The Detroit Lions are coming off arguably the most exciting two-win season of all time. Head coach Dan Campbell has captivated the world and garnered respect around the NFL. However, wins must begin to pick up before the tide turns on the grit master. Luckily the Detroit Lions have the draft picks to bring a bunch of talent to the Motor City.
The majority of the Lions’ moves in NFL Free Agency have been re-signing players. However, they have signed a couple of outsiders, which is a good sign for the organization overall.
Let’s take a look at the full list of 2022 Lions draft picks. We will also review the Detroit Lions draft needs and do a short mock draft of the first couple of rounds to fill these needs.
2022 Lions Draft Picks
| ROUND | OVERALL | FROM |
| 1 | 2 | |
| 1 | 32 | via LAR |
| 2 | 34 | |
| 3 | 66 | |
| 3 | 97 | Compensatory |
| 5 | 177 | Compensatory |
| 6 | 181 | |
| 6 | 217 | Compensatory |
| 7 | 234 | via CLE |
The Lions have an extra first-round draft pick once again this season thanks to the Matthew Stafford trade with the Rams. With no shortage of areas to improve, the extra first-round pick, along with all of the compensatory picks, will be very useful for the Detroit Lions on draft day.
Detroit Lions Draft Needs
Edge Rusher
In terms of a position that needs to be improved for this season, edge rusher is at the top of the list. The Lions were able to surprise some people at times with their defense last season, but with Trey Flowers gone now, they need to add at least one strong player to the rotation.
Wide Receiver
Yes, the Lions added D.J. Chark this offseason, which was a solid signing. He will be a nice addition alongside Amon-Ra St. Brown and T.J. Hockenson at tight end. However, they still need more. With another strong wide receiver class, the Lions will be able to improve the wide receiver room with a Day 2 pick.
Linebacker
The Lions recently brought back Jarrad Davis who, again, is a solid free agent signing. However, this linebacker group doesn’t possess much talent, which is an issue in a division with strong running backs everywhere.
Quarterback
Obviously, this isn’t a position they need to improve for this season necessarily. However, if the Lions see a passer they like, they should take them and let them sit the year. There is a lot of learning that can take place by sitting and learning what not to do from watching Jared Goff.
Other Positions of Need: Defensive line, Cornerback
Detroit Lions Mock Draft | Mel Kiper Mock Draft
Round 1, Pick 2: Kyle Hamilton, S, Notre Dame
Kyle Hamilton is a big (6-4) playmaking safety. In fact, he may be the safest pick in the entire 2022 NFL Draft. He can float on the Lions defense, playing as a box safety, in the slot or roaming the deep middle.
Round 1, Pick 32: Matt Corral, QB, Ole Miss
With the way things are going, the Lions may need to draft Matt Corral before No. 32 if they want him to be their franchise quarterback of the future. Corral has a strong arm, is able to move and he has the grit Dan Campbell is certainly looking for. Best of all, Corral probably wouldn’t even throw the ball away on fourth down. You know, like Jared Goff.
