Skip to main content

Lions draft picks: Grades for Detroit selections in 2022 NFL Draft


The Detroit Lions are in an interesting spot heading into Thursday's draft.

Detroit got better throughout last year in Year 1 under coach Dan Campbell, but Jared Goff is almost certainly not the future at quarterback. When do the Lions draft their quarterback of the future?

Here's the Lions' picks, selections and grades for the 2022 NFL Draft.

NFL DRAFT PICK TRACKER: NFL Draft 2022: First round picks, live instant grades, trades, updates

TV INFO: How to watch 2022 NFL Draft first round on TV, live stream

1st Round, No. 2 overall | Aidan Hutchinson, DE, Michigan

Instant grade:  A

Analysis:  Hutchinson is the top edge player in the draft. His motor and pass-rushing technique is the best among the top defenders. 

1st Round, No. 12 overall (from Minnesota) | Jameson Williams, WR, Alabama

Instant grade:  A

Analysis:  Williams is coming off a knee injury suffered during the college football postseason, but his tape is as good as any player in this draft in 2021. Like former Alabama receiver Jaylen Waddle, Williams is so dynamic and quick with the ball in his hands. His deep route running is tops in the class; Amon-Ra St. Brown with Williams will be a treat once the Lions find their QB of the future.

TRADE: The Lions traded the No. 32, No. 34 and No. 66 picks to Minnesota for the No. 12 and No. 46 overall picks, according to NFL Network.

2nd Round, No. 46 overall (from Minnesota) | Josh Paschal, DE, Kentucky

Instant grade:  B

Analysis:  Paschal won't be an edge-bending defensive end but will succeed in eating up blockers and disengaging. He's a little undersized to be a consistent three-technique, but he can be a disruptive odd-man front lineman. Good hands and good instincts.

3rd Round, No. 97 overall (compensatory) | Kerby Joseph, DB, Illinois

Instant grade:  B-minus

Analysis:  Joseph broke out last season and plays moreso around the line of scrimmage and in the slot.

5th Round, No. 177 overall (compensatory) | James Mitchell, TE, Virginia Tech

Instant grade:  A-minus

6th Round, No. 188 overall (from Seattle via Jacksonville and Philadelphia) | Malcolm Rodriguez, LB, Oklahoma State

Instant grade:  A-minus

6th Round, No. 217 overall (compensatory) | James Houston, EDGE, Jackson State

Instant grade:  A-minus

7th Round, No. 237 overall (from New Orleans via Philadelphia) | Chase Lucas, DB, Arizona State

Instant grade:  B