Linebacker Lions Could Target in Each Round of 2023 NFL Draft
The Detroit Lions entered the offseason with plenty of work to do on the defensive side of the ball.
General manager Brad Holmes went to work quickly, securing the services of Cameron Sutton and Emmanuel Moseley at the cornerback position early in free agency. A surprise came later, as the Lions landed safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson later in the process.
One position that has been addressed little is the linebacker position. Holmes and the rest of the organization’s brass secured Alex Anzalone on a three-year deal, but it lost two role players at the position in Josh Woods and Chris Board.
Linebacker could certainly be a position of need heading into the 2023 NFL Draft, which begins in April. Here are five linebackers, one for each round Detroit currently has a pick in, that the team could target when the draft commences next month.
Round 1 — Drew Sanders, Arkansas
Sanders seems to be the consensus top player at the position heading into the draft. He has gone back and forth with Trenton Simpson of Clemson among the big boards throughout the offseason.
There’s a lot to like about the Arkansas product. He has the necessary size, standing 6-foot-5, and uses it to his benefit. He finished the 2022 season with 103 total tackles, including 13.5 for loss.
Sanders brings good potential as a blitzer through the middle of a defense, which was a role he had success in with the Razorbacks. He also brings a similar play style to 2022 sixth-round pick Malcolm Rodriguez. The two could form a solid duo in the middle of Detroit’s defense.
Round 2 — Trenton Simpson, Clemson
Simpson would be a steal for the Lions with their first second-round pick, currently slated to be at No. 48 overall. Still, he’s teetering between the late first and early second rounds in many mock drafts. The athletically-gifted linebacker would be another perfect fit in Detroit’s scheme.
Where Sanders brings more of a physical punch, Simpson offers versatility and adaptability. He can cover the pass, while still showing mettle as a rusher and run stopper.
Detroit’s pass coverage at this position has been severely lacking in years past, so the Clemson product could be the perfect answer to the team's concerns. He has some scheme versatility, and could be a plug-and-play piece in Aaron Glenn’s defensive group.
Round 3 — Jack Campbell, Iowa
Iowa’s defense was among the best in the country last season, and Campbell was a big reason for it. A physical and intimidating presence in the middle, the linebacker totaled 128 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss and two interceptions in 2022.
Across four seasons with the Hawkeyes, he notched 305 stops. Though his run presence is his calling-card, he was crafty enough to pick off five passes in his career.
Campbell had a solid showing at the NFL Combine, as well. He emerged as one of the best athletes at the position, in addition to one of the strongest. If Detroit addresses other needs early in the draft, he could be waiting in the wings late on the second day.
Iowa Hawkeyes linebacker Jack Campbell
© Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
Round 4 — The Lions do not currently own a fourth-round selection.
Round 5 — Owen Pappoe, Auburn
Pappoe is an intriguing prospect, thanks to his athletic tools. He ran a 4.39 40-yard dash, which was among the best at his position. Yet, he is labeled as an undersized project heading into the draft.
There’s substance to that, as he struggled at times with bigger and more physical linemen at the SEC level. Still, he was able to make an impact due to his quickness and instincts.
Despite his setbacks, Pappoe has the instincts and athletic traits to make an impact on special teams early in his career. As evidenced by the premium being placed on special teamers currently in the NFL, he could be a good fit for the Lions in that role and with good potential upside.
Round 6 — Cam Jones, Indiana
A foot injury derailed Jones’ final season with the Hoosiers, hurting his draft stock in the process. He’s a lighter linebacker, weighing in at 226 pounds. But, he uses his lean build to his advantage in chasing down ball-carriers.
Jones is another player who could make an impact on special teams while developing as a linebacker.
The five-year Indiana product became one of three Hoosiers to be a three-time team captain. So, he’d likely be a good culture fit for Detroit, as well.
Round 7 — The Lions do not currently own a seventh-round selection.
