3 Burning Questions following Lions' 2023 Draft
Through free agency and the recently-completed 2023 NFL Draft, Detroit Lions general manager Brad Holmes has done a solid job of positioning the organization as a legitimate playoff contender.
He's added impact performers on both offense (i.e. RB Jahmyr Gibbs and TE Sam LaPorta) and defense (i.e. DB C.J. Gardner-Johnson and LB Jack Campbell), and has subsequently received high praise for the work he's done this offseason.
With the draft having passed, it's time to take a new look at the three biggest burning questions facing the Lions.
1.) How much should Jahmyr Gibbs play his rookie season?
After using the No. 12 overall pick on him, the Lions better utilize him a lot.
For starters, with D'Andre Swift having been traded, Gibbs is already the No. 2 back on Detroit's running backs depth chart.
Additionally, the Alabama product is a versatile weapon that can impact the offense in a multitude of fashions (i.e. as more than just a running back).
Specifically, he's also a gifted receiver who can effectively run a variety of routes out of the backfield, including wheel routes, angle routes and option routes. Furthermore, he possesses the ability to line up at receiver due to his proficiency as a route-runner.
Gibbs' multi-dimensional ability leads me to believe that he will be heavily deployed in Ben Johnson's offense (and yes, as a rookie). At this present juncture, I'm willing to say that Gibbs will play in at least 50 percent of the Lions' offensive snaps during the 2023 season.
2.) Should the Lions extend Jared Goff this offseason?
No. I'm a firm believer in seeing what Goff does this upcoming season before offering him any kind of extension.
If I'm the Lions, at the very least, I want to see the veteran signal-caller replicate his production from a season ago.
Additionally, Detroit now has a developmental quarterback sitting behind Goff, in the form of Hendon Hooker.
Goff's current contract doesn't expire until after the 2024 season. And, by that time, Hooker could feasibly be ready to take over the starting QB job.
To me, it's an additional reason why Detroit should practice patience with Goff and wait until after the upcoming season to potentially negotiate a new contract with the three-time Pro Bowler.
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3.) How much better is the Lions' defense?
Overall wise, I don't think the Lions' defense is astronomically better.
Sure, the team's defensive backs room is in a significantly better state, due to all the moves Holmes has made this offseason to upgrade the secondary.
He deserves to be commended for adding Cam Sutton, Emmanuel Moseley and Gardner-Johnson during free agency. Additionally, he might've secured the steal of the draft by grabbing Alabama defensive Brian Branch in the second round (No. 45 overall).
Also, give the third-year GM credit for acquiring Jack Campbell, an old-school, yet athletic linebacker who can effectively play against both the run and the pass.
While all the above is true, Detroit, in my opinion, still has a glaring hole along the interior of the defensive line. Holmes & Co. did try to address the need by drafting Western Kentucky defensive tackle Brodric Martin in the third round (No. 96 overall). However, I'm not convinced that the small-school prospect, who Holmes significantly reached for, is the answer.
So, while I think the Lions' defense is better, I don't believe it's been overhauled to the point where it is now a top 12-15 defense. Instead, I see defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn's unit falling in the No. 18-22 range among the league's 32 defenses.
