2022 NFL Power Rankings: Rams, Bills look like teams to beat entering training camp
By Randy Gurzi
50. . . Previous: 26th. Detroit Lions. 26. team
26. Detroit Lions
The Detroit Lions deserve a lot of credit for going big in the 2022 NFL Draft. After landing Michigan defensive end Aidan Hutchinson at No. 2 overall, they traded up from the 32nd spot — one of the picks they landed in exchange for Matthew Stafford — and brought in Jameson Williams from Alabama.
Those two could help reshape either side of the ball as they now have someone capable of putting up 10-plus sacks per season as well as a potential 1,000-yard receiver.
While that will help, they’re not going to go too far with Jared Goff under center — but that seems to be something they will address next offseason.
Previous: 24th. Carolina Panthers. 25. team. 87. .
25. Carolina Panthers
Adding Baker Mayfield was a good move for the Carolina Panthers because it will cost them next to nothing. The problem is, it’s rare that a quarterback that costs next to nothing turns out to be the franchise savior that some fans want to make him out to be.
Mayfield has had some good moments in the NFL but he needs to control his emotions and learn to win without external motivators such as media members doubting him.
On top of that, the Panthers roster isn’t great. They’ve improved their offensive line some but outside of D.J. Moore, there aren’t too many reliable options on offense.
Defensively there are holes as well and head coach Matt Rhule hasn’t shown anything to make it seem he will get off the hot seat anytime soon.