3 Most Likely Lions Draft Targets With the 2nd Overall Pick

The Detroit Lions are set to draft within the top 10 overall picks for the third consecutive year after finishing at the bottom of the NFC North division. Head coach Dan Campbell has his team fired up, though. Adding a playmaker to the mix could be just what the Lions need to bounce back in 2022.

Detroit is in desperate need of a player capable of coming in and making an impact right away, whether that is on offense or defense. With that being said, here are three of the Lions most likely draft targets with the No. 2 overall pick.

1. Kayvon Thibodeaux, DE (Oregon)

There seems to be a consensus top two heading into the 2022 NFL Draft and one of those players in Oregon defensive end Kayvon Thibodeaux. Thibodeaux has been a consistent force for the Ducks over three college seasons, posting a combined 19.0 sacks and 3 forced fumbles (30 games played). He has morphed into a perfect pass-rushing specimen and has all the tools needed to succeed in the NFL. Thibodeaux's aggressive nature of play would fit in well under Campbell and help improve a defensive line that finished with only 30.0 sacks (No. 30 in NFL). This one may be a no-brainer for the Detroit front office.

2. Aidan Hutchinson, DE (Michigan)

Michigan defensive end Aidan Hutchinson makes up the other part of what has become a very popular top-two prediction. The 6-foot-6, 265 pound defensive force has seemingly improved with each college season. Hutchinson ended his career by logging an impressive 14.0 sacks and 2 forced fumbles in 14 games played in 2021. He graded as the highest out of any defender in college football, according to ProFootballFocus, and has an arsenal of moves he can use to get to the quarterback. Detroit cannot afford to mess up this pick and drafting an intense pass rusher that has a non-stop motor seems like a safe bet.

3. Kenny Pickett, QB (Pittsburgh)

It can't be overlooked that the Lions have an opportunity to shock the NFL in April and simply take a quarterback at No. 2 overall. Starter Jared Goff battled injuries this past season and looked like a middle-of-the-pack QB at best when healthy. Detroit needs a spark and maybe Kenny Pickett is the one capable of being that for Campbell's offense. The Pittsburgh standout was easily the best QB in college football this past fall, completing 67.2% of his pass attempts for 4,319 yard and 42 touchdowns (13 games played). the Lions also own the No. 30 overall pick, but there's no guarantee that a top QB prospect will be available at that time. Drafting Pickett could be the front office's way of attempting to compete right away.

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Larry Rupp is not a FanDuel employee. In addition to providing DFS gameplay advice, Larry Rupp also participates in DFS contests on FanDuel using his personal account, username phillyfan424. While the strategies and player selections recommended in his articles are his personal views, he may deploy different strategies and player selections when entering contests with his personal account. The views expressed in their articles are the author's alone and do not necessarily reflect the views of FanDuel.