The Detroit Lions draft dust has settled, so how did they do?

As Day 3 started, Lions fans had to wait a while before Detroit was on the clock. With no pick in the fourth round, their next selection came near the end of the fifth round.

With many fans clamoring for defensive help, Holmes used pick number 177 to select Virginia Tech tight end James Mitchell. However, depth at tight end is a need and the Lions just got a very interesting prospect.

Mitchell only played in two games last season before being sidelined by a knee injury for the remainder of the year. If he had not been injured he would have been selected higher than the fifth round. He Has the talent to be an all-around tight end that blocks as well as catches the ball and we can expect that Campbell will push him to be just that..

Along with needing to improve as a blocker, Mitchell does need to be better at route-running.

At pick No. 188 in the sixth round, after the Lions traded back with Philadelphia picking up a seventh-round choice in the progress, they snagged Oklahoma State linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez. He is undersized, but he was very productive.

Rodriguez was very productive at Oklahoma State. With 76 solo tackles, tied for sixth in the nation, he has an opportunity to quickly become a core player on special teams but could become a regular contributor in time with his nose for the ball.

Later in the sixth round at pick No. 217, Holmes selected edge rusher James Houston out of Jackson State. Houston was listed as an edge rusher, but he played off the ball at Florida before transfering to play for Deion Sanders and dominating FCS competition last year (16.5 sacks).

Houston’s versatility will be put to good use in Aaron Glenn’s defense. The running theme of pressuring opposing quarterbacks continued with this selection, but Houston has a chance to contribute beyond that. This could be Detroit’s  2022 draft steal. Only time will tell, but considering Glenn’s ability to develop his players and put them in a position to succeed. Houston could see the field plenty a lot faster than anyone expects.

To wrap up the Lions 2022 draft class Holmes used their final pick, No. 237 acquired from the Eagles, to select cornerback Chase Lucas out of Arizona State. Lucas was a team captain and a three-time All-Pac-12 selection. Lucas brings versatility to the table after playing outside and in the slot for the Sun Devils.

Lucas will be another project for Glenn and defensive backs coach Aubrey Pleasant. But considering the job they did with a secondary decimated by injuries last season, we shouldn’t bet against Lucas.

The Lions added several pieces to their defense, especially the pass rush, a game-breaking receiver (once he’s fully healthy) and depth at tight end. If pressed to give a final grade, I would have to give the Lions an ‘Incomplete’.

While this draft class certainly appears to have promise, it is way too early to grade it. But if Hutchinson and Williams meet expectations and the most of the rest of the class ends up contributing, then the Lions should be headed in the right direction.