Detroit Lions Mock Draft Roundup 4.0

Throughout the year and leading up to the 2022 NFL Draft, we will update our Detroit Lions Mock Draft Roundup showing picks for the Detroit Lions from several prominent sites and draft analysts.

The following are picks in recent mock drafts for the Lions:

SI - Kevin Hanson (2/17)

2. Aidan Hutchinson, EDGE, Michigan

Hutchinson collected postseason awards and honors in 2021 after setting Michigan's single-season sack record (14), which included three against archrival Ohio State. While physical traits are valued more highly than collegiate production when projecting edge rushers to the next level, the former Wolverine is also expected to test well at next month's combine. Hutchinson fills an on-field need as only the Broncos had a lower pass-rush win rate last season than the Lions, but his intangibles, work ethic and football character are a perfect fit for what Dan Campbell and Brad Holmes want to build in the Motor City.

32. Jahan Dotson, WR, Penn State

After finding success on Day 3 of last year's draft with Amon-Ra St. Brown, one of the team's few bright spots in 2021, the Lions still need to add more weapons in the passing game. Although he's the sixth receiver off the board in this mock, Dotson is a first-round talent with excellent quickness, hands and route-running prowess.

Yahoo! Sports - Eric Edholm (2/17)

2. Aidan Hutchinson, EDGE, Michigan

Wouldn't count out Kayvon Thibodeaux here, as the Lions reportedly are fans of his athleticism and versatility. But Hutchinson just feels like the exact mold of tone setter the Lions are seeking. Dan Campbell would love this guy. The Lions are building this roster back up through the trenches.

32. Drake London, WR, USC

Depending on what London runs at the NFL combine (assuming he runs there), he could rise ... or drop just a bit. He's a high-volume receiver who is tight with former USC teammate and Lions 2021 fourth-rounder Amon-Ra St. Brown. The two could help reshape Detroit's WR room over the next few years.

Draft Wire - Luke Easterling (2/17)

2. Aidan Hutchinson, EDGE, Michigan

This pick will be an edge rusher, whether it's Hutchinson or Oregon's Kayvon Thibodeaux. While Thibodeaux might have more athleticism and a higher ceiling, he's not quite as consistent, polished or as complete a defender as Hutchinson right now.

32. Desmond Ridder, QB, Cincinnati

I don't think the Lions are going into this draft planning to take a quarterback, but if someone like Ridder is still on the board here, they might not be able to resist. He's got all the tools to become a successful starter at the next level, and the Lions get that fifth-year option by taking him here, which is even more valuable with a quarterback.

ESPN - Todd McShay (2/16)

2. Aidan Hutchinson, EDGE, Michigan

This is a slam-dunk scenario for the Lions. They gave up 5.9 yards per play (29th) and 26.9 points per game (28th), opposing quarterbacks had the third-best QBR against them (53.4), and only two teams had fewer sacks than their 30 in 2021. Hutchinson -- who is from Michigan and played his college ball less than an hour away from Detroit -- is a relentless pass-rusher who had 14.0 sacks and 66 pressures last year. He can take over a game on defense, and Detroit needs more players like that, especially because its top pass-rusher in 2021 (Charles Harris, 7.5 sacks) is a free agent.

32. Sam Howell, QB, North Carolina

Detroit already has Aidan Hutchinson from its first pick of Day 1. Now it can take advantage of the final pick with a fifth-year option attached to it and draft a quarterback -- not unlike what the Ravens did with Lamar Jackson in 2018. Tough and competitive, Howell fits well with the Lions' organization. He is super accurate hitting the deep rail shots, and he has a quick delivery and good touch. But his footwork needs work, and he will need to improve the anticipatory intermediate-level throws. Let Howell sit behind Jared Goff, whose dead money falls from $30.5 million in 2022 to $10 million in 2023 and $5 million in 2024. I'd like to see Howell link up with receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown to jump-start the Lions' passing attack, which had the league's 25th-best Total QBR in 2021 (37.6).

Fox Sports - Rob Rang (2/16)

2. Kyle Hamilton, S, Notre Dame

The Lions need a dynamic edge rusher and have a unique perspective on Kayvon Thibodeaux because last year's top pick, Penei Sewell, faced him every day for two years at Oregon.

Thibodeaux is arguably the most gifted rusher in this draft, but the inconsistency and injuries that characterized his college career are the antithesis of the traits Detroit GM Brad Holmes and coach Dan Campbell prioritize. As such, should the local hero, Hutchinson, be off the board, don't be surprised if the Lions address their defense with Hamilton, the most unique talent in this class.

32. Nakobe Dean, LB, Georgia

The Lions' top two tacklers at linebacker, Alex Anzalone and Jalen Reeves-Maybin, are pending free agents and might not be priorities to re-sign as the roster rebuild continues. The reigning Butkus Award winner would be an ideal replacement should he still be on the board.

USA Today - Nate Davis (2/15)

2. Aidan Hutchinson, EDGE, Michigan

Certainly a highly realistic chance he goes No. 1 to Jacksonville given his widely praised character, relentless effort between the lines and production, the Heisman Trophy runner-up setting a Wolverines record with 14 sacks in 2021. The 6-6, 265-pounder's approach to the game certainly seems to dovetail with the culture Lions coach Dan Campbell is trying to cultivate, and Hutchinson's local ties would surely make him a home run pick for Detroit ... if he "falls" this far.

32. Matt Corral, QB, Mississippi

He's not big (6-1, 205), though might be a different story if you could measure his heart. He's also got sizable arm strength and athleticism and might be the kind of guy you want to invest in for a year -- or at least part of a season -- before unleashing him. Due to the structure of his contract, Detroit will likely have QB Jared Goff for one more season. But Corral might be worth a late first-round pick that could solidify this franchise's long-term outlook.

The Ringer - Danny Kelly (2/15)

2. Aidan Hutchinson, EDGE, Michigan

Hutchinson fits the Lions like a glove both in terms of Detroit's needs and the team's identity. He gives this team a foundational, blue-chip pass rusher to rebuild their defensive line around, and he's a kneecap-biting berserker who should boost the intensity level of the entire defense.

32. Desmond Ridder, QB, Cincinnati

Ridder is a worthy gamble at this spot for the Lions. He may need some time to acclimate to the NFL after playing against inferior competition at Cincinnati, but with Jared Goff under contract for 2022, Detroit can bring their rookie quarterback along slowly. Ridder has all the tools to develop into a franchise quarterback.

The Draft Scout - Matt Miller (2/14)

2. Aidan Hutchinson, EDGE, Michigan

With Aidan Hutchinson available this becomes a very easy pick for the Detroit Lions with no quarterback of value on the board. Hutchinson, an in-state product, has the toughness and non-stop motor that head coach Dan Campbell loves. He also plays one of the two most important positions in football.

32. Chris Olave, WR, Ohio State

The Lions' wide receiver room is the weakest in the NFL by a healthy margin. That'll change this offseason as the position is a priority from what I'm told by those close to the front office. Brad Holmes knows as general manager how important the position is and Chris Olave's route-running and toughness would be a quick upgrade.

NFL.com - Chad Reuter (2/14)

2. Aidan Hutchinson, EDGE, Michigan

Keeping the winner of the 2021 Ted Hendricks (top DE) and Lombardi (top lineman) Awards in Michigan will, of course, help the team's pass rush. Hutchinson's toughness against the run and football intelligence, however, also played big roles in making him the Heisman Trophy runner-up and a top-five prospect.

32. Desmond Ridder, QB, Cincinnati

In my opinion, Ridder played well enough for the Bearcats and at the Senior Bowl to earn a top-50 grade. The Lions could select Ridder to eventually take over for Jared Goff, or they could trade this pick to a different team looking to land a future starting QB whose contract will include a fifth-year option.

PFF - Mike Renner (2/14)

2. Kyle Hamilton, S, Notre Dame

Hamilton isn't just the most impressive safety prospect by far; he's one of the most impressive prospects in the entire draft. The fact that he plays a low-paid position like safety isn't a big factor in my eyes, given how versatile he is at 6-foot-4, 220 pounds.

32. Sam Howell, QB, North Carolina

Howell will almost assuredly have to redshirt once he gets to the NFL, given the difference between his college offense and the one he'll be running in the pros. However, he has more proven performance -- at a younger age -- than any quarterback in the draft class.

MORE TEAMS: All NFL Team Mock Draft Roundups

Previous updates:

Detroit Lions Mock Draft Roundup 4.0

Cleveland Browns Mock Draft Roundup 2.0