Lions draft picks 2022: Who did Detroit take? Full list of NFL Draft selections

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This draft has a good outlook for the Lions. Brad Holmes looks like a competent talent evaluator early in his GM career, and there isn't necessarily a risky quarterback to tempt the Lions at No. 2. That gives them leverage to move back if they want to, or address one of the other multiple positions of need.

The Lions are looking to make the playoffs for the first time since 2016, when they lost to the Seahawks 26-6 on Wild Card Weekend. They're coming off a 3-13-1 season in Dan Campbell's first year, and are looking to take a big leap in 2022.

Although Jared Goff at quarterback isn't the answer for the Lions long-term, his presence is a comforting one. It doesn't put the Lions in a position where they NEED to force drafting a quarterback this year, and can instead let him manage games in the coming season while they wait to see how the college football season shakes out.

With that being said, the team needs to improve next season. The Lions had an anemic offense and a porous defense last year, so finding some skill players in this draft and improving will be the name of the game. They have the capital to do it, they just need to spend it wisely. 

Here's a look at the Lions picks in the 2022 NFL Draft:

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Lions draft picks 2022: Who did Detroit take?

  • Round 1, Pick No. 2: Aidan Hutchinson, EDGE, Michigan
  • Round 1, Pick No. 12: Jameson Williams, WR, Alabama
  • Round 2, Pick No. 46: Josh Pascal, EDGE, Kentucky
  • Round 3, Pick No. 97: Kerby Joseph, S, Illinois
  • Round 5, Pick No. 177: James Mitchell, TE, Virginia Tech
  • Round 6, Pick No. 188: Malcolm Rodriguez, LB, Oklahoma State
  • Round 6, Pick No. 217: James Houston, EDGE, Jackson State
  • Round 7, Pick No. 237: Chase Lucas, CB, Arizona State

Click here for live analysis and grades on every pick.

Lions 2022 NFL Draft order

Round Pick
1 2
1 12 (from Vikings)
2 46 (from Vikings)
3 97 (compensatory)
5 177 (compensatory)
6 181
6 217 (compensatory)

MORE: Compare latest mock drafts from Mel Kiper, Daniel Jeremiah, Todd McShay, other experts

Lions NFL draft needs

  • Pass rusher: The Lions were 30th in the league last year in sacks, with Charles Harris leading the team at 7.5. Detroit is in dire need of a premier pass rusher, particularly in a division that features Aaron Rodgers. This has been a longtime trend for the Lions, but one of Kayvon Thibodeaux, Travon Walker or Aidan Hutchinson just makes sense for the Lions. They have to at least look like they're addressing the position, as they really haven't had a difference-maker of a pass rusher since Ezekiel Ansah.
  • Wide Receiver: Amon-Ra St. Brown is shaping up to be a solid pick for the Lions, but they need more in way of wide receivers. The Josh Reynolds signing paid dividends for them last year, and they signed him to a two-year extension in March to reward that, but they still don't have a true playmaker at the position. One of this year's good to very good receivers should be available at No. 32. If he is, they should pounce on him.
  • Linebacker: Linebacker has long been a bugaboo for the Lions, and they lack a true ball-hawking off-ball player. Signing Jarrad Davis is kicking some old tires for Detroit, and competition would do him well. Getting a player who can find the ball in the running back would be invaluable for a Detroit team that has struggled to have a difference maker on the second level.
  • Safety: Safety is a weird position for the Lions, as Tracy Walker III is good for them but not impressive in coverage. Getting a player who can rotate down in coverage as well as play that centerfield position would give Aaron Glenn a lot more freedom in his defensive playcalling, which was good in general last year but limited by his personnel.
  • Quarterback: Regardless of whether it's a need that must be addressed this year, it is a need. Malik Willis is an enticing option this season, but at No. 2 he would be a reach and it's hard to imagine him on the board at No. 32. Detroit would do better to sit this year out and ride with Goff. But if ownership gets impatient, taking a QB early isn't out of the question.

Detroit Lions mock draft 2022

Here are the latest 2022 NFL Draft projections for the Lions, according to Vinnie Iyer's seven-round mock draft:

Round Pick Player Position College
1 2 Kyle Hamilton S Notre Dame
1 32 Devin Lloyd LB Utah
2 34 John Metchie III WR Alabama
3 66 Sam Howell QB North Carolina
3 97 Mykael Wright CB Oregon
5 177 Bam Knight RB NC State
6 181 Chigoziem Okokowo TE Maryland
6 217 Nephi Sewell LB Utah
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Kevin Skiver is a content producer at The Sporting News