Revisiting The Detroit Lions 2022 Draft Selections

As the 2026 NFL Draft approaches, Detroit Lions fans hope Brad Holmes will recreate the magic of his 2021-2023 rookie classes. The 2022 rookies finished their fourth NFL season. It’s time to revisit Holmes’ selections to see if they’ve withstood the test of time.  

Revisiting The Detroit Lions 2022 Draft Selections

It didn’t quite meet the Gold Standard of his 2021 draft, but Holmes hit the bullseye with several 2022 picks. However, did the lastwordonsports.com 2022 NFL Draft Profiles and our post-draft review fare as well, given the test of time?

Round 1, No. 2 overall: Aidan Hutchinson, DE, Michigan 

Armed with the second pick of the 2021 draft, Holmes scored an A+ with his selection of the 2022 NFL Rookie of the Year and two-time Pro Bowl talent. In addition to elite athleticism, Hutchinson possesses the defining personal character traits Holmes and Dan Campbell sought in rebuilding the Lions roster.

The 2021 Ted Hendricks Award recipient as the nation’s top defensive end, Hutchinson was also named the Lott IMPACT Trophy winner. The IMPACT acronym stands for Maturity, Performance, Academics, Community, and Tenacity.

In drafting Hutchinson, the Lions acquired a generational talent with a 91.9 PFF rating. Even after missing most of last season, he boasts a career record of 176 tackles (118 solo), 100 quarterback hits, 64 QB hurries, 43.0 sacks, five interceptions, eight forced fumbles, and five fumble recoveries. This past October, the Lions signed Hutchinson to a four-year $180 million extension that set an NFL record for the most guaranteed money ($141 million) awarded to a non-quarterback.

Hutchinson’s draft profile aged well, comparing him to Maxx Crosby. “Hutchinson has enough upside to warrant being taken at the top of the draft, and will probably be selected by Jacksonville with the first overall pick or the Detroit Lions with the second pick. Whoever takes Hutchinson will get a difference-maker on defense.” 

Round 1, No. 12 overall: Jameson Williams, WR, Alabama 

Coming off his second back-to-back 1,000-yard season, Williams achieved the potential Holmes spotted at the time of his draft. As ESPN reported, “The Lions trading up 20 spots to take Williams was one of the biggest stories of the night.”

Signaling the Lions’ intention to surround Jared Goff with strong offensive receiving targets, Holmes negotiated a savvy deal with the Minnesota Vikings to draft Williams at number 12. Trading up from the 32nd pick, Holmes gave up the 32nd, 34th, and 66th picks in exchange for the 12th and 46th overall picks. 

After a rough initial start, Williams is one of the NFL’s leading receivers with 148 receptions for 2,513 yards and 17 touchdowns. Averaging 22.6 yards per catch, he’s known for his long ball threat and blazing speed. With an 82-yard reception as his longest, Williams also recorded 63 and 64-yard receptions.

His draft profile has aged well, highlighting Williams’ explosive speed and playmaking ability. “If not for his ACL tear in January, he would be a top-five receiver.” The profile predicted he’ll be a deep ball asset to whatever team drafts him. 

Round 2, No. 46 overall: Josh Paschal, DE, Kentucky

Josh Paschal was part of the trade with Minnesota. The “steal” of the 2022 draft was a projected first-rounder who “fell to the Lions at pick 46.” 

A three-time captain at Kentucky, Paschal’s post-draft review described him as “a steal not only for his dedication to finding the ball, but for his dedication to establishing a successful and winning culture.”

Despite his enormous talent, Paschal hasn’t lived up to his anticipated potential in Detroit. He is the biggest disappointment of this draft class. His career derailed by multiple knee injuries, a hernia, and a lingering back problem, Paschal has appeared in only 36 games and started 18. He recorded 62 tackles (34 solo), 5.0 sacks, a pass defense, and two opposing fumble recoveries. Due to the ongoing back issue, Paschal didn’t play a single snap in 2025.

Round 3, No. 97 overall: Kerby Joseph, S, Illinois

Kerby Joseph’s draft was another home run hit for the Lions. In the post-draft review, Joseph was described as “a fast safety who hits players with violence” and a player who “gets the job done,” making few mistakes.” 

Recording 265 career tackles (180 solo), 35 pass defenses, 20 interceptions, 1 pick six, two forced fumbles, and one opposing fumble return, Joseph ranks among the NFL’s elite. Snagging critical interceptions, Joseph makes huge plays when they’re most needed. 

In 2022, he became the first NFL player to record three interceptions in a single season off Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Two of those interceptions occurred in one game. In 2024, he was named First-Team AP All-Pro.  Joseph ranked number 60 on the CBS Sports Top 100 list for the 2025 season.  

Unfortunately, due to an ongoing knee issue, Joseph appeared in only six games in 2025. While the extent and nature of his knee problem have not been disclosed, his healthy return to the roster remains in doubt.