2022 NFL Team Draft Page

After season one of Holmes and Campbell, touting "change" and a reshaping of organizational culture, this duo and front office was tested early on with the Lions' fanbase. What would they do with their draft in 2021? Would they actually trade Stafford? Would their first round selection actually hit? Would Brad Holmes live up to his brand of finding steals late in drafts? All of those question marks were checked off this past season by trading Stafford, drafting a stud in Penei Sewell, and finding another great talent in Amon-Ra St. Brown.

Turning the page to this draft, so much was being said about Detroit's pick here and Lions' fans, myself included, were anxious yet again to know exactly what this front office would do when the pressure was on. Would they cave and select Kayvon Thibodeaux despite the rumors of his character flaws? Would they go after someone who comes from a football family, an immense talent and known work ethic? Well, they did here by picking Aidan Hutchinson and I couldn't be more elated. In fact, as soon as the pick was announced, admittedly, I jumped out of my chair and began fist pumping. Now, let's hit on pick #32 and this Lions rebuild, retool, culture shift will take on a whole new meaning and a newfound confidence from Lions' fans all around.

Draft Grade: A+

- Doug Hyde, Lions Analyst

We've been hammering this drum for quite some time now and to see Brad Holmes get aggressive going from #32 to #12 overall is a really nice thing to see. The Lions now have a true WR1 in the making with Williams and can allow Amon-Ra St. Brown to either take on that WR2 role or a nifty slot piece. This isn't to slight D.J. Chark as Detroit's number 1 receiving outlet, but as far as the future is concerned, Williams can be that guy.

Suddenly, the Lions' WR corps has become a legtimate one with sets of Chark, Williams, St. Brown, and Josh Reynolds. Let's not forget to mention T.J. Hockenson and D'Andre Swift coming out the backfield. I love the pick and the aggressive move Holmes and Co. made to make this a reality and it shows some semblance of confidence in Jared Goff, at least for 2022. There's still a lot of draft left to go, we'll see if Detroit does end up using a pick to address the future of their QB situation.

Draft Grade: A

- Doug Hyde, Lions Analyst

Nice. Detroit goes for another young edge rusher with Josh Paschal from Kentucky.

The D-line has been a point of emphasis for Holmes and Co. throughout his first two seasons, as last season they addressed the group by drafting Alim McNeil and Levi Onwuzurike. With the loss of Trey Flowers and veteran starters in Charles Harris and Michael Brockers, it makes sense to build a future pass rushing duo with Hutchinson-Paschal. A plan for the future, if you will.

Draft Grade: B

- Doug Hyde, Lions Analyst

While the Lions' defense has needs at every level, using a third rounder to bring in a fifth-round talent is one that will take some proving. Kerby Jones is a one-year starter in the B1G who is athletic enough but undistinguished. That said, there is a safety slot open in Dan Campbell's defense. Grade: C