Malik Willis to Detroit Lions keeps some traction in NFL.com mock

In the wild world of mock drafts, Malik Willis to the Detroit Lions continues to have some traction.

With the 2022 NFL Draft two weeks away now, it feels like we are pummeled by mock drafts every single day. In his recent four-round mock, NFL.com draft analyst Chad Reuter is on the boat giving Detroit Lions their future signal caller early.

Reuter has Liberty quarterback Malik Willis going to the Lions at pick two. While it has been rumored and mocked plenty, it would be a massive shakeup to this year’s draft.

"Detroit could take Travon Walker or Kayvon Thibodeaux with this pick, but Willis is the player who would make the biggest impact on the future of the franchise,” Reuter said. “His playmaking ability and personality will allow him to lead the Lions to a playoff win during his career, something missing from their résumé for the past 30 years.”"

Willis has been mocked across the first round over time, high and low. With the Lions sitting in prime position at No. 2 overall, should they pull the trigger and take him?

Why Malik Willis at No. 2 is the WRONG move for the Lions 

As intriguing as Willis may seem for many Lions fans, this is the wrong move at second overall Looking back at the 2021 Lions team, the defense was the primary issue and a talent infusion is needed.

Assuming Jacksonville takes Michigan defensive end Aidan Hutchinson at No. 1 overall, there are a handful of players available who would immediately make an impact on Detroit’s defense this year.

Kayvon Thibodeaux is a name that was flying high well before any of the litany of mock drafts came out. Thibodeaux brings a prowess to the Lions’ defensive line that hasn’t been seen since the likes of Ndamukong Suh. With the Lions pass rush coming in 29th overall in Pro Football Focus’ rankings a season ago, pass rush is an immediate concern Thibodeaux could bring some relief to.

Alongside Thibodeaux is Georgia defensive lineman Travon Walker, who has been mocked to the Lions off a stong showing at the NFL Combine. He regarded as someone who can line up anywhere across a defensive front.

With the likes of Thibodeaux and Walker as prospects for the No. 2 pick, with a few others possibly in play, it would be a major stretch for the Lions to take Willis with their first pick. Quarterback is definitely a position of need moving forward. But the Lions need to build their defense, before taking a quarterback they hope to have lead the franchise.