2022 NFL Team Mock Draft: Detroit Lions

by Cody Carpentier · NFL Draft

PlayerProfiler/RotoUnderworld Head Game Analyst and NFL Draft Analyst Cody Carpentier is back for more; now breaking down his NFL Mock Draft 4.0 in a short team-by-team series. Starting with the New York Jets, New York Giants, Detroit Lions, and on to Jacksonville. If you want to see your favorite team, go to Twitter @CarpentierNFL and leave Cody a comment on what team you want to see broken down next.

NFL Mock Draft 4.0 (Full 4-Rounds)

2022 NFL Draft Team Offseason Needs/Breakdown

Reese’s 2022 All-Senior Bowl Team

New York Jets 2022 Team Mock Draft

In 2021, Cody predicted eight of 32 picks in Round 1 of the 2021 NFL Draft. He looks improve even more in 2022. Look for more Mock Drafts in the Dynasty Deluxe section under NFL Draft Index. Aside from NFL Mock Draft Data, you can find 2022 Rookie Mock Draft ADP (SuperFlex and 1QB) as well as Dynasty Mock Draft ADP (SuperFlex and 1QB), a Dynasty League Trade Finder App, Rankings, Trade Analyzer, and the Brand New Dynasty Dominator Reloaded. With the NFL Regular Season wrapped up, Coaches and GM’s fired – it’s officially DRAFT SEASON. So sit down, lock in and stay on the lookout for more, and MORE 2022 Rookie Prospect information.

Detroit Lions

No. 2 – Aidan Hutchinson, EDGE – Michigan

In his first three seasons at Michigan, Aidan Hutchinson totaled 3.5 sacks, and 11 tackles for loss. In 2021 alone, he finished with 14 sacks, and 16.5 tackles for loss. So the question arises, what changed? Mike Macdonald is what changed. From 2014 to 2020, Macdonald coached Linebackers, and Defensive Backs for the Baltimore Ravens. After Michigan moved on from Don Brown, the current UMass Head Coach who spent four years as Michigan Defensive Coordinator, Macdonald was brought in for the 2021 season to elevate this Wolverine defense. And he did just that. Hutchinson explained on The Pat McAfee Show: “I have been playing with my hand in the dirt, and this year I got to play more standing up on the edge in a 2-point stance, and I think that is where I am best utilized.”

No. 32 – Garrett Wilson, WR – Ohio State

When comparing this 2022 WR class to prior years, Garrett Wilson is the closest to the studs of 2020 and 2021; Justin Jefferson (6-1, 202-pounds), CeeDee Lamb (6-2 198-pounds), Ja’Marr Chase (6-0, 201-pounds). Looking to come in at 6-0, 195-pounds, Wilson increased production, output, and efficiency in each of his three seasons at Ohio State, eclipsing 100 targets in 2021.

The Podfather labeled it “The Archetype,” the new-age hyper-talent. Dating back to Odell Beckham in 2014 (5-11, 198-pounds) all the way through 2023 with Kayshon Boutte (6-0, 185-pounds) and Jaxon Smith-Njigba (6-0, 196-pounds), this is the new era of football;  200-pound hyper-talents that run under 4.50 in the 40-yard dash and command an entire offense in Year 1.

No. 34 – DeAngelo Malone, EDGE – Western Kentucky

One of my top notes while attending the 2022 Reese’s Senior Bowl was the extensive practice, detail, and effort the Lions coaching staff showed to DeAngelo Malone all week. Malone entered Mobile as a Mid-3rd to Mid-4th Projected talent and left with Early Day 2 ability.

I loved what I saw out of Malone in pass-rushing drills, along with his athletic build and “ok” coverage-ability. He registers at a 7.2 on Cody’s D.A.W.G scale.

No. 66 – Desmond Ridder, QB – Cincinnati

I did not love what I saw from Desmond Ridder in film, or at the Senior Bowl. But I did not hate much either. He tends to float the deep balls and is very nonchalant in the middle quarters. He possesses great rushing ability that reminds me of a Jalen Hurts. However, his arm talent is greater than Hurts. This contrast led me to a Jimmy Garoppolo upside comparable, Ridder can do it, but the question is “Will he.” Adding him here at the start of Round 3 is a great value in a guy that can take over for Jared Goff at any time.

No. 97 – Skyy Moore, WR, Western Michigan

Skyy Moore is one of our absolute favorite prospects at PlayerProfiler. He declared after a RS Sophomore season that ended with a whopping 94 receptions and 1,283 receiving yards. Moore has all the tools to accel at the NFL level. If he falls through Day 2, it will be a great failure by 32 NFL teams. But we have seen this in years past with Darnell Mooney, and Stefon Diggs.

Senior Bowl Coaching Recap

Average 2.5 players drafted per team from the Senior Bowl over last 2 seasons.

2021 Miami Dolphins: Pick No. 81 – Hunter Long TE (Coached and Drafted).

2021 Carolina Panthers: Pick No. 166 – Keith Taylor CB (Played Against and Drafted), Pick No. 193 – Deonte Brown G (Coached and Drafted), Pick No. 204 – Shi Smith WR (Coached and Drafted), Pick No. 222 – Thomas Fletcher LS (Coached and Drafted).

2020 Detroit Lions: Pick No. 75 – Jonah Jackson G (Coached and Drafted), Pick No. 121 – Logan Stenberg G (Coached and Drafted).

2020 Cincinnati Bengals: Pick No. 65 – Logan Wilson LB (Played Against and Drafted), Pick No. 107 – Akeem Davis-Gaither LB (Coached and Drafted), Pick No. 180 – Hakeem Adeniji T (Played Against and Drafted).

According to the above Mock Draft, the Lions would be selecting Two players from the 2022 Senior Bowl Roster. They coached DeAngelo Malone, and against Desmond Ridder. The Lions have a modest five selections in the first Four-Rounds, the third most of all teams in 2022. The Jets have seven, the Giants, Eagles, and Broncos all trail by one with six picks in the first four rounds.

For more NFL Draft News and Daily Chatter Follow @CarpentierNFL