Detroit Lions 2022 NFL Draft: Reactions and pick grades
By Zach Payne
Round 6, No. 188 overall: Malcolm Rodriguez, LB, Oklahoma State
It seemed as if linebacker would go completely unaddressed in this draft. But with their first pick of the sixth round, the Lions snagged Rodriguez. He’s undersized, but his athleticism is a welcome add to the Detroit linebacking corps.
Malcolm Rodriguez was drafted with pick 188 of round 6 in the 2022 draft class. He scored a 9.28 RAS out of a possible 10.00. This ranked 176 out of 2419 LB from 1987 to 2022. https://t.co/u2V4pIhCdf #RAS #Lions pic.twitter.com/RrWp6jvosb
— Kent Lee Platte (@MathBomb) April 30, 2022
At 5-foot-11, 232 pounds, Rodriguez has a similar build to Nakobe Dean (5-foot-11, 229 pounds), whom many fans (including myself) wanted Detroit to draft. Dean and Rodriguez share similar athletic traits too.
.@CowboyFB @malcolmlrod can find the football. Going to make a ton of tackles in the #NFL. #NFLDraft #BaldysBreakdowns pic.twitter.com/cIHa4rELQ6
— Brian Baldinger (@BaldyNFL) April 27, 2022
Due to his skill set and experience coming in, some have opined that Rodriguez could push to start pretty quickly. He could see a similar path to snaps as Derrick Barnes did last season, gradually playing more and more throughout the course of the season. He should also be expected to be an immediate contributor on special teams which is ti be expected from Day 3 picks.
Grade: A