With the 2023 NFL Draft in the rearview mirror, fans have been plenty vocal about their winners and losers. During this time, there has been one popular opinion that just doesn’t sit quite well with me. The Detroit Lions’ draft has come in for criticism, with many bring up the argument of positional value.
Contrary to popular opinion, I actually think that this draft was very good, receiving an A- grade from my report card. So why do I like it and where does all this scrutiny stem from? Let’s dive into it.
Draft Overview
The long-awaited draft night had begun, and with their first pick the Lions took Alabama running back Jahmyr Gibbs. This was the No. 12 overall pick and we already had two running backs off the board, leaving plenty to wonder what year it was.
Soon after that the Lions were back on the clock and took Iowa linebacker Jack Campbell at No. 18 overall. These two picks were the subject of plenty of debate and left many wondering exactly what they were building in Detroit.
The shocks kept coming as with their next pick they took the Iowa tight end Sam LaPorta ahead of Michael Mayer. They rounded out day two with Alabama safety Brian Branch as well as Tennessee quarterback Hendon Hooker and defensive tackle Brodric Martin from Western Kentucky.
Their draft would be completed with the final two picks of offensive tackle Colby Sorsdal from William and Mary, as well as North Carolina receiver Antoine Green.
The knee-jerk reaction from fans and the media was that this draft was not good. Many came to question exactly what GM Brad Holmes was doing in Detroit. The GM was unapologetic, saying that they went for “their guys.” The Lions’ strategy was bold to say the least, but not one that we should write off so soon. This team feels that their window to compete in a weak NFC has opened and they drafted around that.
Everything Detroit did right
Jahmyr Gibbs – Round 1, Pick 12: The Lions had already signed David Montgomery in free agency but it became clear after the first night that D’Andre Swift was the odd man out when they drafted Jahmyr Gibbs at No. 12 overall. Towards the end of his time in Detroit, Swift was more efficient as a pass catcher than a runner.
In taking Gibbs the Lions got a better runner and a significantly better pass-catching back -Swift’s talents will not be missed whatsoever. This a new look for the Detroit backfield as they have done a 180 from last years’ committee and entrusted things to Gibbs.
Jack Campbell – Round 1, Pick 18: As we approached draft day it became apparent that linebacker was bound to sneak into the first round. Detroit nailed which linebacker it should be, taking Jack Campbell from Iowa. From day one he brings some much needed improvements to their run defense. Campbell runs a 4.65, and for his size that is extremely impressive. He will make an impact for this team the second he touches the field.
Brian Branch – Round 2, Pick 45: This is possibly one of my favorite picks from this draft. Brian Branch brings versatility to this defensive unit and will be an excellent chess piece for Dan Campbell. Though he is drafted as a safety, Branch spent most of his time at Alabama lining up in the slot. Although he is not the most athletic safety in this draft, Branch is most certainly the best. He is one of the safest picks in this draft and the first round talent fell right into their laps at No. 45 overall. This pick was possibly one of the biggest steals of this draft.
Understanding the Hendon Hooker pick:
I personally mocked Hendon Hooker to the Detroit Lions months ago, just in the first round before the ACL injury. The talented Tennessee quarterback is 25 and possibly will not see any NFL playing time till the age of 26, but when he is able to take the field he will be ready.
He has plenty of college experience and will have a year to sit and learn the system under veteran quarterback Jared Goff, who is coming off one of his best seasons to date. This pick feels more like a value selection to me as the Volunteers quarterback could be an excellent backup at worst and potentially a very solid starter. He is incredibly intelligent and has a phenomenal deep ball. Let’s hope for a speedy recovery for the now Lions quarterback.
It does not feel like the Lions will be in a position to take a top quarterback in any upcoming draft as this has the makings of a competitive roster. In the event that Goff underperforms he has two years left on his deal and has a contract that is easy to move. This would put Hendon Hooker in excellent position to keep you competitive at a fairly cheap price. I would have plenty of confidence to hand him the keys to an NFL offense after the season he had with the Volunteers in 2022.
Sam LaPorta over Michael Mayer?
Possibly the biggest head scratcher from the Lions’ draft came when they took the Iowa tight end before Michael Mayer. At one point Mayer was the consensus TE1, but a lot has changed over the past few months. This was a very deep draft class when it came to the tight end position and there was a range of playstyles available. Teams had the ability to go out and get “their guy” as the Lions did taking LaPorta. But why exactly would they take him over Mayer?
One thing that stood out in LaPorta’s game is his athleticism. He is possibly the best tight end in this class when it comes to production after the catch as well. This is very different to Mayer who, whilst a very good player is more of your typical Y tight end. LaPorta may not be as versatile as Mayer, but his fluid hips and athleticism are extremely intriguing. What he brings to an NFL offense as an athlete alone is what makes him one of the best in this class. Make no mistake, the Detroit Lions got an excellent tight end with very solid value. This also fills the hole that was created by trading TJ Hockenson to Minnesota before the 2022 deadline.
The Detroit Lions had a good draft
You heard me – the Detroit Lions had one of the best drafts this year. Their defense should be much improved in 2023 as they open up as a real contender to win the NFC North. Jared Goff has been surrounded with more weapons as well as an upgraded backfield. Jahmyr Gibbs will bring plenty of versatility to this offense and LaPorta’s athleticism will make him a matchup nightmare. The only thing that I could see potentially holding this team back is regression from Goff.
Make no mistake – the Lions are on the right path in turning around their franchise and their draft in 2023 proves that. Guys like Brian Branch and Jack Campbell should make an impact immediately, whilst later picks like Antoine Green should bring solid depth at the receiver position. Brad Holmes and Dan Campbell have built a very solid roster.
