiders’ DVOA and 26th in QBR.
That could improve as Amon-Ra St. Brown enters his second season and DJ Chark enters the fold, but Detroit could still use another receiver. The Lions could also benefit from drafting a linebacker, safety, or defensive end.