Trade up. Move down. Stand pat.
What will the Lions do in the 2023 NFL Draft?
The beauty is they don’t HAVE to do anything. All options are wide open.
The Lions, with two picks in the first round (6 and 18), four in the Top 55 (also 48 and 55) and nine overall, have never been better positioned for a draft. It’s imperative they don’t blow such a golden opportunity.
The Lions are on the ascent because of excellent back-to-back drafts orchestrated by GM Brad Holmes, and the Rams’ downfall tethered with other astute moves to acquire draft capital. The Lions, despite winning nine games and then procuring a stellar free agent class, are still in a draft position usually reserved for total rebuilds.
Given the weakened stature of the NFC North and the conference overall, the Lions are situated to excel, not only this season, but for years to come. But in order to maximize this development, they need back-to-back-to-back fruitful drafts.
This is what the Lions should and shouldn’t do NFL Draft weekend:
They should draft at least two cornerbacks: This draft is especially deep at the position, which remains very much a need for the Lions even after signing Cam Sutton and Emmanuel Moseley as free agents. Value fits the need, during the first three rounds and on Day 3.
Related
They shouldn’t draft Jalen Carter sixth overall: Obviously the big 3-technique defensive tackle is gifted, but the risk far outweighs the potential reward.
The Lions should draft a versatile offensive linemen within the first two days of the draft, the type capable of filling a potential starting role at guard, while covering offensive tackle depth should there be injuries to Taylor Decker and Penei Sewell. Pete Skoronski (Northwestern), Paris Johnson Jr. (Ohio State) and Cody Mauch (North Dakota State) are obvious candidates.
The Lions should consider drafting a kicker: Michigan's Jake Moody and Maryland’s Chad Ryland (formerly Eastern Michigan) are good enough to present value as third-day selections.
The Lions shouldn’t waste a pick on a QB: The Lions have drafted only two QB's since taking Matthew Stafford first overall in 2009. Both were in the sixth round by Bob Quinn: Jake Rudock and Brad Kaaya. Nether played in the league. That is utterly reprehensible planning. However, the notion the Lions should draft a QB just to take one doesn’t make sense given the number ways they can address their QB room. Of the potential first-rounders in this draft, I see Ohio State’s C.J. Stroud as the top prospect. I can’t imagine what the recent hype about Will Levis is all about. Bryce Young’s size is an understated issue. As for later rounds, Fresno State’s Jake Haener is the best option. Strong arm. Decent mobility. Excellent leader. Undersized, though. If the Lions pass on a QB, it’s understandable.
Related
The Lions should draft a wide receiver in the second- or third rounds: Not in reaction to Jameson Williams’ suspension that will come to pass soon enough, but out of need for a bigger receiver to play on the outside. Those rounds are generally a sweet spot for receivers. Three WR's to consider are Wake Forest’s A.T. Perry, SMU’s Rashee Rice and Tennessee’s Cedric Tillman.
The Lions should not take trading up lightly: Nine picks gives the Lions flexibility to move up to targeted prospects at all levels of the draft. Yet, the Lions need depth. While they have augmented their roster via free agency, it’s a league of attrition. The more viable players the Lions have on hand, not only on their regular roster but on their practice squad, the better their fortunes ultimately figure to be.
Listen live to 97.1 The Ticket via:
Audacy App | Online Stream | Smart Speaker