Another page torn off the calendar means we’re another day closer to the 2022 NFL draft. And with the change of the week, we see a change in the mock draft projections for the Detroit Lions in the first round.
The flavor of the week appears to be a return to an old favorite, Kayvon Thibodeaux. After the Malik Willis-at-2 bubble has appeared to burst, or is at least losing loftiness, Thibodeaux is back as the choice at No. 2 overall in the latest set of projections from Pro Football Focus and analyst Anthony Treash.
In this mock, Michigan’s Aidan Hutchinson goes No. 1 overall. Treash sees the Lions turning to Thibodeaux at the two spot. It makes sense, given the heavy presence at Thibodeaux’s pro day at Oregon late last week. The notes reinforce the potential the pass rusher offers Detroit,
Thibodeaux isn’t the most refined pass-rusher in this class, and opposing offenses spent a lot of time trying to scheme away from him. But, despite all that, the 6-foot-4, 251-pounder still earned a 91.5 pass-rush grade last year.
He boasts all the tools NFL teams desire on the edge and showed improvement throughout his college career. If he can continue on that path of refinement, he can reach NFL All-Pro status.
With the No. 32 pick, this mock sticks to defense and attacks the glaring hole at safety. It’s one of the first times we’ve seen Baylor safety (and potential slot CB) Jalen Pitre projected as a first-rounder, but the fit certainly makes sense with the Lions.
Some other notable picks from this projection:
LSU CB Derek Stingley to the Texans at No. 3
First OT – Charles Cross from Mississippi State at No. 6
First QB – Desmond Ridder at No. 8
Malik Willis at No. 20
Western Michigan WR Skyy Moore at No. 26
Georgia DE Travon Walker at No. 30
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