Lions head coach Dan Campbell has been pretty tight-lipped about the upcoming NFL draft. We haven’t heard from Campbell since the NFL scouting combine over a month ago. So when he opens up to the media about his thoughts on the team’s intentions in the 2022 NFL draft, it makes sense to take notice.
Campbell did that on Thursday, and he left little to doubt with his statement on what he wants from the No. 2 overall pick in the draft, which kicks off three weeks from today.
“You want a guy who can come in and he’s a Day 1 starter,” Campbell said via Tim Twentyman of the Lions. “That’s really what you’re trying to acquire. You’d like to think by the time you hit your first game this player is staring for you and he’s going to be able to produce.”
Campbell’s desire throws more cold water on the Lions potential to take a more developmental-type prospect, namely Liberty QB Malik Willis. However, in a later comment regarding the long-term quarterback situation, Campbell cites Willis and North Carolina QB Sam Howell, two quarterbacks the team coached during the Senior Bowl, and says he likes the draft class at the position.
The comment about a Day 1 starter would also seem to rule out any players at No. 2 who are currently injured or going through a position change that requires some development.
