Defensive Linemen Lions Could Target in Each Round of 2023 NFL Draft
The Detroit Lions must be much better against the run in 2023 if they want to reach the lofty standards they have set.
Heading into next season, the Lions want to compete for the NFC North crown. With moves made in free agency, they’ve certainly improved the talent on the defensive side. A majority of those additions have been in the secondary, though, leaving room for improvement on the defensive interior.
Alim McNeill and Isaiah Buggs will anchor the unit as veteran presences, but the 2023 NFL Draft offers the chance for general manager Brad Holmes and company to add more young talent.
Here is a defensive line target in every round for the Detroit Lions.
Round 1 — Jalen Carter, Georgia
Perhaps the most highly debated prospect in this draft, Carter is an undeniable talent with issues off the field holding him back. He was once believed to be the first defensive prospect off the board, but now faces uncertainty heading into draft night.
Carter was a game-wrecker on the defensive interior throughout his career at Georgia, winning two national championships. However, issues have surfaced off the field since his playing days ended at his alma mater.
The dilemma regarding Carter boils down to whether Holmes and coach Dan Campbell believe he would fit within their culture. He’s reportedly going to visit with the team, which will provide some clarity to the decision-makers prior to draft night.
If the Georgia product is convincing, the Lions could add a top-tier talent to their roster who could make a big contribution right away. If not, another first-round- caliber player like Pittsburgh’s Calijah Kancey could be a target, if Detroit still wants to address the position early.
Round 2 — Adetomiwa Adebawore, Northwestern
Adebawore was one of the best performers at the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Ala. His stock rose as a result. A very good career at Northwestern went under the radar, as his team struggled to find success in recent seasons.
The Lions have shown interest in Adebawore, meeting with the prospect three separate times during the pre-draft circuit. The two parties connected at the Scouting Combine and Northwestern’s pro day, in addition to meeting at the Senior Bowl.
Projecting as a potential every-down lineman with the ability to stuff the run, he’d be an asset for Detroit’s run-stopping efforts. He’s also athletic enough to get after the passer, which would fit nicely next to McNeill and Buggs with their ability to plug run lanes.
Round 3 — Keeanu Benton, Wisconsin
Another top performer at the Senior Bowl, Benton is a prototypical nose tackle. He recorded 10 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks in 2022 for the Badgers, earning honorable mention All-Big Ten honors.
He finished his career with 9.5 sacks despite lining up as the team’s nose tackle, which comes with mostly run-stopping responsibilities. His explosiveness still has room to grow, but he has shown a knack for finding the ball on his tape.
If the Wisconsin product can continue to demonstrate solid play recognition and the ability to get off blocks quicker, he would be a steal in the third round.
Round 4 — The Lions do not currently own a fourth-round selection.
Round 5 — D.J. Dale, Alabama
Dale was part of a solid defensive unit for three seasons. Though he’s more undersized than the typical nose tackle, he made up for that with his athleticism.
He didn’t serve as a starter in 2022, rather coming off the bench in a rotational role. That didn’t hurt his play, though, as he logged a career-best 14 pressures, per Pro Football Focus.
The Alabama product will need to improve his pass-rush ability to make a significant impact, but there’s potential with his ability to stop the run in spurts. That rotational value could make him a worthy contributor behind Detroit’s established interior starters.
Alabama Crimson Tide defensive lineman D.J. Dale
© Gary Cosby Jr.-USA TODAY Sports
Round 6 — P.J. Mustipher, Penn State
The Penn State product has a connection to Detroit, as his former position coach, John Scott Jr., was hired by the organization to be the team's new defensive line coach.
Mustipher didn’t produce the flashiest results during his college career, but he has the build to be impactful if he develops. He’s another nose tackle who packs a punch in the run game, but he recorded just three sacks in five seasons with the Nittany Lions.
If the Lions feel confident enough to pass on tackles with more pass-rush ability, Mustipher could be a player they bank on developing as an early-down run-stopper. He’s got some upside, and reuniting him with his former position coach could pay dividends.
Round 7 — The Lions do not currently own a seventh-round selection.
