For now, the Detroit Lions have nine picks in the 2022 NFL Draft, including two in the first round.
Aside from the second overall pick, which they owned due to their 3-13-1 finish last season, they also have the final pick of round one due to the trade that brought Matthew Stafford to the Los Angeles Rams.
First-round picks are highly valued, and mock drafts have been dictating that the Lions might go for a defensive end.
Their selection will heavily depend on who the Jacksonville Jaguars will draft from Aidan Hutchinson, Trevon Walker, or Kayvon Thibodeaux.
Last season, the Lions finished 30th in sacks, and upgrading their pass rush would be their biggest concern.
But while their early pick is reserved for a defensive player, it’s still uncertain who they will get at 32 and even number 34.
However, the latest development from Detroit’s camp might shed light on their strategy.
One of the #Lions’ final pre-draft visits next week will be with Pitt quarterback Kenny Pickett, per sources.
It’s the only known QB visit for Detroit, which owns three of the top 34 picks, including No. 2 overall. Continuing due diligence on top prospects.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) April 15, 2022
NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero shared, “One of the #Lions’ final pre-draft visits next week will be with Pitt quarterback Kenny Pickett, per sources. It’s the only known QB visit for Detroit, which owns three of the top 34 picks, including No. 2 overall. Continuing due diligence on top prospects.”
Is Pickett Going To Be Jared Goff’s Backup?
Pickett’s visit could mean something or nothing.
Something in the sense that they may select him when he’s still available at 32 and nothing because they might end up drafting another player.
After all, there’s no can’t-miss quarterback in this year’s draft.
However, drafting Pickett gives the Lions more flexibility at quarterback.
Having him on the sidelines will force Jared Goff to do better or lose his starting job.
If that scenario happens, it’s nice to have someone like Pickett take over.
He would get much slack for struggling because he’s learning the ropes and because the Lions didn’t too much in free agency to improve their roster.
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