Lions' 2023 NFL Draft First-Round Big Board
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The NFL Draft is fast approaching, and the Detroit Lions are armed with plenty of intriguing capital.
Detroit general manager Brad Holmes has two first-round picks and five total within the draft’s first 85 selections. This arsenal gives the team plenty of opportunities to add more talent to an improving roster.
The Lions want to contend for the NFC North division title in 2023. They’ll have a chance to bolster the talent on their roster heading into the season, and nailing the draft will do plenty for the team’s future.
Here’s a look at what players the Lions could target with each of their first two picks in the draft, which commences April 27.
No. 6 overall
EDGE Will Anderson, Alabama
As the top defensive prospect in the draft, it’s a long shot that he makes it to Detroit’s first pick. However, there’s a chance four of the first five picks are quarterbacks, and that would leave Anderson to fall only one spot to get to Detroit’s sixth overall selection.
He’s as talented as they come as a pass rusher, and offers some versatility, as well. If he’s available at No. 6, Holmes should sprint to the phones to call in the pick.
QB Anthony Richardson, Florida
The Lions don’t need a starting quarterback, which could be the perfect situation for Richardson. With sky-high potential, sitting him behind Goff for a year, while continuing to build the offense, could allow Richardson to develop the skills he needs to maximize his skill set.
EDGE Tyree Wilson, Texas Tech
The Lions drafted two excellent young pass rushers in 2022, as both Aidan Hutchinson and James Houston emerged as contributors during their rookie campaigns. Wilson brings a similar pass-rush skillset, and would give Detroit a trio of young stars.
DT Jalen Carter, Georgia
If not for concerns about his character, Carter would be in contention for the first defensive player taken in the draft. The rest of his pre-draft experience is something to follow, as there’s a good chance he’s waiting for the Lions at No. 6. Will Holmes and company make the move? It remains to be seen.
CB Christian Gonzalez, Oregon
Gonzalez is the best cornerback in the draft, plus he's a superb athlete. Detroit picked up a pair of cornerbacks in free agency, but questions about depth at the position could make Gonzalez a worthy addition.
OL Peter Skoronski, Northwestern
Even with the offseason signing of Graham Glasgow, the Lions remain in need of offensive line depth. Skoronski offers positional versatility, meaning he could slide in at either the guard or tackle position.
EDGE Myles Murphy, Clemson
Murphy is another of the draft’s top EDGE rusher prospects. He offers a similar amount of potential as Wilson, and would be a solid player next to Hutchinson and Houston.
CB Devon Witherspoon, Illinois
Though he lacks the elite athleticism that Gonzalez has, Witherspoon is a physical player who would fit in well with Detroit defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn’s man coverage system. Witherspoon is a hard-hitter, with excellent coverage skills.
Illinois defensive back Devon Witherspoon
Matt Krohn, USA TODAY Sports
No. 18 overall
CB/S Brian Branch, Alabama
A versatile, Swiss-army knife in the secondary, Branch can be a productive pro at either spot in the secondary. The Alabama product doesn’t shy away from the run, so he could have a future in Detroit’s system as a box safety.
RB Bijan Robinson, Texas
Robinson is one of the best talents available, but positional value has driven him down draft boards. The Lions have two running backs already set to contribute, but Robinson may be too good to pass up on, if he’s available at No. 18.
DT Calijah Kancey, Pittsburgh
Since setting the 40-yard dash record for defensive linemen at the Scouting Combine, Kancey has been viewed as a consensus first-rounder. There are concerns about his size and ability to be a reliable run defender, but there’s no questioning his mettle as a pass rusher.
CB Joey Porter Jr., Penn State
Porter is a good athlete with NFL pedigree, as he’s the son of a former pro (longtime Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Joey Porter). He’s physical, sometimes to a fault, and is a good man coverage corner. If Detroit passes on corner at sixth overall, he should be in play later in the round.
TE Darnell Washington, Georgia
The Georgia product doesn’t have the production numbers of his positional counterparts, but he’s an athletic specimen. He’s strong, and some scouts believe he’ll block well enough to serve essentially as an extra lineman. Washington would be an excellent fit in Detroit’s run game, while also being a threat in the passing game.
OL O’Cyrus Torrence, Florida
Torrence is another versatile offensive lineman, though he appears to be more suited for the interior. The Florida product needs to shore up his technique, but he’s athletic enough to contribute right away.
WR Quentin Johnston, TCU
After losing DJ Chark to the Carolina Panthers, the Lions are in the market for another "X" receiver. Johnston is a big-bodied wideout who could fill that void. With Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams already in the fold, a third young receiver would only make the offense more exciting.
