The Lions might be the most-improved team in the NFL entering 2023. But who will be their most-improved player?
They have a number of recent draft picks who are strong candidates. Karsch says tight end James Mitchell, a 2022 fifth-round pick who played sparingly last season as he worked his way back from a torn ACL. If he takes a big step this season, Mitchell and rookie second-round pick Sam LaPorta could form a strong duo at tight end. Khang says safety Kerby Joseph, a 2022 third-round pick who shined in the second half of last season.
Gator says it's going to be defensive lineman Josh Paschal, who was also eased into action last season after undergoing sports hernia surgery in the offseason. A 2022 second-round pick, Paschal made his debut in Week 7 and eventually had 16 tackles and two sacks in 10 games:
"He’s one of these guys with a great attitude and that’s going to help him out. I do think that he’s going to get plenty of reps, because he’s versatile enough to play anywhere you want on the defensive line. … I expect him to be more involved in tackles. I don’t know how many sacks he’s going to have, but I think he’s going to be an improved player. … I’m excited to see what he can do."
Other popular picks from callers and texters included DT Alim McNeil, DE James Houston and LB Derrick Barnes.
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