2022 NFL Draft: Detroit Lions 7-Round 2022 Mock Draft

ARLINGTON, TEXAS - DECEMBER 31: Desmond Ridder #9 of the Cincinnati Bearcats looks to pass against the Alabama Crimson Tide during the first quarter in the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic for the College Football Playoff semifinal game at AT&T Stadium on December 31, 2021 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TEXAS - DECEMBER 31: Desmond Ridder #9 of the Cincinnati Bearcats looks to pass against the Alabama Crimson Tide during the first quarter in the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic for the College Football Playoff semifinal game at AT&T Stadium on December 31, 2021 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images)
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Credit: Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images
Credit: Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images

Fifth Round

Goodrich’s fellow Clemson cornerback teammate, Andrew Booth, is a likely first-round pick. But the recent Cheez-It Bowl MVP (with a pick-six touchdown and a forced fumble) is going to get drafted too. He was First Team All-ACC selection this year, with 43 total tackles, two interceptions and nine pass breakups.

The Lions will be looking to add talent in the secondary in the draft. Goodrich looks like another good fit.

Sixth Round

Mays missed Tennessee’s Music CIty Bowl loss with a foot injury. Combined with his time Georgia before transferring, he made starts at right tackle, right guard and left tackle during his college career and saw time at all five positions across the line. He projects as a guard in the NFL

Malone was the pick in this spot last week, and the board falls that way again. The two-time Conference USA Defensive Player of the Year (2019, 2021) had another big season for the Hilltoppers this year (94 total tackes, 17.5 tackles for loss, eight sacks, four pass breakups).

Malone is a bit on the light side (240 pounds) and it’s fair to assume he’ll have some work to do in terms of any coverage responsibilities as an outside linebacker in the Lions’ base 3-4 scheme. But he can be asked to pin his ears back and get after the quarterback while he refines his all-around game.

Schedule