Detroit Lions Draft Coverage: 2022 First round big board
By Tejas Bedi
Detroit Lions Big Board Tier 5: Too early at 2 but won’t be available at 32
9. Jermaine Johnson, Edge, FSU
10. Garrett Wilson, WR, OSU
11. Devin Lloyd, LB, Utah
12. Derek Stingley, CB, LSU
13. Drake London, WR, USC
14. Chris Olave, WR, OSU
15. Jameson Williams, WR, Alabama
16. George Karlaftis, Edge, Purdue
17. Trent McDuffie, CB, Washington
18. Desmond Ridder, QB, Cincinnati
The middle of the first round is filled with talent, especially at the receiver position. If the Detroit Lions end up trading down, they would be wise to grab a talented defender in Jermaine Johnson, Devin Lloyd, or Derek Stingley. With all the receiver talent, there is an outside chance one of these players could slide all the way to 32, and the Lions could get a steal at the end of the first.
If Desmond Ridder falls to 32, that would be an interesting conversation for the Lions. He is a proven winner with good mobility and arm strength. He also has experience making high-level reads in his time at Cincinnati. If he falls to 32, the Lions could take a chance that they could develop his accuracy in the NFL.
The most considerable risk with that is if he does not pan out, it could prevent the Lions from taking a quarterback in next year’s star-studded quarterback class. However, if he is there at 32 or 34, the Lions could take a chance on him, and if in a year they don’t believe he can be a franchise quarterback, they could trade him early and try again with Bryce Young or C.J. Stroud.