Inside the Numbers: Lions' 2023 Draft Picks
With eight draft picks, the Detroit Lions are hoping that their selections will become future stars.
Armed with a plethora of valuable draft capital, Detroit general manager Brad Holmes selected players who project as impact contributors heading into the 2023 campaign.
Utilizing Pro Football Focus, All Lions was able to identify a metric that showcases the value of each Lions 2023 selection.
Jahmyr Gibbs: 82.4 receiving grade
Gibbs was one of the most prolific running backs in the passing game last season. Alabama found unique ways to get him involved within the offense, such as having him run a number of routes.
He was third among all Division I running backs with 444 receiving yards. What was most evident was his ability to make plays in space after the catch.
The rookie averaged 10.4 yards after the catch last season. With this play-making ability, he will have an instant impact in Detroit offensive coordinator Ben Johnson's scheme.
Jack Campbell: 92.9 coverage grade
Though he made his mark as a run defender, the versatile linebacker was among the highest-graded defenders in the country in coverage.
His 92.9 mark led all defenders. He picked off two passes in each of the last two seasons, a testament to his ability to impact opposing passers.
Standing in at 6-foot-4, he uses his length and athleticism to deny throws over the middle. He's got sound technique, which shows in the fact that he was not penalized in coverage at all last season.
Sam LaPorta: 48.4 inline snap percentage
This statistic is indicative of the young tight end's versatility. He played all over the field for the Hawkeyes, including out wide and in the slot.
He is at his best when out in space. His routes are crisp, which is an asset against linebackers and smaller corners.
Because he has experience playing on the perimeter, to go along with his inline duties, Johnson will be able to utilize him in different packages.
Brian Branch: 86.4 coverage grade
Much has already been made about Branch's tackling ability. He missed just two percent of his tackle attempts in college, but he's also reliable in coverage.
His performance against the pass was solid at Alabama last season. He allowed an NFL passer rating of just 69.3.
The rookie is versatile. The Lions should have no trouble slotting him in either the slot, deep or on the boundary as a traditional corner.
Hendon Hooker: 63.3 completion percentage against blitz
Tennessee plays an up-tempo style of offense, so Hooker was trained to release the ball quickly. He faced a blitz on 37 percent of his snaps, and completed passes at a high rate.
Against blitzes in 2022, he completed 63 percent of his passes for a total of 1,053 yards, eight touchdowns and no interceptions.
Holmes praised the way he was able to operate the Volunteers' offense. His command was on display in situations where he was hurried.
If he can adjust to running an NFL-style scheme, his pocket calmness and maturity will be high-end components of his game.
Brodric Martin: 77.5 pass-rush grade
Despite being viewed as a reach in the eyes of many, Martin brings upside as the Lions' final third-round selection.
His intangibles, such as his size and frame, give him the ability to make a massive impact. He earned a solid pass-rush grade, despite lining up primarily in either the "A-gap" or "B-gap." This is a sign of his upside.
He played a total of 267 pass-rush snaps in 2022, forcing 19 hurries. This number isn't exactly awe-inducing, but he stands to improve on technical aspects of his game.
If Lions defensive line coach John Scott Jr. can fine-tune the rookie's mechanics, Martin will be successful anchoring the Lions' defense.
Colby Sorsdal: 91.3 run-blocking grade
An unknown prospect to some, Sorsdal is a physical blocker who improved steadily during his time at William & Mary. This past season, he was a dominant blocker.
His best performances came in the run game, where he posted spectacular blocking numbers. Playing right tackle, he also held his own against EDGE rushers, and didn't allow a sack.
He allowed just seven hurries throughout the season, and had just two games where he allowed more than one.
Antoine Green: 50 percent contested-catch rate
Green has the potential to become a deep threat in Detroit's offense. He has adequate size. While he's not a burner with speed, he's able to use his body to win in contested situations.
He caught six of his 12 contested targets in 2022. The North Carolina product was used primarily as a deep threat, as his average target depth was 18 yards.
He'll be facing more physical defenders at the professional level, but his collegiate success creates optimism that he could be a late-round steal for the Lions.
