Lions 2022 NFL Draft: 5 prospects to watch in conference title games

2. Michigan DE Aidan Hutchinson

If you missed Hutchinson’s big performance (three sacks) against Ohio State over the Thanksgiving weekend, and his stock rising to rival Oregon’s Kayvon Thibodeaux in the No. 1 overall pick conversation to the Lions, don’t fret. There’s an opportunity to see the Wolverines’ single-season sack record holder (13 this season) in the Big Ten title game against Iowa. The Hawkeyes have allowed 31 sacks this season (2.58 per game; tied for 92nd in FBS, out of 130 teams). Fellow Michigan edge rusher David Ojabo is another prospect to watch on Saturday night.

How to watch Hutchinson (and Ojabo): Big Ten Championship Game vs. Iowa, Sat. Dec. 4, 8:00 p.m. ET, TV: FOX

1. Alabama WR Jameson Williams

Williams (an Ohio State transfer) is having a fabulous season for the Crimson Tide, with 65 catches for 1,261 yards (20.7 yards per catch) and 13 touchdowns heading into the SEC title game against Georgia. He’s not necessarily likely to be a first-round pick, and in a recent three-round mock SI.com had the Lions taking him in the third round.

I don’t agree with his mid-first round grade at this point, but here are the comps Daniel Kelly of SI.com offered for Williams.

"NFL comparable: Mark Duper, Percy Harvin"

The Duper comp might be a little old school for some, but it’s not a stretch. Williams already seems to be a more versatile and complete receiver than Harvin ever was, but in a broad sense the comp makes sense.

The Lions need to add a receiver who can stretch the field, and Williams can certainly do that. He’s one of the next in Alabama’s NFL pipeline of wide receivers.

How to watch Williams: SEC Championship Game vs. Georgia, Sat. Dec. 4, 4:00 p.m. ET, TV: CBS