After nearly making the postseason in 2022, the Detroit Lions profile as an up-and-coming team heading into next year. How many picks did they have in the 2023 NFL Draft, and did they use them to take the next step in their evolution?
Want to see how the Lions graded out during the 2023 NFL Draft? Check out our full Detroit Lions draft grades, then take a look at the entire 2023 NFL Draft results.
Detroit Lions Draft Picks by Round in 2023
- Round 1 | Pick 12 (from ARI via HOU)
Jahmyr Gibbs, RB, Alabama - Round 1 | Pick 18 overall
Jack Campbell, LB, Iowa - Round 2 | Pick 34 overall
Sam LaPorta, TE, Iowa - Round 2, Pick 45 overall (from GB)
Brian Branch, S, Alabama - Round 3 | Pick 68 (from DEN)
Hendon Hooker, QB, Tennessee - Round 3 | Pick 96 (from ARI)
Brodric Martin, DT, Western Kentucky - Round 5, Pick 152 overall
Colby Sorsdal, OT, William & Mary - Round 7, Pick 219 (from PHI)
Antoine Green, WR, North Carolina
How Many Draft Picks Did the Lions Have in the 2023 NFL Draft?
The Lions had eight picks in the 2023 NFL Draft. Four picks were within the first two rounds, and six were within the top 100, giving Detroit significant early-round capital to work with.
Although they entered the draft owning the No. 6 pick as a result of the Matthew Stafford trade, the Lions shipped that pick to the Cardinals in Round 1, picking up choices No. 12 (first round), No. 34 (second round), and No. 168 (fifth round).
But Detroit wasn’t done moving around the board, as they made three trades in Round 2. First, they moved up for safety Brian Branch, sending a fifth-rounder to the Packers to go from pick No. 48 to No. 45.
Their following two swaps involved trades down. The Lions sent pick Nos. 55 and 194 to the Chiefs in exchange for Nos. 63, 122, and 249. However, they didn’t hold onto No. 63 for long, trading it (plus No. 183) to the Broncos for Nos. 68 and 139.
Detroit made a few more deals on Days 2 and 3. They moved up for defensive tackle Brodric Martin by sending pick Nos. 122, 139, and 168 to Arizona for No. 96. Then, they traded running back D’Andre Swift and a 2023 seventh-rounder (No. 249) to the Eagles for a 2023 seventh-rounder (No. 219) and a 2025 fourth-rounder.
Who Did the Lions Draft in 2023?
The Lions made some interesting choices with their early draft picks, opting not to select a cornerback, edge rusher, or wide receiver but instead adding a running back, off-ball linebacker, and tight end. However, all three of their top picks are expected to make an impact in their first year.
Jahmyr Gibbs will compete with David Montgomery for the starting running back position, and even if he doesn’t get as many carries, his skills in the passing game and speed make him a valuable asset for the team.
Sam LaPorta, the second-round tight end, is also expected to contribute early on as he competes with Brock Wright and James Mitchell for a starting role. Gibbs and LaPorta make a good offense that much better.
It seems likely that Jack Campbell’s arrival will result in Malcolm Rodriguez being moved to a rotational position, despite his impressive performance as a rookie in 2022.
Meanwhile, although Brian Branch may not start on Day 1, his ability to play both safety and in the slot means he will gain more playing time as the year progresses.
MORE: Detroit Lions 2023 Schedule
Detroit’s main goal heading into the draft was to find their future franchise quarterback, but instead, they ended up with a bit of a wild card in the third round.
Hendon Hooker suffered an ACL injury in November and is expected to take a year to recover, meaning he won’t see much playing time in 2023 unless Jared Goff is injured. Even then, Hooker may still be behind Nate Sudfeld on the Lions’ depth chart.