The Detroit Lions picked inside the top-10 picks of the NFL Draft for the fourth year in a row. While each of these picks have yielded mixed results, there's a feeling that Detroit emerged from the 2022 draft with a potential franchise cornerstone in Aidan Hutchinson. Not only that, but the Lions managed to also trade up from pick no. 32, taking advantage of a wide receiver-heavy draft to select Alabama's Jameson Williams. Detroit general manager Brad Holmes went on to address defense with five of his team's final six picks, as the organization looks to improve a unit that allowed the fourth-most total yards per game in the league last year.
So, how did the Lions do? That's what we'll assess here. It's time to grade every pick made by the Lions in the NFL Draft.
Detroit Lions 2022 NFL Draft Grades
Round 1, Pick 2- DE Aidan Hutchinson (Michigan)
Grade: A+
The draft's consensus overall no. 1 pick for months, Hutchinson ended up making it to the Lions, who gladly selected him with the second pick. The Wolverines star finished second in the Heisman voting while totaling 16.5 tackles for loss and a whopping 14 sacks. The Lions defense only had 17 sacks combined this past season, so the Hutchinson pick has franchise and defense-changing potential. Hutchinson's motor and effort on the defensive side should immediately rub off on the entire Lions' subpar unit, both on and off the stat sheet. It's hard to envision a better start to the draft for Detroit.
Round 2, Pick 12- WR Jameson Williams (Alabama)
Grade: A-
The only reason the Liosn don't get a higher grade is for the health concerns that linger around Williams following his ACL injury in the national championship game. The Crimson Tide star was the best wide receiver in the nation and a projected top pick all year long until the knee injury, as he finished fifth in the nation in receiving yards and tied for second in receiving touchdowns. Health willing, best receiver in the draft is well within Williams' outcomes, giving Detroit a strong 1-2 punch at receiver with last year's selection, Amon-Ra St. Brown.
Round 2, Pick 46- DE Josh Paschal (Kentucky)
Grade: B-
The Lions passed on a quarterback and linebacker here, something that was curious to see with some capable options on the board. However, Paschal, who tallied 15 tackles for loss as a senior of the Wildcats, was a disruptive player along the defensive line. While he doesn't really have a natural position fit, the Lions can worry about that later, as they need more players who can make it hard on opposing offensive linemen.
Round 3, Pick 97- S Kerby Joseph (Illinois)
Grade: B
Joseph had an interesting path to the NFL. He was stuck in a rotation for three years, finally cracking the starting lineup this past season while making the most of his opportunity. Pro Football Focus ranked him as the top defensive back in the nation- and Joseph totaled 57 tackles, five interceptions and All-Big 10 honors. The Lions have two decent safeties in Tracy Walker III and DeShon Elliott. Joseph could use his new team's safety depth as motivation to enter the starting lineup in the NFL as well.
Round 5, Pick 177- TE James Mitchell (Virginia Tech)
Grade: C+
This might have been a bit of a reach, though it's understandable given the health concerns with incumbent T.J. Hockenson, who has played every game in the season just once in three years. Mitchell, who is recovering from an ACL injury, will compete for a backup role in Detroit. His solid receiving skills and capable blocking could prove valuable down the road.
Round 6, Pick 188- LB Malcolm Rodriguez (Oklahoma State)
Grade: B+
This could prove to be a good find for the Lions. Rodriguez, a former state champion quarterback in high school, is an athletic, sure tackler who tallied 100-plus tackles in two of his five seasons at Oklahoma State. His size- 5-11 and 232 pounds- is a bit small for a ‘backer, though it also gives him versatility that could allow him to play a fair amount of snaps for someone picked so late.
Round 6, Pick 217- DE James Houston (Jackson State)
Grade: B
While the competition wasn't comparable to SEC or Big-10 caliber players, Houston was flat-out a problem in college, totaling 24.5 tackles for loss and 16.5 sacks in his final season. It's fitting that his nickname became ‘Da Problem.' He seems likely to find a role quickly on the Lions' defensive line.
Round 7, Pick 237- CB Chase Lucas (Arizona State)
Grade: C
Lucas is an experienced corner who spent five seasons at Arizona State with some former NFL coaches, such as Marvin Lewis and Herm Edwards. While his size could make it hard for him to find his niche as a cornerback on the boundary, his experience could make him a valuable depth corner and special teamer for Detroit.
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