The Detroit Lions have yet to find the end of their rebuilding efforts after finishing the 2021 NFL season with a dismal 3-13-1 record. Despite the tough outcome, they still have things to look forward to as they gained a lucrative asset with the No. 2 overall pick in the upcoming 2022 NFL Draft.
The Lions will definitely have a hard time choosing who to acquire, especially with that high of a selection. Nonetheless, they have a handful of talents to choose from and three prospects from the defensive side of the ball have emerged to be the best options for them in the draft proceedings.
With that said, let's take a look at the three best players that the Lions can select in the 2022 NFL Draft.
3. Kyle Hamilton
Notre Dame safety Kyle Hamilton was described as a ‘unicorn' and has been deemed as one of the most versatile players in this draft class. He was a three-year letterman for the Fighting Irish and notched 34 combined tackles, four passes defended, and three interceptions in seven games played over the past season.
Standing at 6-foot-4, Hamilton has a bigger body frame than most safeties and his length will allow him to cover taller opponents, be it receivers or tight ends. Despite his size, the 21-year-old still has the right amount of speed that will allow him to quickly attack in run support.
Hamilton still needs to add more body mass and work on his explosiveness on the ground but he can definitely make a valuable impact on the Lions' secondary if they choose to nab him at No.2.
Oregon pass-rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux has always been an intriguing target for the Lions with the second overall pick. He also spent three years with the Ducks and tallied 49 combined tackles, two forced fumbles, and 7.0 sacks in 10 games played in the 2021 season.
His primary asset is his explosiveness on the run as well as his high motor which allows him to be a potent threat on the defensive front. Thibodeaux also knows how to use his body and adjust his speed when going after a quarterback in the pocket.
Despite these, the California native still needs to improve his instinct, ball recognition, and level of awareness on the field. Moreover, his injury history could've affected the progression that he made for the 2021 season which is currently the main differentiator between him and another top prospect in Aidan Hutchinson.
Still, Thibodeaux can emerge as a game-changer for the Lions' pass-rushing unit and remains to be a solid option at No. 2 if the Jacksonville Jaguars take Hutchinson with the first overall pick.
1. Aidan Hutchinson
Perhaps the most notable prospect that is being linked to the Lions is Michigan defensive end Aidan Hutchinson. He is the most experienced player on this list after completing a four-year stint with the Wolverines. The 21-year-old produced 62 combined tackles, two forced fumbles, and 14.0 sacks in 14 games played in the 2021 season.
His high level of production can already allude to the amount of talent that he has and how he has dominated the collegiate ranks over the past few years. As compared to Thibodeaux, Hutchinson is stronger, plays more instinctively, and is more skillful with his hands when jockeying for position in the trenches. He is also adaptable to various schemes on the field and should have no problem making his transition to the pros.
At this point, it seems like Hutchinson is more ready to make an immediate impact and put up valuable contributions to a Lions squad that needs significant help in the pass-rushing department. Detroit should definitely go after him and make him a cornerstone of their defensive unit, that is if he is still on the board after the Jaguars make their pick at No. 1.
Follow Us
Subscribe