Lions Mock Draft 2022: Drafting All 7 Rounds

Lions Mock Draft 2022

The Detroit Lions possess the opportunity to change the trajectory of their franchise throughout the 2022 NFL Draft. General manager Brad Holmes owns two first-round selections, including the No. 2 overall pick. A Lions franchise that crawled to three victories last season must take advantage of a golden opportunity to improve their roster. Holmes will face pressure to make the correct selections, as we will too in this Lions Mock Draft.

Using our Mock Draft Machine, I looked at which prospects the Lions could target. Here is my seven-round Lions Mock Draft, including why each pick and prospect addresses a team need.

7-Round Lions Mock Draft

Round 1 (No. 2 overall): Malik Willis, QB, Liberty

Largely expected to be the first quarterback selected, Liberty’s Malik Willis has attached a jetpack to his pre-draft stock by acing the process. The most physically-gifted signal-caller in the class, Willis was electric in front of key NFL decision-makers while throwing the football throughout the NFL Scouting Combine and at his Pro Day. 

Current starting quarterback Jared Goff is a bridge option that ultimately lacks the high-end talent to take the Lions where they want to go. Willis possesses a raw skill set that may be best developed by sitting on the bench for a year. Goff is capable enough to start in 2022, but the Lions should feel comfortable betting the future on Willis.

Round 1 (No. 32 overall): Daxton Hill, S, Michigan

Michigan’s Daxton Hill is an extremely versatile defender that can move all over the Lions’ defensive backfield. Defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn played in the league for 15 seasons and possesses a high understanding of how to best utilize a player of Hill’s stature. Whether he’s playing as a nickel defender in the slot or as a single-high safety, Hill carries the potential to be an immediate difference-maker.

The Lions must improve their situation at safety. Will Harris struggled mightily all throughout the 2021 campaign and mustn’t be relied upon going forward. Hill would slot into Detroit’s starting lineup as an immediate upgrade.

Round 2 (No. 34 overall): Quay Walker, LB, Georgia

I seriously considered Nakobe Dean at 32nd overall, but in this scenario, Dean was selected by the Tennessee Titans with the 26th pick. The Lions are hosting Dean on a Top 30 visit later this month, a fact that showcases their interest in the top-ranked linebackers. Dean’s teammate Quay Walker represents one heck of a consolation prize.

The Lions brought back inside linebacker Jarrad Davis earlier this offseason, but more is required at the position. The Lions badly need more speed and overall athleticism at the position. Walker possesses those attributes in bunches. His sideline-to-sideline abilities make him an extremely intriguing prospect.

Round 3 (No. 66 overall): Drake Jackson, EDGE, USC

A Lions defense that recorded a pathetic 30 sacks last season must apply more pressure on opposing quarterbacks going forward. Only the Atlanta Falcons (18) and Philadelphia Eagles (29) totaled fewer team sacks a year ago. Holmes re-signed leading sack-artist Charles Harris to a two-year contract worth $14 million earlier this offseason, and the returning Romeo Okwara could help them take another step forward, but the Lions must fill out the position. Trey Flowers was released after failing to make the desired impact in Detroit.

Drake Jackson is a long-armed EDGE defender that possesses excellent first-step explosiveness. He is a flexible athlete that threatens the pocket with great bend ability. Jackson is a mobile defender that would thrive in Glenn’s defense that places emphasis on speed and spacing.

Round 3 (No. 97 overall): Martin Emerson, CB, Mississippi State

Jeff Okudah has struggled to remain healthy throughout his professional career and the Lions must take steps to better protect themselves going forward. Amani Oruwariye has been an excellent and underrated find at cornerback, but the Lions must surround him with more appropriate running mates after fielding a bottom-10 passing defense last season.

Martin Emerson is a long and physical cornerback that plays with a terrific amount of physicality. Emerson’s ability to thrive while playing an aggressive style of press-man coverage should allow him to make a rather straightforward transition to the next level. Emerson could provide the Lions with immediate snaps at cornerback.

Round 5 (No. 177 overall): Justyn Ross, WR, Clemson

Holmes entered the offseason with a clear plan of attack to upgrade Detroit’s pass-catching corps. The signing of D.J. Chark in free agency represents a terrific move for an offense that desperately required a field-stretcher of that nature. Chark should immediately become the Lions’ No. 1 receiver. 

Amon-Ra St. Brown enjoyed an excellent rookie campaign and should continue his ascension as a sophomore. Josh Reynolds, who enjoyed a fruitful second half, was wisely retained in free agency, as was Kalif Raymond. This takes some of the pressure off Holmes and he shouldn’t force a pick at receiver. 

Clemson’s Justyn Ross represents great value in the fifth round. Ross blends together size with strong catch-point skills. Ross will be an immediate threat in the red zone, an area the Lions must get better in.

Round 6 (No. 181 overall): Haskell Garrett, DT, Ohio State

The Lions have some intriguing young defensive linemen in Alim McNeill and Levi Onwuzurike. Both players should continue developing their skill sets in their sophomore campaigns, but finding extra defensive line depth on Day 3 never hurt anybody.

Ohio State’s Haskell Garrett is an excellent athlete for the position that loves to attack gaps vertically. Garrett possesses powerful hands that he utilizes to shock back opposing offensive linemen. He possesses the type of quickness, power, and overall physicality that head coach Dan Campbell preaches from the position. It’s easy to project the Lions’ affinity for a player of Garrett’s mental and physical make-up.

Round 6 (No. 217 overall): Andrew Stueber, OT, Michigan

Detroit is well set up at the offensive tackle positions going forward with Taylor Decker manning the blindside and last year’s top-10 selection Penei Sewell at right tackle, but selecting offensive linemen on Day 3 that could develop into high-upside backups and potential starters is a wise move in a league that constantly craves O-line talent.

Michigan’s Andrew Stueber is a physical and versatile offensive lineman that could play both inside and outside. Holmes’ scouting team didn’t have to travel far to watch Stueber play on Saturdays. Stueber is a long and powerful prospect that could develop into a late-round steal.

Round 7 (No. 234 overall): Tyler Allgeier, RB, BYU

D’Andre Swift is a superstar workhorse at the position, but Jamaal Williams is entering a contract season in 2022 and could play out his final season as a member of the Lions. Holmes would be wise to plan for the future of the position behind Swift on late Day 3.

BYU’s Tyler Allgeier fits the profile of Campbell’s Lions. He’s an extremely physical and aggressive downhill runner. Allgeier played linebacker in high school, and his background helped him develop his physical nature. In the passing game, Allgeier could eventually help offset the potential loss of Williams by serving as a check-down option.

Your turn!

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