The Detroit Lions are the odds-on favorite to win the NFC North entering the 2023 season.
Detroit upgraded its roster in free agency and then made a slew of trades over the three-day 2023 NFL Draft. Lions fans are hoping these moves help the team win a playoff game for the first time since 1991 and bring the franchise ever closer to its elusive first NFL championship since 1957.
Here’s a look at the Lions’ 2023 draft class.
Lions NFL Draft Picks 2023
- Round 1, Pick 12 Overall (From CLE via HOU, ARI): Jahmyr Gibbs, RB, Alabama
- Round 1, Pick 18 Overall: Jack Campbell, LB, Iowa
- Round 2, Pick 34 Overall (From ARI): Sam LaPorta, TE, Iowa
- Round 2, Pick 45 Overall (From GB): Brian Branch, CB, Alabama
- Round 3, Pick 68 Overall (From DEN): Hendon Hooker, QB, Tennessee
- Round 3 Pick 96 Overall (Compensatory From ARI): Brodric Martin, DT, Western Kentucky
- Round 5, Pick 152 Overall: Colby Sorsdal, OT, William & Mary
- Round 7, Pick 219 Overall (From HOU via MIN, PHI): Antoine Green, WR, North Carolina
Lions NFL Futures Odds
Now that the NFL Draft is complete, get ready for the 2023-24 NFL season with the latest Lions odds and futures betting markets.
Lions Draft Grade 2023
Lions NFL Draft Grade: C
Our Frank Ammirante gave the Lions a C, crediting them for selecting first-round talents in Branch and Hooker on Day 2. However, Ammirante downgraded Detroit’s draft due to its curious first-round selections.
Click to see our full report card of 2023 NFL Draft Grades.
Note: The following information was written prior to the 2023 NFL Draft.
Lions Draft Team Needs 2023
1. Defensive Line
Detroit addressed its pass rush by selecting Aidan Hutchinson with the No. 2 pick last year but now needs to focus on its run-stopping on defense. The Lions gave up the fourth-most rushing yards in football (2,491, 146.5 per game), which is a big reason why they finished 28th in the league in points against per game (25.1).
2. Cornerback
The Lions allowed the third-most passing yards in football (4,179, 245.8 per game) and had only 12 interceptions. They were reportedly in on Jalen Ramsey before the Rams sent him to Miami, but added cornerbacks Emmanuel Moseley and Cameron Sutton, as well as safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson in free agency.
But with two first-round picks, including one in the top 10, the opportunity to add a young, cost-controlled corner will be too good for Detroit to pass up.
3. Tight End
Detroit has an embarrassment of offensive riches, especially at wide receiver, but it also offloaded one of quarterback Jared Goff‘s top receiving targets, T.J. Hockenson, in a midseason trade with the Vikings.
There are multiple top-flight options at tight end, which Detroit may want to target with its other first-round selection.
Lions May Also Consider Drafting: Linebacker, Offensive Line
Lions NFL Draft Round 1 Mock 2023
- Round 1, Pick 6 Overall: Christian Gonzalez, CB, Oregon
- Round 1, Pick 18 Overall: Michael Mayer, TE, Notre Dame
As of April 7, our own Anthony Cervino is predicting the Lions will pick the 6-foot-1 All-Pac-12 cornerback with their top-10 selection then target Mayer, the All-American tight end, with their later pick. Read our full NFL Mock Draft.
Lions NFL Draft Pick History
Lions NFL Draft Picks 2022
- Round 1, Pick 2 (2nd Overall): Aidan Hutchinson, DE, Michigan
- Round 1, Pick 12 (12th Overall): Jameson Williams, WR, Alabama
- Round 2, Pick 14 (46th Overall): Joshua Paschal, DE, Kentucky
- Round 3, Pick 33 (97th Overall): Kerby Joseph, S, Illinois
- Round 5, Pick 34 (177th Overall): James Mitchell, TE, Virginia Tech
- Round 6, Pick 9 (188th Overall): Malcolm Rodriguez, LB, Oklahoma State
- Round 6, Pick 39 (217th Overall): James Houston, EDGE, Jackson State University
- Round 7, Pick 16 (237th Overall): Chase Lucas, CB, Arizona State
