Detroit Lions sign Josh Paschal, entire 2022 rookie class now under contract

Josh Paschal lingered as the last Detroit Lions’ 2022 draft pick to sign, but now it is done.

The Detroit Lions signed seven of their eight 2022 draft picks very quickly. All the way through OTAs and mandatory minicamp, second-round defensive end Josh Paschal lingered as the only one unsigned. On Friday afternoon, the team announced Paschal has signed.

The reason for Paschal’s absence from the practice field during mandatory minicamp was fairly clear (he wasn’t under contract), though it was later revealed he was dealing with a lingering “lower extremity” injury. The injury was confirmed to be related to an injury he had late last season at Kentucky and kept him out of the Wildcats’ bowl game. It’s not clear if he’ll be ready for the start of training camp.

Lions wrap up 2022 draft class with Josh Paschal signing

Paschal was not alone among second-round picks who hadn’t signed. Most around the league haven’t. In terms of historical timing, Jeremy Reisman of Pride of Detroit reminded us all about last year’s Lions’ rookie class and when some of them signed their rookie deals. And he left out Ifeatu Melifonwu, who didn’t sign until right before training camp.

Paschal got high marks during the pre-draft process for his intangibles, as a three-time captain at Kentucky and a cancer survivor. But that should not lead to ignoring his talent and athleticism (9.70 Relative Athletic Score). He is lined up to be a versatile piece for a Lions’ defensive line that will move toward using four-man fronts this year, capable of coming off the edge or working inside as a three-technique in different rush packages.

Lions general manager Brad Holmes said after the draft that Paschal was, in so many words, a player he had to have. Now he has signed his rookie contract, and the focus can completely shift to his getting healthy before training camp starts.