With some early picks and a lot of picks overall, the Detroit Lions’ 2022 draft capital is well-positioned compared to the rest of the league.
It’s not a secret that the Detroit Lions are in a solid position heading toward the 2022 NFL Draft. They have two first-round picks, another pick early in the second round that may yield a first-round talent that fell a bit and five of the first 100 picks overall. General manager Brad Holmes will be able to keep stocking the cupboard with young talent.
The Lions are one of four teams who own multiple 2022 first-round picks. The other three all have theirs in the top-20. But Detroit is still in a good position.
According to a chart from Warren Sharp of Sharp Football and NBC Sports, the Lions hold the fifth-most total value in the 2022 draft. The New York Jets, Philadelphia Eagles and New York Giants, the others with multiple first-rounders, and the Jacksonville Jaguars, who have the No. 1 overall pick, are the only teams with more value in draft capital.
which teams have the most draft capital to spend on players in the 2022 NFL Draft?
— Warren Sharp (@SharpFootball) February 23, 2022
#1 - NYJ (all front loaded, no picks after the 5th round)
#2 - PHI
#3 - NYG
#4 - JAX
#5 - DET
full listing of total draft value & every pick for all 32 teams (includes comp picks, see note) pic.twitter.com/sHK9Urd4dk
Ample draft capital gives the Detroit Lions some options
For whatever it’s worth, Holmes has said he’s open for business–up to and including moving the second overall pick. Teams may look to trade up to that No. 2 spot for a player they want to make sure they get, putting Detroit in position to move down a little, add another pick (or more) and still get someone they like. It would take a significant trade offer to move off No. 2, but it can’t be ruled out for one to come.
With two picks in three selections late in the first round and early in the second, and an extra first-round pick again in 2023 (thank you, Matthew Stafford trade), the Lions also have proverbial ammo to move up from the last pick of the first round if there’s someone they really covet.
It’s nice to have multiple options in any draft. On a list depicting who has the most or best options for the 2022 draft, with multiple needs and plenty of draft capital, the Lions might land higher than fifth.