The writer is a Metro Detroit freelancer and lifelong Lions fan.
By Marty Greenberg
Don’t start thinking Super Bowl just yet.
But Detroit Lions’ NFL draft picks this week certainly sparks new hope. Sure, we’ve had “hope” before, particularly after we drafted Billy Simms in 1980, Barry Sanders in 1989 and Matt Stafford in 2009.
With this strong front office, and the right picks this time, you can’t help but feel optimistic, though we still may be a year off from playoff contention, and winning a second post-season game in 64 years.
Aidan Hutchinson and family
Building on the strength of last year's strong draft, it seems as if Lions' General Manager Brad Holmes has put together another lucrative haul. As in 2021 draft, Holmes doubled down on the defensive line.
Last year, he went for defensive tackles Alim McNeil and Levi Onzurwike at the upper end of the draft. This year, he landed two stellar defensive ends (edge rushers) -- Aidan Hutchinson with the #2 overall pick, and Joshua Pashcal with pick #46.
Hutchinson, the University of Michigan standout, is widely regarded by many as the top player in this draft. Pashcal of the University of Kentucky was one of the top defenders in college football’s top conference, the SEC.
In between Hutchinson and Pashcal, the Lions traded up with the Minnesota Vikings to draft Jameson Williams for the #12 pick, a wide receiver from Alabama who is regarded by many as the fastest and most talented wide receiver in the draft.
Finishing out day two of the draft, the Lions selected Kerby Joseph of Illinois, a ball-hawking safety.
Each of the picks has an interesting tale.
Aidan Hutchinson (Round 1, #2 Pick): A a local kid from Plymouth who attended high school at Dearborn Divine Child. A four-star rated recruit out of high school, “Hutch” went on to star at the University of Michigan, capping off his career with a stellar senior season in 2021, registering 14 sacks and 16 1/2 tackles for losses. This great season came after a broken leg ended Hutchinson's 2021 campaign after three games. Hutchinson ended up runner-up for the Heisman Trophy in 2022, and is known for having a relentless "motor," meaning he’s all in on every play. He should help the Lions immensely in both pressuring the opposing quarterback and defending the run.
Jameson Williiams (Round 1, #12): Former Ohio State receiver who was disgruntled with his lack of playing time in Columbus, and ended up transferring to the Crimson Tide of Alabama. He has world class speed, which will finally enable the Lions to throw deep downfield. A first-team All American at 'Bama, he was a finalist for the Beletnikoff award for top receiver in America. Williams only fell down to #12 in the draft because of a torn ACL he suffered in the National Championship game in January of this year.
Josh Pashcal (Round 2, #46): High-energy edge rusher from the University of Kentucky. A survivor of cancer (malignant melanoma) in 2018, he overcame numerous surgeries and immunotherapy treatments to become the only three-time captain in Kentucky history. To boot, he never missed a practice after his cancer treatments.
He was also named an Academic All-American in 2021. Kentucky head Coach Mark Stoops called Pashcal "one of the most special players, if not the most, I've ever coached."
Kerby Joseph (Round 4, #97): A former wide receiver who converted to safety at the University of Illinois. With five interceptions in 2021 for the Illini, Joseph was the highest graded safety in the country per Pro Football Focus. A great special-teams player at Illinois, Joseph should be playing sooner than later on the field for Detroit.
James Mitchell
James Mitchell (Round 5, #177): The Virginia Tech tight end is smart and athletic, but unfortunately he is coming off an ACL injury. Lions Coach Dan Campbell, being a former tight end himself, must have recognized the talent and blocking ability of Mitchell. Like the Lions' pick, Jameson Williams, Mitchell would have gone much higher in the draft if it wasn’t for his injury. He was #177 in Round 5.
Malcolm Rodriguez (Round 6, #188): The Oklahoma State linebacker is not quite as talented as another Okie State Lions’ alumnus, Barry Sanders. But Rodriguez is a smallish linebacker who specializes in blitzing and pass coverage. He was the leader of the Oklahoma State defense and could be a real steal for Detroit.
James Houston (Round 7, #217): The top-rated HBCU (Historic Black College) prospect from Jackson State played for for Coach Deion Sanders. He calls himself "The Problem.” He can be used as a hybrid linebacker/edge rusher. He formerly played for University of Florida, and after joining Jackson State, he dominated, recording 16.5 sacks and forcing seven fumbles and 24.5 tackles for losses
Chase Lucas (Round 7, #237): The PAC-12, Arizona State cornerback is a very experienced college player and team captain. At 25, he's the oldest of the Lions draft choices.
Let's be honest. We've been disappointed with the Lions' losing ways over the many years, even with some great draft picks. But some how, this year feels different. I really am hopeful.
