2022 NFL Mock Draft: Jets land superstar EDGE, Eagles triple-dip on defense

By Randy Gurzi | Sep 25, 2021

EUGENE, OREGON - SEPTEMBER 04: Defensive end Kayvon Thibodeaux #5 of the Oregon Ducks rushes the passer during the first quarter of the game Fresno State Bulldogs at Autzen Stadium on September 04, 2021 in Eugene, Oregon. Oregon won 31-24. (Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images) /

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SOUTH BEND, IN – NOVEMBER 23: Kyle Hamilton #14 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish intercepts a pass against the Boston College Eagles in the second half at Notre Dame Stadium on November 23, 2019 in South Bend, Indiana. Notre Dame defeated Boston College 40-7. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

3. 50. Scouting Report. S. Notre Dame. Kyle Hamilton. Pick Analysis. player

3. Detroit Lions: Kyle Hamilton, S, Notre Dame

The Detroit Lions have put together four solid quarters and four terrible quarters through the first two weeks. And while they happened in succession, they weren’t in the same game.

Detroit fell behind in the first half of their Week 1 outing against the San Francisco 49ers before coming on strong in the second. They wound up within eight points and had the ball at the end, but came up short in their attempted comeback. In Week 2, they had the opposite problem. The Lions started out strong against the Green Bay Packers and were up 17-14 at the half. Then in the second half, the Packers ran them out of the stadium.

One thing that stood out in that one, was that their offense could move the chains and Jared Goff has looked capable at times. That could mean head coach Dan Campbell gives him at least one more season and if so, they could look to either build the offense around him or take a defensive playmaker to help keep their offense within striking distance. In this mock, they go with the defender since Notre Dame safety Kyle Hamilton offers the most value at No. 3.

Normally a safety doesn’t go this high but Hamilton isn’t a normal safety. He has great coverage skills but can also bring the heat in the box. He’s similar to a linebacker when attacking the run but can play like a deep safety as well, giving the Lions a great chess piece that can vastly improve their defense.

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