The 2022 NFL Draft kicks off on Thursday, April 28. With the #1 pick being far from a certainty and many of the teams at the top of the draft not looking to select a quarterback in the first round, this could end up being one of the most unique NFL drafts in quite awhile.
The Jacksonville Jaguars are on the clock first, and the direction the Jags go in will likely affect what the Detroit Lions so with the 2nd pick. Coming off a 3-13-1 season, the Lions have lots of holes to fill but it seems that Detroit has narrowed its choices down to a few of the top draft prospects.
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With this in mind, let’s take a look at the odds to be the 2nd pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, and then give our predictions and best bets for the #2 selection.
NFL Draft Odds for 2nd Pick
- Aidan Hutchinson, DE, Michigan (+150)
- Kayvon Thibodeaux, DE, Oregon (+150)
- Travon Walker, DL, Georgia (+225)
- Malik Willis, QB, Liberty (+600)
- Ahmad Gardner, CB, Cincinnati (+700)
- Kyle Hamilton, S, Penn State (+1600)
- Ikem Ekwonu, OT/G, North Carolina State (+1600)
- Evan Neal, OT, Alabama (+2000)
- Derek Stingley Jr., CB, LSU (+3300)
- Kenny Pickett, QB, Pittsburgh (+3300)
NFL Number 2 Pick 2022 Best Bets
Here are a couple of predictions and best bets for the 2nd pick in the 2022 NFL Draft.
NFL Draft 2nd Pick Best Bet: Travon Walker (+225)
The most likely draft target for the Lions is Travon Walker, the athletic freak out of Georgia. While he may not be as polished as Hutchinson, Detroit clearly has time to coach him into the player they want him to be. But with Aaron Rodgers, Kirk Cousins and Justin Fields in the division, the Lions need to improve their pass defense in order to succeed.
Walker edges out Kayvon Thibodeaux due to his rumored work ethic issues. It may or may not be true, but why take that risk when you have so many needs? A poor work ethic also seems to be the one thing head coach Dan Campbell won’t put up with.
Bet on Walker to be the 2nd pick in the 2022 NFL Draft with his +225 odds.
NFL Draft 2nd Pick Best Bet: Aiden Hutchinson (+150)
If the Jaguars pass on Hutchinson with the #1 pick, then this is a no-brainer for the Lions. Coming out of Michigan, he would be the perfect draft pick to get this fanbase excited. On top of that, Hutchinson is clearly the most NFL-ready edge rusher in the 2022 draft, and there may not be a weakness on this Lions team greater than getting to the quarterback.
After releasing Trey Flowers this offseason, it seems clear the Lions will draft an edge rusher, whether it’s Hutchinson or Walker.
NFL Draft 2nd Pick Best Bet: Kyle Hamilton (+1600)
If Hutchinson is taken with #1 pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, as the odds say he will be, and the Lions decide to pass on Walker as well, Detroit should still stick to the defensive side of the ball with the 2nd pick. The Lions have no need to draft an offensive lineman as that group is the team’s greatest strength, and I can’t see them reaching for a quarterback. Looking at the defensive prospects, there may not be a player that is more ready to start than safety Kyle Hamilton out of Penn State.
Hamilton is a tremendous talent who is also versatile. The 6-4 playmaker can come up in the box to guard tight ends or play the run, but he can also drop back and be a true ballhawk roaming the secondary. At +1600 odds, this longshot for the #2 pick is worth the wager just in case the Lions go in that direction.
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