Detroit Lions 2022 draft watch: 4 prospects to watch this weekend

The college football season is underway and this weekend (September 4 and 5) is full of great matchups. But which games should you watch and who are the Detroit Lions likely keeping an eye on?

We’ve got you covered.

Quarterback watch

If you missed our previous article highlighting which quarterbacks to watch each week this season, be sure to give it a bookmark. Here’s a quick reminder of the top prospects to watch this weekend:

• Graham Mertz (Wisconsin) vs. Penn State on Saturday, 12:00 p.m. ET, on FOX
• Desmond Ridder (Cincinnati) vs. Miami (OH) on Saturday, 3:30 p.m. ET, on ESPN+
• J.T. Daniels (Georgia) vs. Clemson on Saturday, 7:30 p.m. ET, on ABC

Sam Howell (North Carolina) was also on this week’s watch list for his matchup with Virginia Tech and the high-profiled prospect did not impress. It’s going to take a lot of work to come back from that three-interception disaster.

But if you’re interested in keeping an eye on players beyond the quarterback, here are four players to watch at different times throughout the weekend.

Brandon Smith, LB, Penn State (Jr)

at Wisconsin, Saturday, 12:00 p.m. ET, on FOX

A freaky athletic off-the-ball linebacker who has the size (6-foot-3, 244 pounds), speed (rumored sub-4.4 40-yard-dash), power, and coverage skills that would fit nicely into the Lions’ scheme. He is still developing consistency but the potential is there.

John Metchie III, WR, Alabama (Jr)

vs Miami, Saturday, 3:30 p.m. ET, ABC

The next Alabama inside/outside receiver, Metchie (6-foot-0, 195 pounds) creates separation with speed and creativity in his routes. He is touted as having an incredible work ethic and it shows on the field. He understands how to set up defensive backs and varies his acceleration to bait defenders.

Adam Anderson, EDGE, Georgia (Sr)

vs. Clemson on Saturday, 7:30 p.m. ET, on ABC

A rotational pass-rushing outside linebacker in 2020, Anderson (6-foot-5, 230 pounds) is set to take over a starting role this season. Speed, acceleration, length, and burst off the line, make him very appealing, but he needs more reps to elevate his stock. A natural WILL in a 3-4 scheme, Anderson would fit well in the Lions’ system and plays a position that could be a priority depending on what happens to Trey Flowers in 2022.

Kyle Hamilton, S, Notre Dame (Jr)

at Florida State, Sunday, 7:30 p.m. ET, on ABC

Hamilton (6-foot-4, 220 pounds) is arguably the top safety in the draft and should be in the top half of the first-round conversation considering his ranging skill set. Comfortable in a split-safety scheme, he has the range to play single-high as well as drop into the box and cover the slot. With elite intangibles and instincts, Hamilton shows the field range to be a difference-maker in the secondary.