One of the most popular and respected NFL draft analysts, Dane Brugler from The Athletic, has released his post-combine projections for the 2022 NFL draft. It’s an intriguing inside look at what the Detroit Lions might do come April.
This projection goes two rounds, and it starts off with a bang. The No. 1 overall player off the board to the Jacksonville Jaguars is North Carolina State OT Ikem Ekwonu, not Alabama’s Evan Neal or Michigan EDGE Aidan Hutchinson. That leaves Hutchinson for the Lions and it makes for an easy projection,
Hutchinson didn’t do anything at the combine to hurt his draft standing as one of the best players in the class. While his 40-yard dash time was average, he led all front-seven defenders with a 6.73 three-cone and 4.15 short shuttle, which are both extraordinary numbers. To put those times in perspective, Von Miller posted a 6.70 three-cone, and Khalil Mack had a 4.18 short shuttle.
The Lions use the pick acquired from the Rams at No. 32 overall to secure a quarterback. But it’s not the typical QB projection of Malik Willis or Matt Corral or Sam Howell. This time it’s Desmond Ridder from Cincinnati. Brugler reiterates,
“The Lions have been doing their homework on several quarterbacks in this class, including a formal meeting with Ridder at the combine.”
At No. 34, the projection shifts back to defense and Michigan safety Daxton Hill. Given the available players and the dire need for safety help, it’s a perfectly logical pick.
Some interesting notes and observations on this mock…
- The first QB is Kenny Pickett at No. 11
- Kyle Hamilton falls to No. 8
- Kayvon Thibodeaux falls to No. 9
- Lewis Cine rises to No. 30
- Christian Watson is No. 62 off the board
