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NFL Draft 2022: Who Will Detroit Take with the Second Pick?
Written by: Devon Platana
Last Updated:
Read Time: 5 minutes
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The 2022 NFL Draft begins in less than two weeks, kicking off on Thursday, April 28 from Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Although many fans and experts alike are wondering who the Jacksonville Jaguars will draft first overall, there’s also been a lot of intrigue concerning who the Detroit Lions will select at No. 2.
Fortunately, the latest betting odds from BetOnline Sportsbook help paint a clearer picture regarding that the Lions could go in with the second overall pick at the 2022 NFL Draft.
Odds on Who the Lions Will Draft Second Overall at the 2022 NFL Draft
- Aidan Hutchinson, EDGE, Michigan (+125)
- Kayvon Thibodeaux, EDGE, Oregon (+250)
- Travon Walker, EDGE, Georgia (+400)
- Malik Willis, QB, Liberty (+600)
- Ahmad Gardner, CB, Cincinnati (+1600)
- Ikem Ekwonu, OT, NC State (+2000)
- Evan Neal, OT, Alabama (+2000)
- Derek Stingley Jr., CB, LSU (+2500)
- Kyle Hamilton, S, Notre Dame (+2500)
- Kenny Pickett, QB, Pittsburgh (+5000)
- Jermaine Johnson, EDGE, Florida State (+5000)
- Charles Cross, OT, Mississippi State (+7500)
- Matt Corral, QB, Ole Miss (+10000)
- Sam Howell, QB, UNC (+10000)
All odds are from BetOnline Sportsbook.
Trio of Pass Rushers in Contention to Be Drafted at No. 2
Although there are multiple directions that the Lions could go in with their first pick of this year’s NFL Draft, a trio of pass rushers currently lead the odds race in Michigan’s Aidan Hutchinson (+125), Oregon’s Kayvon Thibodeaux (+25) and Georgia’s Travon Walker (+400)
Hutchinson Could Be a Franchise Player
When Hutchinson suffered a season-ending leg fracture during the 2020 college football season, many wondered if he could ever be the same player again. Fortunately, he proved that there was nothing to worry about last year.
Hutchinson suited up in 14 games for the Wolverines in 2021, recording 62 total tackles while finishing with new career-highs in tackles for a loss (16.5) and sacks (14.0). On top of that, he even blocked a trio of passes and forced two fumbles.
Hutchinson helped deliver a Big Ten Championship to Michigan this season, ending the final matchup as the game’s MVP. Furthermore, he received a multitude of accolades ranging from unanimous All-American to the Ted Hendricks Award as college football’s top defensive end.
On top of all that, Hutchinson finished second in Heisman Trophy voting, showing exactly where he ranks among the top collegiate talent.
Many experts have Hutchinson as the top-rated prospect in the 2022 NFL Draft, so him falling to the Lions at No. 2 would be more than accepted by the Detroit fanbase.
In addition to playing college football at Michigan, he was born 30 minutes away from Detroit in Plymouth. High-level local talents don’t always come around and it’s hard not seeing the Lions faithful embracing Hutchinson if he ends up in their jersey this Fall.
Thibodeaux, Walker Also Make Acceptable Second Overall Picks
If the Jaguars wind up snatching Hutchinson at No. 1, the Lions can’t go wrong with either Thibodeaux or Walker second overall.
When it comes to Thibodeaux, the Oregon edge rusher was actually viewed as the top prospect last year before injuries and alleged work ethic issues have caused his stock to drop.
Thibodeaux enjoyed three productive seasons as a Duck, recording a total of 126 tackles (35.5 for a loss), 19.0 sacks and seven broken-up passes across 30 games.
He’s also been first-team All-Pac-12 twice, won the conference championship game MVP award in 2020 and also received unanimous All-American honors in 2021.
The Lions also wouldn’t be wrong if they went with Walker instead of Thibodeaux at No. 2.
The 6-foot-5, 275-pound defender was a late riser in the 2022 NFL Draft. After a pair of unremarkable campaigns to begin his collegiate career, Walker broke out in 2021.
After 13 games with the Bulldogs, Walker finished with 33 tackles, 6.0 sacks and a pair of broken-up passes. He played a big role in helping Georgia win the 2022 CFP National Championship, recording three tackles and a sack against Alabama in the final game.
Walker truly began to rise in the rankings following March’s NFL Draft Combine. He wowed onlookers with his athleticism, proving that he has a never-say-die motor in the process.
His work ethic alone caused his stock to skyrocket, leaving scouts impressed by his work rate in the process. With his potential just being tapped, the Lions could develop Walker into a truly special player.
Could the Lions Draft Willis at No. 2?
At +600 odds, Liberty quarterback Malik Willis has a decent shot at being the Lions’ second overall pick this month.
Willis enjoyed two productive seasons at Liberty, recording 377 completions for 5,107 passing yards and 47 touchdowns to 18 interceptions. On top of that, he also racked up 1,822 rushing yards and 27 TDs on 338 carries.
However, would the Lions draft Willis when Jared Goff is already their starting QB with three seasons left on his contract?
Although Goff still has term, he only carries a $10 million dead cap hit with a 2023 buyout, followed by $5 million if they waive him in 2024.
In other words, the Lions could easily roll with Goff in 2022 and let Willis develop behind him. If they think the latter is ready next Fall, there wouldn't be much of an issue moving on from Goff.
Nevertheless, next year’s QB class is projected to be stronger than the 2022 group. If the Lions want a new future quarterback, it makes more sense to wait until next year.
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Devon is a Master of Journalism graduate who joined the sports betting world in 2020. His favorite leagues to cover are the NHL, NBA and NFL, and has a soft spot for fantasy football specifically. Outside of sports, he enjoys the finer things in life like pasta, live music and getting even more tattoos.
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