The 2022 Reese’s Senior Bowl is in the books and the next round of 2022 NFL Mock Drafts have already started to roll out.
In the latest 2022 NFL Mock Draft published on ESPN.com, Jordan Reid reveals what he believes the first 64 picks would look like if the draft was held today.
Here is what Jordan Reid has to say about the Detroit Lions first three picks:
First Round – No. 2 Overall – Kayvon Thibodeaux, EDGE, Oregon
The Lions are right on track in their rebuild, but they still have several holes to fill. In this scenario, they’d get their choice of either of the class’ top defensive ends. They could bet on the raw talent of Thibodeaux, who has more upside than the polished Aidan Hutchinson. Detroit has to strengthen its defensive line, and it has the early picks to do so
First Round – No. 32 Overall – Jahan Dotson, WR, Penn State
The Lions got a fourth-round steal in Amon-Ra St. Brown last year, and he proved to be a key player for the team moving forward. Outside of St. Brown and tight end T.J. Hockenson, however, the franchise lacks reliable pass-catchers. Dotson is a “Z” receiver who can handle outside duties while St. Brown does his best work from the slot. Dotson, who had 91 catches for 1,182 yards and 12 touchdowns last season, is a consistent route-runner with a wide catch radius. He’d be a great fit for Detroit and quarterback Jared Goff.
Second Round – No. 34 Daxton Hill, S, Michigan
Tracy Walker, Dean Marlowe and C.J. Moore are all set to become free agents, and the Lions’ safety room is bare entering the offseason. Hill is a versatile safety with plenty of potential to unlock. After playing strictly in the slot for the Wolverines, he could be used in different ways at the next level. The Detroit secondary just needs more playmakers; hopefully it can get back healthy Jeff Okudah, the No. 3 overall pick in the 2020 draft who has played only 10 games in two seasons. And if you’re keeping track, the Lions end up with two starters on defense and a wideout with their three top-34 picks.
I love hitting on Daxton Hill at No. 34 but taking Thibodeaux at No. 2 and WR Jahan Dotson at No. 32 are swings and misses considering who was still on the board.
Reid has the Jacksonville Jaguars taking OT Evan Neal No. 1 overall which means he has the Lions passing on EDGE Aidan Hutchinson at No. 2 in favor of Thibodeaux. Does Thibodeaux have a higher ceiling in comparison to Hutchinson? Maybe. But does he have the motor and drive that Hutchinson has on every single play? Nope.
At No. 32, Reid has the Lions taking WR Jahan Dotson out of Penn State and I think that would also be a mistake as there were better options available.
Nation, would you be happy with this draft haul?
