Detroit Lions mock draft emphasizing the defensive side of the ball

Detroit Lions 2022 mock draft

First-round pick: Jaquan Brisker, S, Penn State

Doubling down on defense is something the Lions must do in the 2022 NFL Draft. Drafting a corner earlier is a possibility, with the lackluster season from Ifeatu Melifonwu and Jeff Okudah. However, they are young talents who have promise. Taking a commander for the secondary will help. That’s where Jaquan Brisker comes in.

Brisker is comparable to Tyrann Mathieu (Chiefs) as a versatile tenacious safety. He’s a player who’ll excel in a defense where he can play shell coverage, two deep, and drop down in the nickel. One of his best traits is his instincts and diagnosing plays in short zones.

The 6-0 204-pound safety does a great job playing the run. He can drop down in the box and help improve the run defense. He’s also capable of playing the nickel as a zone corner and blitz specialist. Brisker is a Top 25 prospect who could fall into the Lions’ laps.

Second-round pick: George Pickens, WR, Georgia

Explosiveness on offense can come in many ways. Jared Goff needs a wideout who works well off play-action. One of the missing elements from the Lions’ offense is a guy who can make plays downfield. Georgia’s George Pickens is the perfect player to insert into the offense.

An injury kept Pickens off the field for most of the 2021 College Football season. However, he worked his way back to help the Bulldogs in the biggest games of his college career. Before the injury, Pickens tallied 513-yards and six touchdowns through eight games in 2020.

At 6-3 200-pound, Pickens uses his size to his advantage. He’s a hands catcher with outstanding balance and body control when working the boundary. He has enough long speed to eat up cushions and knows how to use his size to box out defenders. Similar to Devante Parker (Dolphins), he has a long linear frame with great leaping ability and big-play potential.