As it stands, the Detroit Lions sit at 0-8 on the season and if things continue the way they are, they will have the No. 1 overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. The Lions would also have the No. 30 overall pick as they get the Los Angeles Rams first round pick.
On Wednesday, Bleacher Report released their latest 2022 NFL Mock Draft as as you are about to see, it plays out perfectly for the Lions.
Here is who BR has the Lions taking No. 1 and No. 30 in the 2022 NFL Draft.
1. Detroit Lions: Edge Kayvon Thibodeaux, Oregon
The expected hasn't happened. A quarterback hasn't emerged to the point where he's staked his claim as the likely No. 1 overall pick in the 2022 NFL draft.
Oregon's Kayvon Thibodeaux isn't a consolation prize, though. He's a defensive end prospect on par with others, like Myles Garrett and Jadeveon Clowney, who went No. 1 overall within the last 10 years.
“Best player in the draft. Plain and simple,” Klassen stated. “Quarterback is the obvious position of need for a rebuilding franchise such as Detroit, but there isn't anyone worth the top pick. Thibodeaux has a special blend of length, speed, power and bend that can make him a double-digit-sack player for years to come.”
The 20-year-old prospect played through a balky ankle this season yet remains college football's best edge-rusher. According to Pro Football Focus' Anthony Treash, Thibodeaux posted pass-rushing grades of 90 or better in three of the four contests he'd played heading into last weekend.
The Detroit Lions will get a defensive centerpiece to build around and create some type of organizational identity.
30. Detroit Lions (from LA Rams): QB Sam Howell, North Carolina
One quote says it all from Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell, “I feel like (Jared Goff) needs to step up more than he has.”
The Lions traded an unhappy Matthew Stafford to the Los Angeles Rams and gave Jared Goff one last chance to prove he's a franchise quarterback. He hasn't.
Detroit does have a pair of first-round picks. Instead of forcing the quarterback selection with the first overall pick, the organization lands North Carolina's Sam Howell at the tail end of the opening frame.
“The Lions are openly rebuilding and Campbell has made it very apparent that he doesn't view Goff as their quarterback of the future,” Tice noted. “Howell is about a round lower on our big board. But he is tough, throws a good deep ball and can create a little bit. He still needs to improve in his progression for true dropback schemes that he'll have to run in the NFL.”
To Howell's credit, he has evolved as a performer. He excelled during his first two seasons as a vertical passer. He's moving from the pocket far more often this year with a career-high 585 rushing yards.
