2022 NFL Draft: 5 Senior Bowl Players the Detroit Lions Could Draft
The Detroit Lions got a front row seat at the Senior Bowl, and they could select a few players they coached in the 2022 NFL Draft, along with ones they saw.
The Detroit Lions received the honor of coaching one of the Senior Bowl teams last week, getting an inside look at some of the top seniors in the 2022 NFL Draft. Each practice has a different flavor to it with each team that passes through, and the Lions had a group that enjoyed competing. From the Jermaine Johnson II-Darian Kinnard matchups at the end of day one to the Dameon Pierce-D’Marco Jackson battle on day two, the physicality was present all three days. Brian Robinson put a hit on Channing Tindall in pass protection on day three that turned heads.
Who Could The Detroit Lions Draft From The Senior Bowl?
As it is with every team, the coaching staff and evaluators will find guys that they enjoy coaching all week. That favor could lead to potentially adding them to the team when the draft rolls around. The 49ers ended up selecting Deebo Samuel after coaching him, and the Jets could end up drafting someone they liked as well this year.
Who could the Lions take from the 2022 NFL Draft that they saw in Mobile? Let’s look at five to watch for.
1. Jalen Tolbert, WR, South Alabama
It’s clear that the Detroit Lions have a lot of pieces in place on their offense heading into the offseason, but wide receiver is the one they’re likely to address most. They have three picks in the top 34 to potentially select one early, but one to watch a bit later (or via a trade back) is South Alabama’s Jalen Tolbert.
Tolbert has been productive for the Jaguars, and got a chance to participate at the Senior Bowl in his home stadium. He didn’t look overwhelmed at all in drills or in 1v1s, showing enough with his release to generate some space off the line. He can win vertically and shines making adjustments at the catch point.
There’s a chance Tolbert can develop into an “X” receiver, but a deep threat “Z” with size will do just fine in Detroit, where they’re looking to build a more explosive and complete offense.