Detroit Lions 7-Round 2022 NFL Mock Draft: Week 18 edition
Fifth Round
177. 50. Sterling Weatherford. player. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. S. Miami (OH)
Recruited to Miami of Ohio as a cornerback, Weatherford was a safety by trade for the RedHawks but played all over the field (single-high, Cover 2, slot coverage). He is quite simply big (6-foot-4, 215 pounds), with the ability to make an impact in the run and pass game.
#MiamiOH vs #NorthTexas kicking off, a player that affects the game in both the running and passing games is #MiamiOh S Sterling Weatherford. Great length, ability to match up with tight ends and really solid tackler in open field.pic.twitter.com/TE1usDLZp1
— Devin Jackson (@RealD_Jackson) December 23, 2021
The Lions need some help at safety, and Weatherford would look pretty good paired with Tracy Walker (if he’s re-signed). Regardless, Weatherford is the kind of versatile defender NFL teams are looking for, and he could prove to be a steal here.
Sixth Round
Pick Analysis. USC. player. 50. Scouting Report. CB. Isaac Taylor-Stuart. 181
The Lions go back to the USC well here, this time for some secondary help and Taylor-Stuart has declared for April’s draft. He never put up big numbers as a Trojan, but his size (6-foot-2, 200 pounds) and speed (a 4.2 40-yard dash at Helix High, h/t to Reign of Troy) are certainly intriguing.
Taylor-Stuart will need some coaching up at the NFL level, in terms of playing the ball and awareness when the ball is in the air (26 completions for 440 yards allowed this season, on 38 targets according to Pro Football Focus). But the Lions are well-equipped to provide that tutelage, with defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn and defensive backs coach Aubrey Pleasant in the fold.
50. Pick Analysis. 217. player. Scouting Report. OG. Minnesota. Blaise Andries
The Lions never had all five of their projected offensive line starters together for a game this season. Adding some depth may be an order, and the draft provides an opportunity here.
Andries was a fairly decorated four-year starter at Minnesota, making 46 straight starts along the way sprinkled across each guard and tackle spot. That’s versatility the Lions can use.