This story was updated Monday morning after a massive odds shift at No. 1.
This week marks the time of year that all Detroit Lions fans feel a little hope.
The 2022 NFL Draft begins on Thursday, with the Lions a major player in the opening round.
As always, Michigan sports bettors can capitalize on Detroit’s draft night if they play their cards right.
Here’s a closer look at notable odds that could impact the Lions’ draft plans.
2022 NFL Draft Guide
- What: 2022 NFL Draft
- When: April 28-30, 2022
- Where: Allegiant Stadium, Paradise, Nevada
- TV: ESPN, ABC, NFL Network
- Online Streaming: ESPN+
- Satellite Radio: ESPN Radio, NFL Radio
The Detroit Lions step into the NFL Draft with eight picks as of now. Trades could obviously impact that. As of this writing, here’s the selections the Lions own.
- First Round, No. 2 pick
- First Round, No. 32 pick
- Second Round, No. 2 pick
- Third Round, No. 2 pick
- Third Round, No. 33 pick
- Fifth Round, No. 34 pick
- Sixth Round, No. 2 pick
- Sixth Round, No. 39 pick
Aidan Hutchinson favored to go No. 2 in draft
If you’ve been keeping up with our Detroit Lions Draft Page, you know oddsmakers have long listed Michigan defensive end Aidan Hutchinson as the clear favorite to be taken No. 1 overall.
That all changed Monday morning, however, as Georgia defensive end Travon Walker has become the favorite across the board.
Hutchinson, meanwhile, has become the favorite to stay home and go No. 2 overall to the Lions.
| Odds to be No. 2 Pick | Aidan Hutchinson | Kayvon Thibodeaux | Travon Walker | Jermaine Johnson II |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | -205 | +150 | +950 | +1000 |
| BetMGM | -175 | +110 | +1200 | +1000 |
| FanDuel | -210 | +150 | +1200 | +1600 |
| BetRivers | -167 | +140 | +1400 | +3300 |
| PointsBet | -225 | +190 | +900 | +800 |
| Caesars | -150 | +110 | +1200 | +1000 |
Prior to Walker’s rise to the favorite at No. 1, Oregon edge rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux had become the favorite to go No. 2. That was despite reports surfacing that Lions head coach Dan Campbell was not necessarily a “big fan” of Thibodeaux and his mentality.
Keep in mind, these odds are to be taken at No. 2 overall. Should the Lions trade out of the spot, there could be a chance for a major shakeup.
If a team is smitten with Liberty quarterback Malik Willis and gives Detroit a nice offer, you could see some big paydays for those willing to take a chance.
What will the Lions do at No. 32 in the NFL Draft?
The Lions have the final pick of the first round thanks to their trade that sent Matthew Stafford to the Los Angeles Rams.
Detroit also owns the 34th overall pick, the second of the second round. That gives the Lions a chance to really address the starting lineup over the early stages of the draft.
While you can’t find odds for the No. 32 pick, you can get a feel for some of the options the Lions could be looking at based on prop odds.
Many sportsbooks over over/under pick positions for a wide range of players. Here’s some that are being targeted to go around the 32nd position based on their over/under for draft position according to DraftKings Sportsbook MI.
- Andrew Booth Jr., Clemson CB: Over/Under 28.5
- Desmond Ridder, Cincinnati QB: Over/Under 28.5
- Devonte Wyatt, Georgia DT: Over/Under 29.5
- Daxton Hill, Michigan S: Over/Under 29.5
- Nakobe Dean, Georgia LB: Over/Under 30.5
- Jahan Dotson, Penn State WR: Over/Under 31.5
- Boye Mafe, Minnesota LB: Over/Under 31.5
- Arnold Ebiketie, Penn State DE: Over/Under 31.5
- Matt Corral, Ole Miss QB: Over/Under 33.5
- Kyler Gordon, Washington CB: Over/Under 33.5
- Lewis Cine, Georgia S: Over/Under 34.5
- Skyy Moore, Western Michigan WR: Over/Under 34.5
One name not listed that could be a potential target is Michigan LB David Ojabo.
When the NFL season ended and turned toward the Draft, Ojabo was listed solidly as a first round pick.
However, the Wolverine suffered a torn Achilles tendon during his Michigan pro day that will keep him from making an impact in the 2022 season.
But, Detroit could be a team accepting that 2022 may not be its year to make a major jump. With a lot of roster questions still existing, Detroit may see Ojabo as a third first-round pick for 2023.
Could the Detroit Lions 2022 NFL Draft include a QB?
One of the bigger questions for Detroit this draft is will it look to take its quarterback of the future?
The 2022 NFL Draft is considered to have one of the weaker QB classes in recent memory. Still, the Lions put a lot of attention into studying QB talent during their time at the Senior Bowl.
While taking Willis No. 2 feels like a stretch, FanDuel Sportsbook MI has the Lions at +900 to draft him.
Kenny Pickett, the Pittsburgh QB, has also made his way up a lot of mock draft boards. The Lions are a distant +2000 on the odds market to take him. However, if Detroit trades back, that could put Pickett more in play.
If a QB is going to be taken by the Lions, No. 32 or No. 34 seems like the more likely spot.
Multiple mock drafts have paired the Lions with Desmond Ridder, the Cincinnati quarterback at No. 32.
Coming into the draft, Campbell and General Manager Brad Holmes haven’t tipped their hand in regard to going after a quarterback in this draft.
Campbell recently said he believes the Lions don’t need an elite quarterback for sustained success.
Holmes has said he has confidence in Jared Goff as the team’s QB, but would be comfortable drafting a quarterback to sit behind him.
