{"id":3960,"date":"2022-04-04T11:28:55","date_gmt":"2022-04-04T11:28:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/linksus.net\/lions-2022-nfl-draft-a-safety-for-every-round-lions-wire\/"},"modified":"2022-04-04T11:28:55","modified_gmt":"2022-04-04T11:28:55","slug":"lions-2022-nfl-draft-a-safety-for-every-round-lions-wire","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/linksus2.linksus.net\/index.php\/2022\/04\/04\/lions-2022-nfl-draft-a-safety-for-every-round-lions-wire\/","title":{"rendered":"Lions 2022 NFL draft: A safety for every round – Lions Wire"},"content":{"rendered":"

The latest in the “prospect for every round” at one position moves to the defensive backfield, where the Detroit Lions are definitely in the market for a safety.
Entering April, safety remains the most urgent need on the entire roster. Bringing free agent Tracy Walker back<\/a> solidifies one starting spot, but on a defense that is looking to often play three safeties at a time, the other two current projected starters are Will Harris<\/a> and Brady Breeze<\/a>, with special teams ace C.J. Moore the only notable challenger.
Projecting the Lions current 53-man roster<\/a>
The good news is that this is a very good draft class to need a safety \u2014 or two. There are several prospects who can step right into Aaron Glenn’s base split-safety scheme, or work into one of the 3-safety roles with long-term upside better than what Detroit currently employs.
The purpose here isn’t to advocate for or against any specific player. This is about presenting the options that are likely available to the Lions (and other NFL teams) at the position in each round. We’ll go through the options at each position, and we’ll also include projections for the fourth round<\/a>, where the Lions do not currently hold a pick. Consider the fourth-rounder as the player the Lions would consider with the No. 97 overall pick at the end of the third.
(AP Photo\/Michael Conroy)
Hamilton could be the best player in the entire draft regardless of position. An impact talent in both run defense and coverage, the 6-foot-4, 220-pound Hamilton is bigger than many linebackers but doesn’t lack quickness or agility. He’s shown incredible range in coverage and the ability to rapidly terminate runners inside the box. The instincts and reaction quickness are off the charts, exceptionally great.
There are some concerns over Hamilton’s long speed after a disappointing 40-yard dash at the combine and his pro day. He did miss several games after injuring his knee last fall, and that could explain the slower-than-expected timing but raise a different flag in its own right. Hamilton has all the ability and potential to be an All-Pro very early in his career.
Matthew OHaren-USA TODAY Sports
It might be a stretch for Hill to last to Detroit’s pick at No. 32, let alone No. 34 in the second round. He has the highest ceiling of any coverage-oriented safety in this class, and it’s a very good class too.
Hill will interest some teams as a slot cornerback, and his fluidity, explosiveness and instincts in coverage make him the best slot CB prospect in the draft as well. As a safety, he’s on the lighter side (191 pounds) but his athletic testing is outstanding:
Daxton Hill is a FS prospect in the 2022 draft class. He scored a 9.03 RAS out of a possible 10.00. This ranked 79 out of 803 FS from 1987 to 2022. https:\/\/t.co\/slJpeVaUUM<\/a> #RAS<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/8DRcCtRyIL<\/a>
— Kent Lee Platte (@MathBomb) March 18, 2022<\/a>