Detroit Lions: The perfect 3-round 2022 NFL Mock Draft 2.0

With the no. 34 overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, the Detroit Lions, select Lewis Cine.

The Detroit Lions are in dire need of a facelift on the backend of their secondary. There are some questions about Tracy Walker’s future with the Detroit Lions as he’s set to become a free agent for the first time in his career.

Earlier in the season, Walker mentioned that he’d love to remain with the Lions but also reiterated anything can happen in free agency. Chances are Lions general manager Brad Holmes hammers out a deal to keep Walker around at a far more manageable rate than former safety Quandre Diggs would cost.

One thing is sure; Will Harris can’t be expected to start alongside Walker for another season. Harris has one year remaining on his rookie deal and may find a home contributing on special teams along with being a reserve safety or slot corner. Both are not ideal, but Harris won’t be exposed nearly as often in the passing game as he has over the past couple of seasons in a reserve role.

Lewis Cine is a hard-hitting safety that’s started for two seasons on a stellar Georgia Bulldogs defense. Cine contributed to the dogs’ defense as a freshman playing over 200 defensive snaps making 19 tackles hauling in one interception.

In year two, Cine became a starter playing 551 defensive snaps over ten games, recording 52 tackles, and defending three passes. As a junior, Cine really came into his own, totaling a team-leading 73 tackles, to go with one interception while defending nine passes. Cine helped pace the National Champion Bulldogs stellar defense that held opponents to just 10.2 points per game, leading the nation.

I believe Cine would pair very nicely with Walker on Detroit’s backend for years to come. Cine has proven to hold up in man coverage, and his 6-foot-1, 200-pound frame allows him to be physical with opposing tight ends. If drafted by the Lions, working with defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn will greatly benefit Cine.

Players I decided to pass over: Sam Howell, Malik Willis, Desmond Ridder, Christian Harris, Kenneth Walker III.

Change from version 1.0: Drake London (not available).