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The impact of the Detroit Lions on the 2022 NFL Draft was undoubtedly significant.
In addition to securing the No. 2 pick, the Lions executed a highly significant trade amidst a weekend filled with numerous trades.
Having received praise from media outlets, the Lions’ 2022 season prospects in the eyes of oddsmakers may have improved due to their impressive draft class.
What opportunities are available for sports bettors in Michigan to capitalize on?
Lions mostly focus on defense in draft
Thursday’s opening round of the NFL Draft saw Detroit make a significant impact.
With the No. 2 overall pick, the Lions welcomed Aidan Hutchinson, the beloved Michigan defensive end and hometown hero, to their team.
Subsequently, Detroit exhibited audacity by orchestrating a trade-up from the No. 32 spot to secure the No. 12 position, ultimately choosing Alabama’s wide receiver Jameson Williams. In order to facilitate this transaction, Detroit exchanged their first and second round picks with the Minnesota Vikings, relinquishing a third round pick as well.
For the rest of the draft, Detroit shifted its attention towards bolstering their defense, which was one of the weakest in the previous season.
Below is the comprehensive compilation of the Lions’ draft picks for the year 2022:
- In the first round, the No. 2 pick goes to Aidan Hutchinson, a defensive end from Michigan. Following closely at No. 12 in the first round is Jameson Williams, a wide receiver from Alabama. Moving on to the second round, the No. 14 pick is Josh Paschal, a defensive end from Kentucky. In the third round, the No. 33 pick is Kerby Joseph, a safety from Illinois. Shifting to the fifth round, the No. 34 pick is James Mitchell, a tight end from Virginia Tech. Heading into the sixth round, the No. 9 pick is Malcolm Rodriguez, an inside linebacker from Oklahoma State, while the No. 39 pick is James Houston, an outside linebacker from Jackson State. Wrapping it up in the seventh round, the No. 16 pick is Chase Lucas, a cornerback from Arizona State.
Draft grades high for Lions
Saying the Detroit Lions had a successful NFL Draft is a common sentiment among social media users.
However, there is a consensus among media pundits regarding this matter. They commend Detroit for their daring decision in the initial round to acquire a genuine offensive playmaker. Additionally, they acknowledge Brad Holmes for effectively addressing the criticized defense.
This is how the leading media figures are rating Detroit’s draft:
- Mel Kiper Jr. of ESPN is given a grade of B+.
- According to a report by Nate Davis from USA Today:
- According to Vinnie Iyer of Sporting News, B
- According to Alex Ballentine of Bleacher Report,
- Chad Reuter, NFL.com: B+
- According to Connor Orr from Sports Illustrated, a
- The Pro Football Focus staff has been given an A+ rating.
- Logan Lamorandier’s performance for All Lions can be rated as a B+.
Lions futures odds remain the same at Michigan sportsbooks
The Detroit Lions, despite their highly praised NFL Draft, seem unlikely to improve their chances of success in the upcoming 2022 season.
The future odds for Detroit remained unchanged after the three-day draft event concluded.
The Lions’ odds have been observed by oddsmakers at Michigan online sportsbooks, and they are as follows:
- Super Bowl Winner:
- NFC Champion:
- NFC North Champion:
- Probability of qualifying for the playoffs:
- Over/Under Wins:
Once again, MGM observes the Lions relentlessly pursuing the Green Bay Packers in the North. Currently, Aaron Rodgers and his team are considered the frontrunners in the division for the upcoming 2022 season.
Currently, Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers hold the position of NFC favorites with odds of +350 according to various sportsbooks. As for the Super Bowl race, the Buffalo Bills are currently listed as the favorites.
Hutchinson Rookie of the Year favorite at Michigan online sportsbooks
Oddsmakers anticipate the Lions to excel in the Defensive Rookie of the Year market.
According to DraftKings Sportsbook MI, Hutchinson is the frontrunner for the honor.
Immediately following the draft, Hutchinson is listed at +400 on DraftKings. Following him closely is Kayvon Thibodeaux from the New York Giants, with odds of +450. The Jacksonville Jaguars’ top overall pick, Travon Walker, is listed at +550.
Despite coming off a torn ACL in January, Jameson Williams is surprisingly in contention for the Offensive Rookie of the Year title. DraftKings has listed him at +1000 odds to win the award. However, it remains uncertain when he will be available to play in 2022.
Lions to host 2025 NFL Draft
The NFL Draft will be hosted by the Detroit Lions in a mere two years.
On March 28, 2022, the league made an announcement stating that the home of the Lions will have the privilege of hosting the three-day event in 2025.
“In a statement, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell expressed enthusiasm about collaborating with the Lions and their partners to host the 2025 NFL Draft in the Motor City. With the support of Visit Detroit, the Detroit Sports Commission, and the City of Detroit, the event promises to provide an exceptional three-day experience for the passionate fan base of the Lions and all attendees.”
The Lions’ news coincided with the announcement that they will be featured on HBO’s Hard Knocks in 2022. The show will capture their training camp activities before the start of the regular season.
The draft will take place in a reinvigorated downtown setting, with the focal point being around Campus Martius Park and Hart Plaza. These locations will serve as both the draft venue and the site for the NFL Draft Experience event.
