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The week leading up to the 2022 NFL Draft on Thursday has already been quite eventful.
The fluctuating sports betting odds for the top pick add an extra layer of excitement for the Detroit Lions in the first round.
With the No. 2 and No. 32 picks at their disposal, the Lions possess a golden opportunity to significantly enhance their roster and create a big impact.
The attention now shifts to Detroit at No. 2, as Georgia defensive end Travon Walker emerges as the top choice in betting predictions for the No. 1 pick.
John Maakaron, the publisher of All Lions, Sports Illustrated’s FanNation team site, shares his insights on potential players that could be chosen by the Detroit team before the conclusion of the first round on Thursday.
Possible No. 2 selections for the Detroit Lions
At No. 2, the Lions swiftly make their first selection, presenting an opportunity to acquire a game-altering playmaker.
According to Maakaron, the Detroit Lions front office, led by general manager Brad Holmes, has done an excellent job of keeping their plans for the No. 2 pick in the 2022 NFL Draft under wraps. They have several options to address both offensive and defensive needs, with the possibility of choosing from up to six different draft prospects. Initially, it was widely assumed that the team would prioritize improving their pass rush by selecting one of the top edge rushers. However, as the offseason progressed, there were also compelling arguments for them to focus on bolstering their secondary due to injuries suffered by multiple defensive backs.
These are three names that you might hear at No. 2:
Aidan Hutchinson
Initially expected to be chosen as the top pick, the Michigan defensive end now holds a strong position as the favored candidate for the second overall selection.
As of Wednesday morning, he is being regarded by certain oddsmakers as a significant -300 favorite.
Hailing from Plymouth, Michigan, Hutchinson stands tall at 6-foot-7 and weighs an impressive 260 pounds. His remarkable performance in 2021, with 14 sacks and 62 tackles, played a vital role in leading the Wolverines to triumph in the Big Ten Championship. Given his exceptional skills and background, Hutchinson appears to be an ideal match for the Detroit Lions and their head coach, Dan Campbell.
According to Maakaron, Hutchinson is highly regarded by the coaching staff due to his personality and strong work ethic, which would be a great fit in Detroit’s locker room. As a local favorite, he is expected to have a successful and fruitful NFL career lasting for 10 years, making him the frontrunner to join the Detroit team.
Kayvon Thibodeaux
Thibodeaux, a defensive end hailing from Oregon, measures at an impressive 6-5 and weighs 260 pounds. With his exceptional physical attributes, he possesses the necessary skills to become an outstanding pass rusher in the NFL.
Nevertheless, Thibodeaux’s passion for the game has been called into question, and recent reports have indicated that Campbell does not share the same enthusiasm.
Thibodeaux’s performance in 2021 for Oregon included 49 tackles and seven sacks. Currently, his odds of being selected as the second overall pick range from +225 to +350.
According to Maakaron, Thibodeaux is highly regarded as one of the top college pass rushers, despite concerns about his work ethic. If Hutchinson is not available, there is a strong possibility that the skilled defensive lineman could be selected by Detroit. General manager Brad Holmes, who didn’t make many visits to scout draft prospects, made sure to travel to Oregon along with several Lions’ personnel to personally witness Thibodeaux’s pro day.
Malik Willis
Taking the 6-1, 215-pound mobile quarterback from Liberty would undoubtedly cause a stir in the NFL Draft, should the Lions choose to do so.
Willis had an impressive 2021 season, amassing 2,857 passing yards and 27 touchdowns. Additionally, he showcased his agility by rushing for 878 yards and scoring 13 touchdowns.
During the Senior Bowl, Detroit had a thorough observation of Willis, and BetMGM Michigan has him listed at -155 odds to be the initial quarterback chosen in the draft.
Although the Lions have received commendation for their starting quarterback Jared Goff, Holmes has expressed his willingness to draft a quarterback who can serve as a backup to him.
According to Maakaron, Detroit might consider taking a chance on the fast quarterback, who is widely recognized as the top prospect in his position. Willis possesses natural talent, but he would benefit from a season of observing and understanding the fast-paced nature of NFL offenses. Despite facing challenges with turnovers during his time in the relatively uncomplicated Liberty offense, there is still a chance that Detroit could select him in the current stage of the selection process.
Possible picks at No. 32 in the NFL Draft
The Lions are expected to experience true intrigue towards the conclusion of the initial round.
There are various positions of need for Detroit, leaving them with multiple options for this pick, including the possibility of trading it away.
If Detroit decides to remain where they are, here are three names that may be announced to conclude the first round.
Nakobe Dean
Dean, a linebacker from Georgia, stands at 6 feet tall and weighs 225 pounds. His exceptional performance includes 72 tackles, six sacks, and two interceptions, contributing significantly to the Bulldogs’ victorious journey to the national championship in the previous season.
At present, Dean’s draft position of 30.5 is listed on DraftKings Sportsbook. The over option has odds of -130, whereas the under option holds odds of +100.
In addition, Dean’s odds of being selected in the first round are listed at -225.
Given that the Lions have a definite need at the linebacker position, Dean must be a top priority for Detroit.
Maakaron expressed optimism that Dean could be available for Detroit at the 32nd pick. With his impressive physical attributes of being 6-foot and 225 pounds, Dean possesses the potential to greatly enhance the productivity of the team’s linebackers unit upon joining the Detroit roster. Maakaron believes that selecting Dean at No. 32 would be an excellent choice for the team’s management, led by Holmes and his colleagues.
Quay Walker
Walker, a linebacker from Georgia, measures at 6 feet 4 inches tall and carries a weight of 240 pounds.
Walker, with 63 tackles and 1.5 sacks, showcased his skills during Georgia’s championship season. His impressive 6-foot-8 wingspan and swift 4.52 speed make him an enticing candidate for the Lions, who currently face a scarcity of talent in the linebacker position.
Walker’s draft position is set at 32.5, with odds of +105 for the over and -135 for the under.
DraftKings has listed him at -135 odds to be selected in the first round as well.
According to Maakaron, the team has re-signed Alex Anzalone and is optimistic about Derrick Barnes’ progress, but Detroit needs to improve their linebacker position. Many experts regard Walker as one of the top tacklers in the entire draft class.
Treylon Burks
Burks, a receiver hailing from Arkansas, stands at an impressive 6-3 and weighs 225 pounds. With his size, he could fulfill the Lions’ requirement for a substantial target in the position.
Despite Amon-Ra St. Brown’s impressive performance as a rookie in the slot position, the Lions’ offense still suffered from a shortage of receivers who could make downfield plays for Goff to target.
Can Burks fit that mold, or should the Lions not expect him to stick around?
DraftKings has set his Over/Under Draft Position at 23.5, with the Over option having odds of -105 and the Under option having odds of -125. Additionally, his chances of being selected in the first round are listed at -650.
According to Maakaron, the city of Detroit needs to keep searching for talented players who can support Goff in order for him to have a better performance in 2022 compared to his initial season with the Lions in 2021. Despite having average workout numbers, Burks’ game footage showcases his potential to be a game-changer. If he plays alongside St. Brown and the rest of Detroit’s receiving corps, his transition to the NFL could be much easier. Burks possesses the capability to consistently make impactful plays, given that he is selected by a suitable offensive system and plays alongside the right quarterback.
Don’t miss the commencement of the 2022 NFL Draft, airing at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN, ABC, and the NFL Network. To stay updated on the draft and specifically the Detroit Lions, make sure to refer to our Lions Draft Guide.
