The 2022 NFL draft is complete and the Detroit Lions took their best swing at it. The only question left is–how did they do?
The Detroit Lions 2022 draft class is now complete. In total, it didn’t make everyone happy. But regardless of individual reactions, it will eventually be considered a success or bust. That being said, this is when we rush to judgment all too soon.
Like many fans, I did the usual sequester to the man-cave for the draft. While my decisions of whether to go with nachos or pizza were important to my process, those decisions paled to the choices general manager Brad Holmes had to make and his process.
Some of those choices were quite popular. Others brought out a different reaction.
With the second overall selection, the Lions did make what was considered the obvious or popular choice by going with hometown hero Aidan Hutchinson. Aaron Glenn put it the best when he discussed the importance of choosing the best player available, but how fortunate it is when that player also fits a need.
In this case, it did. It has been questioned whether Hutchinson was the most talented edge rusher in the draft. While that may be up for debate, what isn’t is in doubt is his motor and leadership qualities. Hutchinson has more than enough ability to be really good. What can possibly make him great is his all-out effort and determination.
Hutchinson never takes a play off and tends to show up in big situations. He will be one of the faces of this young Lions team and his work ethic should be infectious. Especially given the type of players Holmes and head coach Dan Campbell are building this team around.
It was just shortly after that the Lions surprised everyone by trading up for the rights to the 12th overall pick. This of course was when they chose Alabama star receiver Jameson Williams.
There were those I know who grew violent and yelled at their televisions because this move didn’t address the defense. When it occurred I thought of Kyle Hamilton and Williams. It turned out to be Williams. And while defense should and mostly was a premium for the Lions in this draft, it’s hard to ignore the talent Williams possesses.
One of the nay-sayer phrases I heard was ‘you can get a receiver anywhere’. The Lions may have found a gem in Amon-Ra St. Brown, but outside of him and the late addition of Josh Reynolds, the receiving corps were running on empty, and adding a legitimate play-maker with super-speed isn’t anything to laugh at.
Williams has to get fully healthy, but once he is he will bring a presence to the Lions’ offense that will cause defenses to have to game plan for. It will create openings for the other receivers and the ground game.
Ultimately, Jared Goff will have to air it out to Williams at least a couple of times a game to keep opponents honest.
Moving from the first round, here are reviews of Day 2 and Day 3 of the 2022 NFL Draft for the Detroit Lions.