Top 5 most improved teams after the 2022 NFL Draft

Most improved team after the 2022 NFL Draft no. 3: Detroit Lions

Going into Day 1, Aiden Hutchinson almost felt like an afterthought. It’s bizarre to say, but he feels like a steal despite being the No. 2 overall pick.

Given how productive he was in his final season at Michigan, you’d think he would go No. 1 overall. However, the Jacksonville Jaguars did the Lions GM Brad Holmes a favor by prioritizing traits over production.

Hutchinson is exactly the type of player that represents the Lions’ culture. He’s big, strong, and plays with tenacity. His first step and speed to power make him a dangerous pass rusher. He’ll set the tone on the defense as an anchor in the run game as well.

Expect the No. 2 overall pick to be the face of the Lions’ defense for years to come.

Maybe I’m overthinking this, but the Minnesota Vikings showed a lack of respect for the Detroit Lions by allowing them to take the best wide receiver prospect in the 2022 NFL Draft. Jameson Willams was an investment for the future. An injury will keep him sidelined for most, if not all, of the 2022 season.

When he’s healthy, Williams is a speedster who dominates on every level. Because of his speed, Williams’ route running gets overshadowed. He’s a clean route runner who snaps off the stem. He’ll also work the middle of the field and turn short catches into big plays.

With the 97th pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, the Lions drafted one of the best ball-hawking safeties. Kerby Joseph was a third-round pick who will step foot on the field in week one. He’ll benefit from having Aiden Hutchinson and Josh Paschal getting after the quarterback.

With the fresh additions up front, Joseph should get plenty of chances to put his ball-hawking skills on full display.

In the 5th round, Brad Holmes opted to take a move tight end with good speed and a willing blocker in James Mitchell. Holmes doubled down at linebacker in the sixth round with the speedy rangy, Malcolm Rodriguez.

He also drafted a 6-0 244-pound on-ball linebacker, James Houston.